Makarewa School vs Ruru Special School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Southland, New Zealand, 5.2 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Makarewa School
Makarewa ยท State contributing ยท Years 1โ6
155 students
Ruru Special School
Invercargill ยท State special school
128 students
| Measure | Makarewa School Makarewa, Southland | Ruru Special School Invercargill, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 59 Top 50% | โ Not rated |
| Region rank | #12 of 48 | โ |
| National rank | #646 of 1,559 | โ |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Special School |
| Year range | Years 1โ6 | โ |
| Students | 155 | 128 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 440 | 519 |
| Total roll | 155 | 128 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 16.2% | 27.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | โ | โ |
| Mฤori students | 29% | 30.5% |
| Pacific students | 2.6% | 10.2% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Makarewa | Invercargill |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.makarewa.school.nz | www.rurued.school.nz |
The verdict
- โขMakarewa School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (440 vs 519).
- โขMakarewa School does better on roll size (155 vs 128).
- โขRuru Special School does better on roll growth (5 years) (27.7% vs 16.2%).
- โขMakarewa School is the larger school with 155 students compared with 128.
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 Makarewa School better than Ruru Special School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (NZ). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Makarewa School and Ruru Special School?
About 5.2 km in a straight line, between Makarewa and Invercargill in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Makarewa School: 440. Ruru Special School: 519. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Makarewa School and Ruru Special School rank in Southland?
Makarewa School is 12th of 48 and Ruru Special School is unranked among contributing schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).