The regional council has been consulting all city and district councils in the region over the development of the regional policy statement (RPS) - a document which affects what people can and cannot do when using natural resources, subdividing or developing land, or undertaking a land use activity.
Under legislation, all councils' district and regional plans are required to give effect to the RPS.
Yesterday, at a meeting of the regional council's policy committee, the draft document was due to be released for consultation with government agencies and iwi before going out for full public consultation.
However, committee chairman Michael Deaker said as discussions with the city and district councils were ''inconclusive'', council staff had gone back to each one to discuss the plan's provisions, which had ''shifted'' the timetable for its release.
It would now be released at the council's meeting in Alexandra on October 30.
Cr Bryan Scott said there appeared to be a mix of views on the RPS from local bodies and often opposing views between the councils themselves.
''There seemed to be an uneasiness about the enabling philosophy and approach [in the plan].''
The councils also seemed to have some ''nervousness'' about the RPS' impact on their district plans.
Chairman Stephen Woodhead said delaying its release was the only path available to the council.
Cr Deaker said the timetable was flexible as it was a very significant document.
It was not due to go out to public consultation until February so there was time for further talks with councils.
It was important there was ''buy-in'' from all councils in the plan, he said.
Director policy planning and resource management Fraser McRae said developing the plan had been a collaborative process, but if full agreement could not be achieved with all councils, the process could continue as there was provision for those councils to make submissions and be heard by a panel before a final decision was made.
''We want to try and work with everyone.''
There was also provision for it to go to the Environment Court.
The final decision on the plan was not expected before next September.
