Pukekawa School vs Te Paina School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 9.6 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Pukekawa School
Tuakau · State contributing · Years 1–6
83 students
Te Paina School
Mercer · State full primary · Years 1–8
62 students
| Measure | Pukekawa School Tuakau, Waikato | Te Paina School Mercer, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 46 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #100 of 179 | #160 of 179 |
| National rank | #979 of 1,559 | #1430 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 83 | 62 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 452 | 513 |
| Total roll | 83 | 62 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -18.4% | 17.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 15.7% | 53.2% |
| Pacific students | 3.6% | 14.5% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Tuakau | Mercer |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.pukekawa.school.nz | www.tepaina.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Pukekawa School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (45.8 vs 25.4).
- •Pukekawa School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (452 vs 513).
- •Pukekawa School does better on roll size (83 vs 62).
- •Te Paina School does better on roll growth (5 years) (17.6% vs -18.4%).
- •Pukekawa School is the larger school with 83 students compared with 62.
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 Pukekawa School better than Te Paina School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Pukekawa School ranks higher (45.8 vs 25.4 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 Pukekawa School and Te Paina School?
About 9.6 km in a straight line, between Tuakau and Mercer in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Pukekawa School: 452. Te Paina School: 513. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Pukekawa School and Te Paina School rank in Waikato?
Pukekawa School is 100th of 179 and Te Paina School is 160th of 179 among contributing schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).