Manawaru School vs Whatawhata School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 56 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Manawaru School
Te Aroha · State full primary · Years 1–8
73 students
Whatawhata School
Whatawhata · State full primary · Years 1–8
280 students
| Measure | Manawaru School Te Aroha, Waikato | Whatawhata School Whatawhata, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 50 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #80 of 179 | #49 of 179 |
| National rank | #877 of 1,559 | #586 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 73 | 280 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 447 | 446 |
| Total roll | 73 | 280 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 0% | 9.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 15.1% | 34.6% |
| Pacific students | 1.4% | 9.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Te Aroha | Whatawhata |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.manawaru.school.nz | www.whatawhata.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Whatawhata School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (61.9 vs 49.6).
- •Whatawhata School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (446 vs 447).
- •Whatawhata School does better on roll size (280 vs 73).
- •Whatawhata School does better on roll growth (5 years) (9.9% vs 0%).
- •Whatawhata School is the larger school with 280 students compared with 73.
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 Manawaru School better than Whatawhata School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Whatawhata School ranks higher (61.9 vs 49.6 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 Manawaru School and Whatawhata School?
About 56 km in a straight line, between Te Aroha and Whatawhata in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Manawaru School: 447. Whatawhata School: 446. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Manawaru School and Whatawhata School rank in Waikato?
Manawaru School is 80th of 179 and Whatawhata School is 49th of 179 among full primary schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).