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NewzSchools · Aotearoa New Zealand

Full Primary · State

Waitaki Valley School

Kurow · 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 Waitaki Valley School

Waitaki Valley School is a co-educational full primary school in Kurow, within the Canterbury Region, operating in the state sector, with 102 students on roll, and an Equity Index of 440. The school has been open since 1882.

With 102 students on roll, Waitaki Valley School is a medium-sized school — larger than about 26% of New Zealand schools. Its rural setting typically means smaller class groups and a close-knit community feel.

The school's Equity Index is 440, 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.

88.9% of students identify as European, so the school has a strongly homogeneous roll. Students of Asian descent make up 10.1%.

On the isolation index the school scores 2.14 (very high isolation) — this measures how far students travel and how accessible the school is, not how good it is.

Students by ethnicity

European 88 · 88.9%
Asian 10 · 10.1%
Middle Eastern / Latin American / African 1 · 1.0%

Total roll recorded: 102 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

102Students on rollLarger than 26% of NZ schools · national median 215.5
440Equity IndexBelow national mean of 463
0.38Diversity scoreHigher = more mixed roll (max 1.95)
2.14Isolation indexvery high isolation
344 · lowest need569 · highest need

Location

Canterbury Region
Kurow 44.7425° S · 170.4647° E
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Nearby schools

Duntroon SchoolDuntroon · Full Primary 21.6 km Waihao Downs SchoolWaimate · Full Primary 36.9 km Five Forks SchoolWaitaki · Full Primary 41.9 km Waituna Creek SchoolWaimate · Full Primary 43.7 km

School information

  • School typeFull Primary
  • YearsYears 1–8
  • AuthorityState
  • GenderCo-Educational
  • SettingRural settlement
  • Territorial authorityWaitaki District
  • Education regionOtago, Southland
  • 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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