Prior to the election the council was under significant pressure to notify their plan to manage Otago’s natural resources in time.
Councillors twice asked the previous government for an extension.
In March, they got one, from former environment minister David Parker, for six months, until the end of June next year.
Now, as the National-led government enacts its 100-day plan, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has told regional councils the review and replacement of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM 2020) would create a new statutory deadline for related plans of December 31, 2027.
However, after receiving the letter from the minister informing the council of the impending change, the council issued a statement saying the changed deadline did not apply to Otago due to the council’s involvement with the previous environment minister.
Mr Bishop subsequently confirmed to the Otago Daily Times indeed it did.
Cr Andrew Noone, who at this month’s council meeting blasted the previous government for the time pressure the council was under, welcomed the news.
The government had reconfirmed its position extending the statutory timeframe to notify a new [land and water plan] by three years, Cr Noone said.
"It cannot be any clearer," he said. "We need to take heed of what big brother has said as the government has powers to intervene [as we experienced with the previous government] if we don’t fall into line."
Not taking up the minister’s offer of another three years to develop the plan would be "woke idiocy", Cr Michael Laws said.
"In addition the process and consultation have been rushed and done under the fundamental philosophy of Te Mana o te Wai which is to be thankfully jettisoned by this government."
Cr Gary Kelliher said he had called on councillors and staff to pause any further work on the plan since the election.
"To me it was blatantly obvious the new government was making changes as they campaigned on this.
"While some councillors were supportive, the majority and staff were determined to box on.
"The proposed [land and water plan] is not tinkering around the edges of the old plan.
"It has major ramifications if it were to be adopted as currently proposed."
Deferring the plan "for the sake of it" was not an option, deputy chairman Cr Lloyd McCall said.
The council might need to "pivot and make changes" which might require an extension of time, Cr McCall said.
"The people of Otago have provided a clear vision for water quality and quantity.
"This vision does not change due to different political positions," he said.
Cr Bryan Scott said the council and Otago communities had already invested significant time and money developing a plan that was essential now to address "the many rivers with water quantity and quality issues" in the region.
It would set limits based on scientific evidence to enable communities to better enjoy their waterways, and for commercial short-term water irrigation consents to be assessed for extension.
"The draft plan is now substantially complete and tracking towards final assessment by an independent expert panel in mid-2024.
"Why delay now when the hard work has already been done and the ratepayers money has already been spent, as opposed to getting on with it and tweaking the plan based on evidence and any policy changes in 2027?"
Cr Kate Wilson said putting a plan in place would provide certainty for communities.
But she said it would be most important to know what changes were planned for the NPSFM 2020.
"Three years is not helpful if we want to maximise opportunities.
"Some time may be helpful so that we can adjust should there be substantial changes, but knowing what those changes are is more important than getting a timeframe.
"We need to get our plan out, because we haven’t had a plan that’s really appropriate for so many years.
"The best Christmas present at the moment for our communities is just having a really clear view where the government thinks this is going."
