Hauraki Plains College vs Mercury Bay Area School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 52 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hauraki Plains College
Ngatea · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
846 students
Mercury Bay Area School
Whitianga · State composite · Years 1–13
877 students
| Measure | Hauraki Plains College Ngatea, Waikato | Mercury Bay Area School Whitianga, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 58 Top 50% | 41 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #14 of 58 | #25 of 58 |
| National rank | #183 of 486 | #296 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Composite |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 846 | 877 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 468 | 465 |
| Total roll | 846 | 877 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 10.5% | -15.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 86.1% | 68.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 57.7% | 46.8% |
| Māori students | 26.4% | 26.9% |
| Pacific students | 4.7% | 3.1% |
| International students | 0.5% | 2.7% |
| suburb or town | Ngatea | Whitianga |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.haurakiplains.school.nz | www.mbas.ac.nz |
The verdict
- •Hauraki Plains College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (58.3 vs 41.1).
- •Mercury Bay Area School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (465 vs 468).
- •Mercury Bay Area School does better on roll size (877 vs 846).
- •Hauraki Plains College does better on roll growth (5 years) (10.5% vs -15.2%).
- •Hauraki Plains College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (86.1% vs 68.8%).
- •Mercury Bay Area School is the larger school with 877 students compared with 846.
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 Hauraki Plains College better than Mercury Bay Area School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Hauraki Plains College ranks higher (58.3 vs 41.1 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 Hauraki Plains College and Mercury Bay Area School?
About 52 km in a straight line, between Ngatea and Whitianga in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hauraki Plains College: 468. Mercury Bay Area School: 465. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hauraki Plains College and Mercury Bay Area School rank in Waikato?
Hauraki Plains College is 14th of 58 and Mercury Bay Area School is 25th of 58 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).