Cr Cocks is also the Queenstown Lakes district's deputy mayor.
His goals include addressing traffic congestion issues in Wanaka, providing security of venue for the annual Wanaka Rodeo, encouraging economic diversity, reducing water consumption, working with the community alcohol forum and keeping pressure on the council to decide on a site for new sports facilities.
Cr Cocks said there were genuine concerns the Wanaka Rodeo might be delayed because of resource consents relating to a closed landfill at the rodeo's new venue at the Albert Town reserve.
The rodeo is traditionally held on January 2.
Cr Cocks said QLDC staff workloads and time frames meant it had taken longer than expected to produce a management plan for the reserve.
"We should have picked up on this landfill thing a bit earlier. But we will get there," Cr Cocks said.
Cr Cocks also said he was very disappointed work would not begin this year on the Ardmore St-Brownston St roundabout.
"Behind the scenes, staff are working furiously with the New Zealand Transport Agency to keep that [roundabout] on track. We may have to look at doing things in a different order in the meantime."
Cr Jude Battson, of Lake Hawea, challenged for the chairman's role and lost 4-3.
Board members Ken Copland and Bryan Lloyd supported Cr Battson, while Cr Leigh Overton and board members Mike O'Connor and Dick Kane supported Cr Cocks.
Cr Cocks then nominated Cr Battson to be his deputy, but Cr Battson had already seconded Mr Kane's nomination for Mr Lloyd to be the deputy.
She stuck to her guns and voted against herself.
"I think it is good for a new person to be the deputy chairperson. I've declared my preference," Cr Battson explained.
Cr Cocks thanked the board for their support and said he was keen to continue for as long as the members wanted him to lead.
