Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said 72 applications were received for the role of chief executive.
The role was advertised after outgoing chief executive Michael Ross announced in February he would step down at the end of June.
Mr Kircher said the majority of applications came from Australia and New Zealand.
He said the large number of applicants could be put down to the lifestyle options available in North Otago and the council's financial stability and culture.
On Friday, Waitaki district councillors and the mayor shortlisted applicants and narrowed the list down to ''10 or so'' candidates.
The applicants were mixed with some having more experience in local government than others who were from the private sector, he said.
''I think all of us recognise the need to have someone who's got good local government knowledge and good understanding of it. We've seen lots of people come straight from the private sector and no experience with local government ... it can be very frustrating and difficult for them to get up to speed. Equally, private sector experience is very important, because we're dealing with the real world out there.''
The council's executive committee, deputy mayor Melanie Tavendale, Cr Peter Garvin, Cr Colin Wollstein and Cr Craig Dawson, were to interview the remaining applicants and narrow the selection down to two people for the full council to decide on, he said.
Mr Kircher called the chief executive appointment one of the most important decisions for the council this term.
''They're in charge of the whole operation. While we give direction, the chief executive has to make sure the operation delivers.''
The successful candidate was expected to be named in late June.
