Reefton Area School vs South Westland Area School
A head-to-head comparison of two composite schools in West Coast, New Zealand, 156 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Reefton Area School
Reefton · State composite · Years 1–13
172 students
South Westland Area School
Harihari · State composite · Years 1–13
117 students
| Measure | Reefton Area School Reefton, West Coast | South Westland Area School Harihari, West Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 37 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #7 of 7 | #4 of 7 |
| National rank | #326 of 486 | #300 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Composite | Composite |
| Year range | Years 1–13 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 172 | 117 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 504 | 480 |
| Total roll | 172 | 117 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 19.7% | 23.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 75.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 48.5% |
| Māori students | 21.5% | 15.4% |
| Pacific students | 1.7% | 4.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Reefton | Harihari |
| region | West Coast | West Coast |
| Website | www.ras.school.nz/ | www.southwestlandarea.school.nz |
The verdict
- •South Westland Area School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (40.4 vs 37.0).
- •South Westland Area School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (480 vs 504).
- •Reefton Area School does better on roll size (172 vs 117).
- •South Westland Area School does better on roll growth (5 years) (23.6% vs 19.7%).
- •Reefton Area School is the larger school with 172 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 Reefton Area School better than South Westland Area School?
On the Success Index (NZ), South Westland Area School ranks higher (40.4 vs 37.0 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 Reefton Area School and South Westland Area School?
About 156 km in a straight line, between Reefton and Harihari in West Coast.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Reefton Area School: 504. South Westland Area School: 480. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Reefton Area School and South Westland Area School rank in West Coast?
Reefton Area School is 7th of 7 and South Westland Area School is 4th of 7 among composite schools in West Coast on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).