[3] As mayor, Jepson attracted media coverage following his attempt to ban karakia (Māori prayers) from council proceedings, which he subsequently reversed following significant criticism from the public and fellow councillors.
[2] As Olivine's spokesperson, Jepson claimed that the Meremere plant's waste burning technology was cleaner than a rubbish dump and was preferable to exporting toxins overseas.
"[10] Ultimately, Olivine abandoned its plans due to opposition from local residents and environmentalists including Environment Waikato, who claimed that the plant would pump toxins and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
[2] In 2020, Jepson sponsored a petition in Northland calling for a local referendum on the Kaipara District Council's plans to introduce Māori wards and constituencies.
On the economic front, he campaigned for a review of the Kaipara District Council's staffing levels and expenditure, repairing roads and infrastructure, and stopping "proliferate" [sic] spending on so-called "feel-good" projects.
[13] On 8 December, Jepson and other members of the Kaipara District Council reached a compromise that would allow councillors to recite karakia, issue statements and reflections on a rotating basis.
The hīkoi marched from Dargaville's town centre to the Kaipara District Council's meeting venue at the Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall.
The hīkoi was organised by Paturiri Toautu, who stood as a candidate for the council's new Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori ward during the 2022 local election.
[14][15] In July 2023, Jepson issued a directive to remove the Māori language from the Kaipara District's annual plan despite councillors agreeing on the sole bilingual copy.
Following pushback from local Māori iwi, Jepson issued a directive for a bilingual report based on the English annual plan to be produced.
[18] On 4 September 2024, Jepson declined to hold a moment of silence to mark the passing of Māori King Tūheitia, who died in late August 2024, stating "No, I'm not going to do that today.
Jepson's withdrawal motion was supported by Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen and fellow Crs Ash Nayaar, Gordon Lambeth, Ron Manderson, and Rachael Williams.