Papakowhai School vs Tairangi School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Wellington, New Zealand, 1.5 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Papakowhai School
Papakowhai · State full primary · Years 1–8
476 students
Tairangi School
Waitangirua · State full primary · Years 1–8
151 students
| Measure | Papakowhai School Papakowhai, Wellington | Tairangi School Waitangirua, Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 77 Top 25% | 25 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #37 of 176 | #169 of 176 |
| National rank | #231 of 1,559 | #1435 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 476 | 151 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 387 | 512 |
| Total roll | 476 | 151 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -7.7% | -1.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 11.8% | 33.8% |
| Pacific students | 9.7% | 70.2% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Papakowhai | Waitangirua |
| region | Wellington | Wellington |
| Website | www.papakowhai.school.nz | www.tairangi.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Papakowhai School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (76.8 vs 25.1).
- •Papakowhai School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (387 vs 512).
- •Papakowhai School does better on roll size (476 vs 151).
- •Tairangi School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-1.3% vs -7.7%).
- •Papakowhai School is the larger school with 476 students compared with 151.
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 Papakowhai School better than Tairangi School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Papakowhai School ranks higher (76.8 vs 25.1 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 Papakowhai School and Tairangi School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Papakowhai and Waitangirua in Wellington.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Papakowhai School: 387. Tairangi School: 512. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Papakowhai School and Tairangi School rank in Wellington?
Papakowhai School is 37th of 176 and Tairangi School is 169th of 176 among full primary schools in Wellington on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).