It follows Kaipara District Council’s rejection of Northland’s prevailing amalgamation proposal, backed by Whangārei District Council and Far North District Council and endorsed by Northland Regional Council. These require regional amalgamation proposals to be submitted by two or more district councils representing 50% or more of a region’s population. Kaipara District Council (KDC) as a single council represents 13.6% of Northland’s population. Kaipara’s proposal is for a single-step move to three councils, with Kaipara, Far North and Whangārei district councils each taking on Northland Regional Council functions while sharing regional services where appropriate. Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen said his council’s proposal provided a simple and practical pathway for local government reform in Northland.