Kowhai attracts families from a broad cross-section of New Zealand society. We celebrate the diversity of cultural, social and economic background of Kowhai students, aiming to show the way towards New Zealand's multicultural future.

The school community's socio-economic status is decile 6 - middle New Zealand. The school enjoys and promotes an harmonious school climate.

ERO (2005) stated: "Children throughout the school are fully engaged in learning and can remain on task for significant lengths of time. They are able to work independently and to take responsibility for their own learning. They enjoy warm, affirming relationships with teachers, other adults in the school, and generally with each other."