Mataroa School vs St Joseph's School (Taihape)
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 8.4 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
St Joseph's School (Taihape)
Taihape · State integrated full primary · Years 1–8
79 students
| Measure | Mataroa School Taihape, Manawatū-Whanganui | St Joseph's School (Taihape) Taihape, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 41 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| Region rank | – | #28 of 111 |
| National rank | – | #773 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 57 | 79 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 467 | 435 |
| Total roll | 57 | 79 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 47.2% | -29.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 52.6% | 44.3% |
| Pacific students | 8.8% | 5.1% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Taihape | Taihape |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.mataroa.school.nz | www.saintjos.school.nz |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School (Taihape) scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (54.2 vs 41.0).
- •St Joseph's School (Taihape) does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (435 vs 467).
- •St Joseph's School (Taihape) does better on roll size (79 vs 57).
- •Mataroa School does better on roll growth (5 years) (47.2% vs -29.1%).
- •St Joseph's School (Taihape) is the larger school with 79 students compared with 57.
- •Mataroa School is a state school while St Joseph's School (Taihape) is a state integrated school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 St Joseph's School (Taihape)?
On the Success Index (NZ), St Joseph's School (Taihape) ranks higher (54.2 vs 41.0 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 St Joseph's School (Taihape)?
About 8.4 km in a straight line, between Taihape and Taihape in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Mataroa School: 467. St Joseph's School (Taihape): 435. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Mataroa School and St Joseph's School (Taihape) rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Mataroa School is unranked and St Joseph's School (Taihape) is 28th of 111 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).