In 2012, the district council was sacked by the government and replaced with commissioners over a proposed 31 per cent increase in rates to cover the costs of the Mangawhai Community Wastewater Scheme. Some component of local democracy was restored for the 2016 local elections and full self-management was granted from the 2019 local elections onwards.[6]
Greg Gent was elected Mayor during the 8 October2016 local elections. He took office in November 2016 but resigned suddenly after one year and one day effective November 2017. The Deputy Mayor, Peter Wethey, became Acting Mayor after Gent's departure and before the resulting by-election.[7] Sheep and beef farmer Jason Smith was elected Mayor following a by-election in February 2018.[8] He declined to stand for re-election during the2022 local elections.[9]
During the 2022 local elections,Craig Jepson was elected as Mayor of Kaipara.[10] Jepson stood on the Democracy Northland ticket and campaigned on fixing roads, infrastructural investment, and opposing the Government'sThree Waters reform programme andco-governance policies such as theMāori wards and constituencies.[9][10] In late October, Jepson appointed councillor Jonathan Larsen as Deputy Mayor.[11] In late November 2022, Jepson attracted media attention after interrupting Māori ward councillor Pera Paniora'skarakia (Māori prayer).[12] He subsequently banned karakia from council meetings on the grounds that specific religions or cultures should not be included in secular meetings.[13]
Jonathan Larsen won the mayoralty in 2025 in a narrow three-candidate race.[1] A recount confirmed his win.[14]
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