Tauhara College vs Waihi College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 148 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Tauhara College
Taupo · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
664 students
Waihi College
Waihi · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
553 students
| Measure | Tauhara College Taupo, Waikato | Waihi College Waihi, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 46 Lower 50% | 39 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #21 of 58 | #29 of 58 |
| National rank | #263 of 486 | #314 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 664 | 553 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 486 | 485 |
| Total roll | 664 | 553 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 5.4% | -15.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 77.4% | 80.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 48.6% | 43.2% |
| Māori students | 41.7% | 39.6% |
| Pacific students | 6% | 5.2% |
| International students | 1.2% | 3.3% |
| suburb or town | Taupo | Waihi |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.tauhara.school.nz | www.waihicol.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Tauhara College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (45.7 vs 38.8).
- •Waihi College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (485 vs 486).
- •Tauhara College does better on roll size (664 vs 553).
- •Tauhara College does better on roll growth (5 years) (5.4% vs -15.9%).
- •Waihi College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (80.7% vs 77.4%).
- •Tauhara College is the larger school with 664 students compared with 553.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Tauhara College better than Waihi College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Tauhara College ranks higher (45.7 vs 38.8 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 Tauhara College and Waihi College?
About 148 km in a straight line, between Taupo and Waihi in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Tauhara College: 486. Waihi College: 485. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Tauhara College and Waihi College rank in Waikato?
Tauhara College is 21st of 58 and Waihi College is 29th of 58 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).