Under the Queenstown Lakes District Council's proposed new bylaw, the 5-knot speed limit on the Hunter River would be removed.
In December the district council's hearing panel referred the matter to the Wanaka Community Board and the board recommended the limit remain.
The hearing panel decided in March this year there was no justification, based on safety factors, for removing the speed limit.
Its recommendation still has to be adopted by the full council.
The council discussed the matter at its meeting in Cromwell yesterday and Ian Cole said he was surprised Fish and Game's opinion on the matter had not been sought.
"The whole process is flawed," Mr Cole said.
"It seems there's been no consultation with any users but boaters."
Fish and Game council chairman John Barlow said the river was very narrow and it would be difficult for jet-boaters to avoid anglers.
Boating is permitted between the months of November to April and Otago Fish and Game officer Cliff Halford said there had been regular attempts to remove the speed limit on the river.
