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Matawai School

Matawai · Gisborne Region

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Figures on this page come from the New Zealand Ministry of Education school directory export dated 1 September 2026, with roll and ethnicity recorded at the same snapshot. Always confirm enrolment, zoning and fees directly with the school. About this directory

At a glance

About Matawai School

Matawai School is a co-educational full primary school in Matawai, within the Gisborne Region, operating in the state sector, with 51 students on roll, and an Equity Index of 476. The school has been open since 1908.

With 51 students on roll, Matawai School is a small school — larger than about 15% of New Zealand schools. Its rural setting typically means smaller class groups and a close-knit community feel.

The school's Equity Index is 476, which is close to the national average of 463. That means the roll faces a broadly typical level of socio-economic challenge compared with schools across Aotearoa.

90% of students identify as European, so the school has a strongly homogeneous roll. Students of Pasifika descent make up 7.5%.

On the isolation index the school scores 1.93 (very high isolation) — this measures how far students travel and how accessible the school is, not how good it is.

Students by ethnicity

European 36 · 90.0%
Pasifika 3 · 7.5%
Asian 1 · 2.5%

Total roll recorded: 51 students, from the 2026 roll census. Percentages may not sum to exactly 100% because of rounding and students who decline to state an ethnicity.

Roll in context

51Students on rollLarger than 15% of NZ schools · national median 215.5
476Equity IndexAbove national mean of 463
0.38Diversity scoreHigher = more mixed roll (max 1.95)
1.93Isolation indexvery high isolation
344 · lowest need569 · highest need

Location

Gisborne Region
Matawai 38.3598° S · 177.5345° E
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Nearby schools

Motu SchoolMotu · Full Primary 11.6 km Rere SchoolGisborne · Full Primary 22.7 km Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o WhatatutuGisborne · Full Primary 26.3 km Te Karaka Area SchoolGisborne · Composite 31.4 km Ngatapa SchoolGisborne · Full Primary 33.5 km Te Kura o WaiowekaOpotiki · Full Primary 37.3 km

School information

  • School typeFull Primary
  • YearsYears 1–8
  • AuthorityState
  • GenderCo-Educational
  • SettingRural other
  • Territorial authorityGisborne District
  • Education regionHawke's Bay, Tairāwhiti
  • Regional councilGisborne Region
  • Enrolment schemeNo — no enrolment scheme
  • BoardingDay school only
  • Language of instructionAll students taught in English/other setting
  • Cohort entryNo — individual entry
  • DonationsDonations should not be requested, unless for a school camp
  • Opened1908
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