August 19 2025
DAFFODIL DAY FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST 2025
Kaipara’s Only Regional Newspaper | Kaipara owned and Operated
10,510 Copies DELIVERED FREE throughout the Kaipara
Appointed for positive change u by Andy Bryenton
Commissioner Barbara Ala’alatoa and incoming new principal Curtis Gaylor are the two new faces in leadership at Dargaville High School, and they have a positive plan for faculty, facilities and students alike.
Rescue call for local radio New Zealand’s longest-running community radio station, Big River FM in Dargaville, faces closure …
P3
Four contenders for mayoralty There can only be one mayor of Kaipara, but with four hopefuls vying for the chains of office …
P5
New ways to travel with friends You, Me and Friends is launching its Dargaville Travel Club after recognising there is an interest in travel …
P7
Ms Ala’alatoa has been appointed to replace the outgoing board of trustees at the school, and one of her first tasks was to find a suitable principal to take the helm. The successful candidate, chosen after what the commissioner calls “a vigorous process for a highly contested position”, was Dargaville Primary School principal Curtis Gaylor. “Some may think we chose him because he was a local. Being local is fabulous but it’s not enough. Being a practising principal is not enough,” says Ms Ala’alatoa. “We wanted someone who was passionate and committed. I want the community to know that Curtis was chosen due to his expertise, as leading in education is what matters for this appointment.” Mr Gaylor has a connection to DHS, which goes beyond his professional credentials. “I have taught at DHS and I studied there, too. There’s a unique sense of care here for me, because I feel I belong,” says Mr Gaylor, who will take up his duties when term four commences. Alongside Ms Ala’alatoa, Mr Gaylor has his sights set on positive change and upliftment for the school, a core part of Dargaville’s civic identity. “This is a long-term appointment, and I’m in for the long haul,” says Ms Ala’alatoa. “When I looked at this school I saw so much potential.” Both educators have a vision of DHS being the school of choice for families in the wider community, and say that
BUY - SELL - RENT
p Barbara Ala’alatoa and Curtis Gaylor — new leadership at the forefront of positive improvements for Dargaville High School
success will come from their actions, not just their words. Both would also like to emphasise their gratitude for outgoing principal Mike Houghton, who has facilitated a smooth transition for the new leadership. The appointment of Barbara Ala’alatoa, a very respected and highlyawarded education leader, and now the confirmation of Curtis Gaylor as principal, have both been met with enthusiasm from faculty and parents, as well as students. Their plans include more comprehensive communications to
let the community know what’s going well at DHS, a close relationship with families, and the improvement of opportunities and facilities to make DHS a vibrant place of learning. For now, the invitation is open to parents to come and talk to the high school’s new leadership and share ideas. “The school is always welcome, and you can always come and talk to us,” says Barbara and Curtis, who believe that an open dialogue with their community is an important part of a school’s citizenship. ¢
RESIDENTIAL - RURAL - COMMERCIAL
Let one of our trusted award winning team members look after you. For everything real estate - we Cover the Kaipara
Craig 021 461 668 Sales
Adrianne
Michael
0204 076 2650 027 278 8122 Sales Sales
Kathy
Gary
027 436 4750 Sales
021 902 087 Sales
Rhoda 0274 800 691 Sales
Karyn 029 779 9019 Sales
Nicole
Roper & Jones Licensed under REAA 2008
Dargaville Realty Limited
Jill
Sonya
Property 021 505 712 0211 251 576 Principal Officer Manager Sales Maungaturoto Sales
roperandjones.co.nz
Simone
Sean
Operations Manager
Property Manager Dargaville
09 431 1016
09 439 7295
143 Hurndall Street Maungaturoto 0520
110 Victoria Street Dargaville 0310