Kenakena School vs Tawhai School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Wellington, New Zealand, 32 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Kenakena School
Paraparaumu Beach · State full primary · Years 1–8
557 students
Tawhai School
Stokes Valley · State contributing · Years 1–6
345 students
| Measure | Kenakena School Paraparaumu Beach, Wellington | Tawhai School Stokes Valley, Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 59 Top 50% | 57 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #102 of 176 | #108 of 176 |
| National rank | #637 of 1,559 | #709 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 557 | 345 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 438 | 438 |
| Total roll | 557 | 345 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -5.8% | -5.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 22.4% | 8.7% |
| Pacific students | 7.5% | 13% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Paraparaumu Beach | Stokes Valley |
| region | Wellington | Wellington |
| Website | www.kenakena.school.nz | www.tawhai.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Kenakena School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (59.4 vs 56.7).
- •Kenakena School does better on roll size (557 vs 345).
- •Tawhai School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-5.3% vs -5.8%).
- •Kenakena School is the larger school with 557 students compared with 345.
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 Kenakena School better than Tawhai School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Kenakena School ranks higher (59.4 vs 56.7 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 Kenakena School and Tawhai School?
About 32 km in a straight line, between Paraparaumu Beach and Stokes Valley in Wellington.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Kenakena School: 438. Tawhai School: 438. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Kenakena School and Tawhai School rank in Wellington?
Kenakena School is 102nd of 176 and Tawhai School is 108th of 176 among full primary schools in Wellington on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).