Yesterday, ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said the council decided the next chief executive "should come from outside the organisation".
In August, the council undertook a public recruitment process to appoint someone to the role for five years starting from November when Mr Bodeker’s term ends.
At the time Mr Bodeker declined a two-year-extension to his contract, offered under the Local Government Act, opting instead to be "an applicant in the competitive appointment process".
In a press release yesterday Mr Bodeker said he was "extremely proud" of his contribution over the past five years.
"In particular, I believe I will leave the legacy of a healthy internal staff culture as well as strengthened relationships with the Otago community."
Mr Bodeker’s comment about staff culture comes after a negative 2015 employee survey, after which he denied there was a "culture of fear" in the ORC.
The survey showed 43% of staff disagreed or strongly disagreed when asked if they had "confidence" in the executive team’s leadership.
Of 101 staff who gave written responses when asked the "one thing" that needed to change to make the council a "great" place to work, 26% said the executive.
Mr Bodeker said the results did not reflect badly on his performance as chief executive.In a press release Mr Woodhead said the council was still working through the process of choosing a chief executive.
"We thank Peter for his effort over the last five years. The work he has overseen has positioned ORC and the region well for the future and has provided an excellent platform [for] his successor."
He declined to comment further when approached by the Otago Daily Times.
In the press release Mr Bodeker said: "Obviously, I am disappointed with the decision made by councillors but understand that ultimately they need to find a candidate that they feel will deliver on their vision."
He thanked his directors and staff for their work.
Mr Bodeker did not return calls from the Otago Daily Times.
