A far-off trail

left and interim acting principal Tony Draaijer was appointed, Martin said.

‘‘Everyone was so happy to have Mr Draaijer there to get the school running back on track. He was awesome and the school has just gone forward so much since.’’

One couple, who did not want to be named, said while the gossip about Newton and Leov had died down, the conflict seemed to have affected how the community interacted with the school.

The parents had visited the school to raise concerns about their child’s schooling, but other parents seemed to be afraid to bring problems to the school’s attention.

That reluctance could be a relic of a time when tensions at the school were high – parents did not want to rock the boat, the couple said. And the library, where the conflict began, was not worth the drama it caused, they said.

Current principal Angela Sloane would not comment on what happened at the school during Newton’s career, but said the school had moved forward since she took over from Draaijer five years ago.

‘‘We’ve had some excellent NCEA results, we have fabulous teachers and we have wonderful children. The teachers we have now have been here for years, and they have put their heart and soul in to ensure students have the best opportunities possible.’’ As part of a series talking to the Kaikoura candidates for the four largest parties, reporter Oliver Lewis and Green Party candidate Dr Richard McCubbin managed to overcome technical difficulties to have a chat.