Chief Executive Jason Marris has advised that he will step down from his role at Kaipara District Council, after three and a half years leading the organisation.

Kaipara District Council Mayor Jonathan Larsen said he accepted Marris’s resignation earlier in the week. Mayor Larsen acknowledged his tenure, which included three and a half years as a general manager before becoming interim Chief Executive in October 2022 and accepting the permanent role in February 2023.

“On behalf of Kaipara District Council, I wish Jason the best for this next chapter and thank him for the work he has carried out for Kaipara District. Council will now be working through the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive.”

Marris’s time as Chief Executive included Cyclone Gabrielle, the Mangawhai rainfall event and the Mangawhai tornado, as well as significant government reform.

During this period, he has overseen the reintegration of roading services back inhouse, a Long Term Plan focused on recovery from extreme weather events, a new proposed District Plan, two water service delivery models, three elections and delivery of many other key programmes and initiatives, including hundreds of millions of dollars in capital works across the district.

Marris said the decision to leave the role was an extremely difficult one but the time is right for a change.

“It has been my absolute privilege to lead an organisation of so many highly skilled people who care so deeply about the community. I feel incredibly proud of the work that’s been achieved in my time here. Kaipara will always have a special place in my heart.”

Marris’s last day with Kaipara District Council is 10 April 2026.

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