Recently-elected councillor and former Whanganui Mayor Cr Michael Laws nominated another newly-elected councillor, Dr Maggie Lawton, as chairwoman.
Cr Laws, of Cromwell, said the ORC appeared to be ''invisible'' in some parts of the region, including in the Dunstan ward and Queenstown Lakes district, and more action was needed to improve the environmental quality of alpine lakes in the area, including problems with ''lake snow''.
Dr Lawton, who lives in Wanaka, outlined her extensive background in leadership and sustainable management and said she lived in a ''stunning part of the world''.
But in some parts of Otago there seemed to be a ''huge disconnect'' between the ORC and the community.
The ORC had a ''major role'' to ensure the environment was protected, more resources should be devoted to that task, and she warned there was a ''tipping point'' beyond which key environmental resources, including lakes, would be put at risk.
Mr Woodhead said he was ''passionate'' about Otago, and was a strong believer in teamwork and the ORC chairman had an important leadership role in helping to draw the team together.
He was later re-elected by a wide margin on a voice vote.
Cr Gretchen Robertson, who was Mr Woodhead's deputy during the last term, was re-elected unopposed to that role.
Mr Woodhead later said that the council worked closely with territorial local authorities, including the Queenstown Lakes District Council and the extent of that collaboration over a series of important environmental matters had not always been fully acknowledged during the recent election campaign.
He had a positive view of the future and there was scope for closer links to be formed between the council and territorial local authorities, and for a shared voice for ''southern New Zealand'', including Otago and Southland to be developed.
Mr Woodhead yesterday welcomed back returning councillors, as well as new members Crs Michael Laws, Maggie Lawton, Carmen Hope, and Andrew Noone.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration and said the council's success did not depend on ''one person''.
''It's about working together as a team - as a council, with our very experienced staff, and importantly with our communities,'' he said.
