[2] Since October 2013, the Mayor of Rangitikei is Andy Watson, who succeeded Robert "Chalky" Leary.

The Rangitikei District Council was established in 1989 as part of the 1989 local government reforms.

[3] Up to 2019 the District had five wards: Bulls, Hunterville, Marton, Taihape and Turakina.

[4] In 2022 the Northern and Southern Wards changed from three to two members and two new wards Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland) Māori and Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) Māori were established.

[5] During the 2022–2025 term, the composition of the Council was as follows:[6] *Jarrod Calkin resigned on 7 December 2023.