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Mataroa School vs Taihape Area School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 7.4 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureMataroa School
Taihape, Manawatū-Whanganui
Taihape Area School
Taihape, Manawatū-Whanganui
Success Index (NZ)
41
Lower 50%
35
Lower 50%
Region rank–#20 of 33
National rank–#346 of 486
SectorStateState
TypeFull PrimaryComposite
Year rangeYears 1–8Years 1–13
Students57245
Equity Index (EQI)467514
Total roll57245
Roll growth (5 yrs)47.2%-13.3%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+–90%
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+––
Leavers with University Entrance–40%
Māori students52.6%69.8%
Pacific students8.8%9%
International students0%0%
suburb or townTaihapeTaihape
regionManawatū-WhanganuiManawatū-Whanganui
Websitewww.mataroa.school.nzwww.tas.school.nz

The verdict

  • •Mataroa School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (41.0 vs 34.6).
  • •Mataroa School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (467 vs 514).
  • •Taihape Area School does better on roll size (245 vs 57).
  • •Mataroa School does better on roll growth (5 years) (47.2% vs -13.3%).
  • •Taihape Area School is the larger school with 245 students compared with 57.

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 Taihape Area School?

On the Success Index (NZ), Mataroa School ranks higher (41.0 vs 34.6 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 Taihape Area School?

About 7.4 km in a straight line, between Taihape and Taihape in Manawatū-Whanganui.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Mataroa School: 467. Taihape Area School: 514. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Mataroa School and Taihape Area School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?

Mataroa School is unranked and Taihape Area School is 20th of 33 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).