Mercury Bay Area School vs Onewhero Area School
A head-to-head comparison of two composite schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 88 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Mercury Bay Area School
Whitianga · State composite · Years 1–13
877 students
Onewhero Area School
Onewhero · State composite · Years 1–13
382 students
| Measure | Mercury Bay Area School Whitianga, Waikato | Onewhero Area School Onewhero, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 41 Lower 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #25 of 58 | #24 of 58 |
| National rank | #296 of 486 | #282 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Composite | Composite |
| Year range | Years 1–13 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 877 | 382 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 465 | 467 |
| Total roll | 877 | 382 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -15.2% | -24.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 68.8% | 81.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 46.8% | 36.4% |
| Māori students | 26.9% | 28% |
| Pacific students | 3.1% | 8.6% |
| International students | 2.7% | 0.3% |
| suburb or town | Whitianga | Onewhero |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.mbas.ac.nz | www.onewhero.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Onewhero Area School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (42.3 vs 41.1).
- •Mercury Bay Area School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (465 vs 467).
- •Mercury Bay Area School does better on roll size (877 vs 382).
- •Mercury Bay Area School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-15.2% vs -24.6%).
- •Onewhero Area School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (81.8% vs 68.8%).
- •Mercury Bay Area School is the larger school with 877 students compared with 382.
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 Mercury Bay Area School better than Onewhero Area School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Onewhero Area School ranks higher (42.3 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 Mercury Bay Area School and Onewhero Area School?
About 88 km in a straight line, between Whitianga and Onewhero in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Mercury Bay Area School: 465. Onewhero Area School: 467. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Mercury Bay Area School and Onewhero Area School rank in Waikato?
Mercury Bay Area School is 25th of 58 and Onewhero Area School is 24th of 58 among composite schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).