Mataroa School vs Sanson School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 68 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Mataroa School
Taihape · State full primary · Years 1–8
57 students
Sanson School
Sanson · State full primary · Years 1–8
27 students
| Measure | Mataroa School Taihape, Manawatū-Whanganui | Sanson School Sanson, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 41 Lower 50% | 36 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | – | – |
| National rank | – | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 57 | 27 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 467 | 470 |
| Total roll | 57 | 27 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 47.2% | -11.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 52.6% | 18.5% |
| Pacific students | 8.8% | 3.7% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Taihape | Sanson |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.mataroa.school.nz | www.sanson.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Mataroa School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (41.0 vs 36.4).
- •Mataroa School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (467 vs 470).
- •Mataroa School does better on roll size (57 vs 27).
- •Mataroa School does better on roll growth (5 years) (47.2% vs -11.1%).
- •Mataroa School is the larger school with 57 students compared with 27.
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 Mataroa School better than Sanson School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Mataroa School ranks higher (41.0 vs 36.4 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 Mataroa School and Sanson School?
About 68 km in a straight line, between Taihape and Sanson in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Mataroa School: 467. Sanson School: 470. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Mataroa School and Sanson School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Mataroa School is unranked and Sanson School is unranked among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).