Donovan Primary School vs Makarewa School
A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Southland, New Zealand, 5.5 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Donovan Primary School
Waikiwi · State contributing · Years 1–6
378 students
Makarewa School
Makarewa · State contributing · Years 1–6
155 students
| Measure | Donovan Primary School Waikiwi, Southland | Makarewa School Makarewa, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 45 Lower 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #31 of 48 | #12 of 48 |
| National rank | #997 of 1,559 | #646 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 378 | 155 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 464 | 440 |
| Total roll | 378 | 155 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -14.5% | 16.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 22% | 29% |
| Pacific students | 5.8% | 2.6% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Waikiwi | Makarewa |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.donovanprimary.ac.nz | www.makarewa.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Makarewa School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (59.1 vs 45.1).
- •Makarewa School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (440 vs 464).
- •Donovan Primary School does better on roll size (378 vs 155).
- •Makarewa School does better on roll growth (5 years) (16.2% vs -14.5%).
- •Donovan Primary School is the larger school with 378 students compared with 155.
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 Donovan Primary School better than Makarewa School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Makarewa School ranks higher (59.1 vs 45.1 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 Donovan Primary School and Makarewa School?
About 5.5 km in a straight line, between Waikiwi and Makarewa in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Donovan Primary School: 464. Makarewa School: 440. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Donovan Primary School and Makarewa School rank in Southland?
Donovan Primary School is 31st of 48 and Makarewa School is 12th of 48 among contributing schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).