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Makarewa School vs Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi)

A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Southland, New Zealand, 4.5 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureMakarewa School
Makarewa, Southland
Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi)
Waikiwi, Southland
Success Index (NZ)
59
Top 50%
57
Top 50%
Region rank#12 of 48#19 of 48
National rank#646 of 1,559#704 of 1,559
SectorStateState integrated
TypeContributingContributing
Year rangeYears 1–6Years 1–6
Students15587
Equity Index (EQI)440430
Total roll15587
Roll growth (5 yrs)16.2%-27.5%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+––
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+––
Leavers with University Entrance––
Māori students29%27.6%
Pacific students2.6%6.9%
International students0%0%
suburb or townMakarewaWaikiwi
regionSouthlandSouthland
Websitewww.makarewa.school.nzwww.shsinv.school.nz

The verdict

  • •Makarewa School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (59.1 vs 56.7).
  • •Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi) does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (430 vs 440).
  • •Makarewa School does better on roll size (155 vs 87).
  • •Makarewa School does better on roll growth (5 years) (16.2% vs -27.5%).
  • •Makarewa School is the larger school with 155 students compared with 87.
  • •Makarewa School is a state school while Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi) is a state integrated school, so fees and admission rules differ.

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 Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi)?

On the Success Index (NZ), Makarewa School ranks higher (59.1 vs 56.7 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 Makarewa School and Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi)?

About 4.5 km in a straight line, between Makarewa and Waikiwi in Southland.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Makarewa School: 440. Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi): 430. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Makarewa School and Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi) rank in Southland?

Makarewa School is 12th of 48 and Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi) is 19th of 48 among contributing schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).