A former field officer for Otago Fish and Game has been elected its council's new chairman.
Monty Wright (69), who worked for the organisation and its predecessor, the Acclimatisation Society, from 1979 until his retirement in 2002, has taken over the role from John Barlow.
Mr Wright said his long history in the organisation meant he had a good understanding of the region and the issues it faced.
He will chair a 12-member council elected late last year with four new members, including one woman.
"It's a really good mix."
They would face some big issues, including water quality, he said.
"I worry about what's happening in the Maniototo and South Otago; the lack of water in some places and over-allocation in others."
As the council represented 15,000 anglers and hunters it was important they were represented fairly, he said.
He was concerned at the amount of money Otago Fish and Game supplied to its national body to distribute to the detriment of the region.
"I'd sooner that bit of money is retained in our area to work for our clients."
Dave Witherow was reappointed the council's representative on the New Zealand Fish and Game Council.
The council also appointed its executive committee of Mr Wright, Mr Witherow, Dr John Jillett, Dan Rae, Adrian MacIntyre, John Barlow.
