Heddon Bush School vs Makarewa School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Southland, New Zealand, 32 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Heddon Bush School
Winton · State full primary · Years 1–8
70 students
Makarewa School
Makarewa · State contributing · Years 1–6
155 students
| Measure | Heddon Bush School Winton, Southland | Makarewa School Makarewa, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 55 Top 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #23 of 48 | #12 of 48 |
| National rank | #752 of 1,559 | #646 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 70 | 155 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 439 | 440 |
| Total roll | 70 | 155 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 37.3% | 16.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 10% | 29% |
| Pacific students | 5.7% | 2.6% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Winton | Makarewa |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.heddonbush.school.nz/ | www.makarewa.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Makarewa School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (59.1 vs 54.9).
- •Heddon Bush School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (439 vs 440).
- •Makarewa School does better on roll size (155 vs 70).
- •Heddon Bush School does better on roll growth (5 years) (37.3% vs 16.2%).
- •Makarewa School is the larger school with 155 students compared with 70.
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 Heddon Bush School better than Makarewa School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Makarewa School ranks higher (59.1 vs 54.9 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 Heddon Bush School and Makarewa School?
About 32 km in a straight line, between Winton and Makarewa in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Heddon Bush School: 439. Makarewa School: 440. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Heddon Bush School and Makarewa School rank in Southland?
Heddon Bush School is 23rd of 48 and Makarewa School is 12th of 48 among full primary schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).