its meeting house burned down in 2003. Local government From 1876, Kaikohe was administered as part of Bay of Islands County. The town attained borough status on 1 July 1947, separating from Bay of Islands County, after a poll of Kaikohe electors saw a vote for the establishment of the borough of 207 votes in favour and 27 against. The first mayor and members of the Kaikohe Borough Council were elected on 20 August 1947. In the 1989 local government reforms, Kaikohe Borough re-amalgamated with Bay of Islands County and joined with Mangonui County, Hokianga County, Whangaroa County and Kaitaia Borough to create the Far North District. Kaikohe was selected to be the seat of the new district and the council's main headquarters are located in the township. Mayors of Kaikohe During the period of the Kaikohe Borough Council from 1947 to 1989, Kaikohe had at least five mayors. The following is an incomplete list: Attractions Kaikohe is the geographical centre of the Far North. Within a 50 km radius are the Bay of Islands and the Waipoua, Puketi and Omahuta kauri forests. Also not far away are the Whangaroa and Hokianga harbours, the Waiomio limestone caves, many beaches and bays, and historic Kerikeri which is Northland's largest town. It is also the home of the Kaikohe Demolition Derby which featured in the "Kaikohe Demolition" movie filmed by Florian Habicht. The Twin Coast Cycle Trail, part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, runs through the town. Notable residents Former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange lived in Kaikohe for a time. Former New Zealand First Member of Parliament and brother of Winston Peters, Jim Peters, is a current resident. Christian Huriwai, winner of the street unicycling competition at the 2010 World Championships in Wellington, is a current resident. The New Zealand Kiwis rugby league player Olsen Filipaina was born in the town. Two professional boxers have lived in Kaikohe including Daniella Smith and Patricia Vaka. Education Northland College is a secondary (years 9-15) school with a roll of . It was founded in 1947 on the site of a former United States Army camp. The school incorporates a working farm and forestry block. A $14 million reconstruction of the school was completed in 2016-17. Kaikohe Intermediate School (years 7-8) has a roll of . It was established in 1969, taking over the grounds of the former Kaikohe Primary School.