Aurora College vs Te Wharekura o Arowhenua
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Southland, New Zealand, 1.8 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Aurora College
Invercargill · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
579 students
Te Wharekura o Arowhenua
Invercargill · State composite · Years 1–13
192 students
| Measure | Aurora College Invercargill, Southland | Te Wharekura o Arowhenua Invercargill, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 18 Lower 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #13 of 14 | #12 of 14 |
| National rank | #450 of 486 | #422 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Composite |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 579 | 192 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 545 | 536 |
| Total roll | 579 | 192 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 30.6% | 4.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 45% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 20.2% | – |
| Māori students | 38.5% | 100% |
| Pacific students | 10.5% | 7.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Invercargill | Invercargill |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.auroracollege.school.nz | www.arowhenua.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Te Wharekura o Arowhenua scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (22.9 vs 18.4).
- •Te Wharekura o Arowhenua does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (536 vs 545).
- •Aurora College does better on roll size (579 vs 192).
- •Aurora College does better on roll growth (5 years) (30.6% vs 4.2%).
- •Aurora College is the larger school with 579 students compared with 192.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Aurora College better than Te Wharekura o Arowhenua?
On the Success Index (NZ), Te Wharekura o Arowhenua ranks higher (22.9 vs 18.4 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 Aurora College and Te Wharekura o Arowhenua?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Invercargill and Invercargill in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Aurora College: 545. Te Wharekura o Arowhenua: 536. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Aurora College and Te Wharekura o Arowhenua rank in Southland?
Aurora College is 13th of 14 and Te Wharekura o Arowhenua is 12th of 14 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).