Snr Sgt Woods was in charge of the Cromwell police station before being promoted to fill a vacancy left by former officer in charge of Central Otago, Inspector Mike Cook.
Yesterday's confirmation of Snr Sgt Wood's role means she will be in charge of about 25 officers in the Alexandra, Cromwell, Roxburgh, Ranfurly and Omakau stations.
Snr Sgt Woods said she was happy with the promotion and looked forward to starting her new role.
"It's definitely been the right move [to Central Otago from Auckland]," she said.
Despite being the first female to take up the Central Otago position, she said it made no difference whether there was a man or woman in charge.
"I'm not worried; I've never had any problems," she said.
Snr Sgt Woods, who previously worked as an inspector in the United Kingdom, was put in charge of Cromwell's police station in December when she moved from Auckland, replacing Steve Ereckson who had retired from the position in August.
Her vacancy in the Cromwell station has been advertised.
Insp Cook started his new role as the area commander for rural Otago last month.
He said a vacancy for a constable in the Roxburgh police station would also be advertised.
Constable Craig Bennett moved from Roxburgh to Kurow recently, leaving Constable Jape Wanoa as the sole officer based at Roxburgh.
