Buller High School vs South Westland Area School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in West Coast, New Zealand, 177 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Buller High School
Westport · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
348 students
South Westland Area School
Harihari · State composite · Years 1–13
117 students
| Measure | Buller High School Westport, West Coast | South Westland Area School Harihari, West Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 39 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #5 of 7 | #4 of 7 |
| National rank | #310 of 486 | #300 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Composite |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 348 | 117 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 487 | 480 |
| Total roll | 348 | 117 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 10.4% | 23.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 68.6% | 75.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 45.3% | 48.5% |
| Māori students | 23.9% | 15.4% |
| Pacific students | 2.3% | 4.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Westport | Harihari |
| region | West Coast | West Coast |
| Website | www.buller.ac.nz/ | www.southwestlandarea.school.nz |
The verdict
- •South Westland Area School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (40.4 vs 39.4).
- •South Westland Area School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (480 vs 487).
- •Buller High School does better on roll size (348 vs 117).
- •South Westland Area School does better on roll growth (5 years) (23.6% vs 10.4%).
- •South Westland Area School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (75.8% vs 68.6%).
- •Buller High School is the larger school with 348 students compared with 117.
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 Buller High School better than South Westland Area School?
On the Success Index (NZ), South Westland Area School ranks higher (40.4 vs 39.4 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 Buller High School and South Westland Area School?
About 177 km in a straight line, between Westport and Harihari in West Coast.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Buller High School: 487. South Westland Area School: 480. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Buller High School and South Westland Area School rank in West Coast?
Buller High School is 5th of 7 and South Westland Area School is 4th of 7 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in West Coast on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).