Only two new faces — Sarah Browne representing Cromwell and Sally Feinerman for the Teviot Valley - joined the council ranks, as the remaining elected members all returned for another term.
Mayor Tim Cadogan was sworn in for a third term by CODC chief executive Sanchia Jacobs, then took over proceedings to induct councillors.
Cr Neil Gillespie was re-appointed deputy mayor, Mr Cadogan saying he had been a "tower of strength" in the past.
Council appointments to the regions four community boards were also decided by the mayor.
Maniototo councillor Stu Duncan and Teviot Valley councillor Sally Feinerman were both automatically appointed to their respective community boards.
The Cromwell and Vincent community boards had more councillors keen to fill the seats than spots available and Mr Cadogan had to use the only "objective measure" he had — the number of votes councillors had received.
Crs Sarah Browne, Cheryl Laws and Neil Gillespie will sit on the Cromwell Community Board and Tamah Alley, Martin McPherson and Tracy Paterson will join the Vincent Community Board.
Yesterday’s meeting was largely procedural and the new council will meet again on November 9.
