Aparima College vs Māruawai College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland, New Zealand, 76 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Aparima College
Riverton · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
213 students
Māruawai College
Gore · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
591 students
| Measure | Aparima College Riverton, Southland | Māruawai College Gore, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 35 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #10 of 14 | #9 of 14 |
| National rank | #337 of 486 | #325 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 213 | 591 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 489 | 494 |
| Total roll | 213 | 591 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 19.6% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 66.7% | 70.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 41.7% | 51.2% |
| Māori students | 29.1% | 23% |
| Pacific students | 2.8% | 5.2% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Riverton | Gore |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.aparima.school.nz | www.maruawai.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Māruawai College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (37.0 vs 35.3).
- •Aparima College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (489 vs 494).
- •Māruawai College does better on roll size (591 vs 213).
- •Māruawai College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (70.9% vs 66.7%).
- •Māruawai College is the larger school with 591 students compared with 213.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Aparima College better than Māruawai College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Māruawai College ranks higher (37.0 vs 35.3 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Aparima College and Māruawai College?
About 76 km in a straight line, between Riverton and Gore in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Aparima College: 489. Māruawai College: 494. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Aparima College and Māruawai College rank in Southland?
Aparima College is 10th of 14 and Māruawai College is 9th of 14 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).