Patea Area School vs Waitara High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 87 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Patea Area School
Patea · State composite · Years 1–13
184 students
Waitara High School
Waitara · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
423 students
| Measure | Patea Area School Patea, Taranaki | Waitara High School Waitara, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 25 Lower 50% | 30 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #15 of 16 | #13 of 16 |
| National rank | #410 of 486 | #376 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Composite | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 184 | 423 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 541 | 524 |
| Total roll | 184 | 423 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -9.2% | 17.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 81.8% | 70.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 59.1% | 46.8% |
| Māori students | 68.5% | 60% |
| Pacific students | 9.8% | 5% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Patea | Waitara |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | www.pateaarea.school.nz | waitarahs.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Waitara High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (30.4 vs 25.0).
- •Waitara High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (524 vs 541).
- •Waitara High School does better on roll size (423 vs 184).
- •Waitara High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (17.6% vs -9.2%).
- •Patea Area School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (81.8% vs 70.2%).
- •Waitara High School is the larger school with 423 students compared with 184.
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 Patea Area School better than Waitara High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Waitara High School ranks higher (30.4 vs 25.0 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 Patea Area School and Waitara High School?
About 87 km in a straight line, between Patea and Waitara in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Patea Area School: 541. Waitara High School: 524. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Patea Area School and Waitara High School rank in Taranaki?
Patea Area School is 15th of 16 and Waitara High School is 13th of 16 among composite schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).