Golden Bay High School vs Waimea College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Tasman, New Zealand, 63 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Golden Bay High School
Takaka · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
296 students
Waimea College
Richmond · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,535 students
| Measure | Golden Bay High School Takaka, Tasman | Waimea College Richmond, Tasman |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 50 Top 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #2 of 6 | #1 of 6 |
| National rank | #233 of 486 | #230 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 296 | 1,535 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 450 | 447 |
| Total roll | 296 | 1,535 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -7% | -0.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 88.4% | 72.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 30.2% | 50.5% |
| Māori students | 13.2% | 11.1% |
| Pacific students | 1.4% | 2.1% |
| International students | 0.7% | 5.1% |
| suburb or town | Takaka | Richmond |
| region | Tasman | Tasman |
| Website | www.gbh.school.nz | www.waimea.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (50.1 vs 50.5).
- •Waimea College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (447 vs 450).
- •Waimea College does better on roll size (1,535 vs 296).
- •Waimea College does better on roll growth (5 years) (-0.5% vs -7%).
- •Golden Bay High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (88.4% vs 72.3%).
- •Waimea College is the larger school with 1,535 students compared with 296.
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 Golden Bay High School better than Waimea College?
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 Golden Bay High School and Waimea College?
About 63 km in a straight line, between Takaka and Richmond in Tasman.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Golden Bay High School: 450. Waimea College: 447. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Golden Bay High School and Waimea College rank in Tasman?
Golden Bay High School is 2nd of 6 and Waimea College is 1st of 6 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Tasman on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).