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NewzSchools · Aotearoa New Zealand

Full Primary · State

Waikari School

Waikari · Canterbury 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 Waikari School

Waikari School is a co-educational full primary school in Waikari, within the Canterbury Region, operating in the state sector, with 36 students on roll, and an Equity Index of 455. The school has been open since 1882.

With 36 students on roll, Waikari School is a very small school — larger than about 11% of New Zealand schools. Its rural setting typically means smaller class groups and a close-knit community feel.

The school's Equity Index is 455, which is below the national average of 463. A lower Equity Index signals less socio-economic need in the school's community than the national norm.

86.1% of students identify as European, so the school has a strongly homogeneous roll. Students of Pasifika descent make up 5.6%.

On the isolation index the school scores 1.36 (high isolation) — this measures how far students travel and how accessible the school is, not how good it is.

Students by ethnicity

European 31 · 86.1%
Pasifika 2 · 5.6%
Asian 2 · 5.6%
Middle Eastern / Latin American / African 1 · 2.8%

Total roll recorded: 36 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

36Students on rollLarger than 11% of NZ schools · national median 215.5
455Equity IndexBelow national mean of 463
0.55Diversity scoreHigher = more mixed roll (max 1.95)
1.36Isolation indexhigh isolation
344 · lowest need569 · highest need

Location

Canterbury Region
Waikari 42.9694° S · 172.7007° E
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Nearby schools

Hurunui CollegeHawarden · Composite 7.2 km Waipara SchoolWaipara · Full Primary 10.6 km Omihi SchoolHurunui · Full Primary 13.8 km Broomfield SchoolAmberley · Full Primary 16.5 km Amberley SchoolAmberley · Full Primary 20.4 km Greta Valley SchoolAmberley · Full Primary 22.6 km

School information

  • School typeFull Primary
  • YearsYears 1–8
  • AuthorityState
  • GenderCo-Educational
  • SettingRural settlement
  • Territorial authorityHurunui District
  • Education regionCanterbury, Chatham Islands
  • Regional councilCanterbury 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
  • Opened1882
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