Mangorei School vs Merrilands School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 3.0 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Mangorei School
Highlands Park · State full primary · Years 1–8
290 students
Merrilands School
New Plymouth · State contributing · Years 1–6
138 students
| Measure | Mangorei School Highlands Park, Taranaki | Merrilands School New Plymouth, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 67 Top 25% | 35 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #9 of 56 | #41 of 56 |
| National rank | #465 of 1,559 | #1202 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 290 | 138 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 412 | 479 |
| Total roll | 290 | 138 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -20.2% | -25.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 12.4% | 36.2% |
| Pacific students | 2.4% | 13.8% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Highlands Park | New Plymouth |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | www.mangorei.school.nz | www.merrilands.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Mangorei School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (66.7 vs 35.3).
- •Mangorei School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (412 vs 479).
- •Mangorei School does better on roll size (290 vs 138).
- •Mangorei School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-20.2% vs -25.6%).
- •Mangorei School is the larger school with 290 students compared with 138.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Mangorei School better than Merrilands School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Mangorei School ranks higher (66.7 vs 35.3 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 Mangorei School and Merrilands School?
About 3.0 km in a straight line, between Highlands Park and New Plymouth in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Mangorei School: 412. Merrilands School: 479. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Mangorei School and Merrilands School rank in Taranaki?
Mangorei School is 9th of 56 and Merrilands School is 41st of 56 among full primary schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).