The dust had barely settled on Mooney's surprise appointment on Tuesday when the reaction, mainly from the Latta-supporting country, started to flow.
Some clubs have directed anger at the Otago Rugby Football Union board that rubber-stamped the appointment - to the point there is plenty of speculation the next ORFU annual meeting could be a bunfight - while Latta has revealed his dismay at missing out.
Mooney, being in another country, has avoided the eye of the storm but said he was not surprised his appointment had caused some angst.
"I certainly understand where people are coming from," Mooney said from Brisbane.
"I'm from Queensland and we're obviously very parochial over here, as well.
"I have a pretty strong understanding of the passion people have for Otago rugby. I think I also have an understanding that the Otago union has taken a big step by appointing a foreigner.
"All I can say is that I'm looking forward to being part of the rugby fabric and to working hard for Otago."
Mooney said he was very keen to speak to Latta, the favoured local candidate, along with astute Alhambra-Union coach Mike Moeahu.
He went to school with Rob Lawton, who played 21 games for Otago in 1994-95 and propped the scrum alongside Latta, and knew all about Latta's distinguished service in the blue and gold jersey.
"To be honest, I was in a similar situation to David this year.
I'm born and bred in Queensland, my grandfather played for Queensland and my father played for Queensland.
I coached Queensland and it was a team I was very passionate about.
"Then I was told my services were no longer required. So I imagine David is feeling the same way about Otago.
"The difference is, he still has an opportunity to work with Otago. It's hugely important to me that people like David are involved. He's the sort of person that has made Otago rugby great."
Mooney does not intend to bring any coaching staff with him from Australia, because part of his new job will be developing Otago coaches.
He is confident working in the Super 14 and with national age group teams has given him valuable experience to pass on to others.
Mooney has been brought up to speed with the changes to the national championship announced on Thursday night.
His first season with Otago will come with the added pressure of having to finish in the top seven to qualify for the new premier competition in 2011.
"It obviously means we have to hit the ground running pretty quickly next year and make sure we're in that top seven," Mooney said.
"Any competition brings pressure. Yeah, probably there's slightly more next year, because of what's at stake. But my job is going to be to put systems in place to ensure Otago is successful for years to come."
Mooney feels the seven-seven split and introduction of promotion-relegation will boost interest in the competition.
