Jayden Cromb was re-elected chairman, making him the first reappointed board chairperson since 2013.
The board had two returning members — Mr Cromb and deputy chairman Tony Hammington — along with two newly elected members, Kayla Sanders and Jim Moffitt.
Mr Cromb began the meeting stating his commitment to the board and declaring he would not be running in the upcoming by-election. The by-election was required by law after the withdrawal of Vincent ward councillor-elect Dave McKenzie following allegations of financial misconduct while working as a contractor for the Central Otago District Council. At the time Mr McKenzie said while he maintained he had made good his error and had learned from the experience, the toll social media commentary had on his family was too great for him to continue.
During the election Mr Cromb also stood for the Vincent ward council seat and finished just 188 votes behind Mr McKenzie, who finished fourth in the race for four seats.
However, Mr Cromb said yesterday he valued the board, and his role on it, and would not be distracted from it or put the ratepayers to further expense by allowing himself to be nominated in the by-election.
"I believe it is important that this board — and the communities we represent — receive the time, attention and focus they deserve from their chair."
During the election voters were clear they expected elected members to take necessary steps to reduce what they saw as wasteful spending, he said.
"I cannot in good conscience commit to that while also asking our community to fund a second by-election in Vincent later next year.
"My commitment remains firmly with our communities and with this board. While this has not been an easy decision, I believe that putting the greater good above self-interest is what leadership requires. For that reason, I can confirm that I will not be seeking the Vincent ward seat on council in the upcoming by-election."
If Mr Cromb was elected to the district council that would force a by-election for his board seat.
Following a representation review last year, the board has four elected and one council-appointed members. Previously there had been two council appointees to the board but the decision to reduce that to one reflected the additional workload expected from councillors and was made following the representation review.
