An Environment Ministry's guide to implementing the national policy statement for fresh water management has been described by the Otago Regional Council as a "crock" and full of inconsistencies.
Councillors were this week very critical of the guide, which while it did not have any statutory weight, gave commentary on the intent of the policy statement and outlined key messages, concepts and directions which should be implemented.
Policy and resource planning director Fraser McRae said in a report to the policy and submissions committee the guide was an attempt to constrain rather than help alternative methods of addressing water quality in New Zealand.
"It has preset assumptions behind it which go beyond the statement and accordingly, any attempt to implement the guide will frustrate rather than assist this council's water management in the future."
Chairman Stephen Woodhead called for the council to ignore the guideline and get on with its water plan work.
"We have a clear view of what our issues are around water and have a clear work plan that has been well received by the region."
Cr Gretchen Robertson said it was a good thing the document was only a guide, as it could not restrict the council's plans: "We don't need guidance."
Cr Michael Deaker said the document was a "crock" and full of inconsistencies starting from encouraging novel approaches but then setting limits.
Cr Trevor Kempton said it was concerning the guideline assumed that all waterways in New Zealand, including Otago's, were degraded.
"It's important we congratulate Otago on the standard of some of its waterways but note in certain areas improvements could be made - the spin is not quite the picture."
Cr Gerry Eckhoff said in the interests of good taste and decorum, "if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. I've decided to say nothing."
Cr Duncan Butcher said he had decided to take Cr Eckhoff's advice.
Environment ministry environmental protection director Kevin Currie said, when asked to comment on the criticism, the ministry developed the implementation guide to help councils meet their obligations and implement the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2011, but "it is not compulsory for regional councils to follow the Implementation Guide."
The guide was likely to be updated as policy, good practice and supporting measures were developed, for example as part of the work being done by the Land and Water Forum, and as part of the next phase of resource management reforms.
