Hydraulic fracturing opponents have jumped the gun by praising Hastings for taking what they thought was a "frack-free" stance.
Online comments via the Hastings District Council Facebook page recorded people cheering on the perceived fracking-free status of Hastings when in fact the council had agreed on taking a "precautionary" approach to the controversial mining technique.
One comment was left by Peter Hill, a councillor from the Selwyn District Council, who said he was looking for support to declare Selwyn fracking free. "I'd love to have your motion wording before our meeting next Wednesday when I've promised a Notice of Motion on the subject."
Another comment by Havelock North's Liz Remmerswaal (pictured) said: "Dear Hastings district councillors, congratulations on voting unanimously to go frack[ing]-free, I am so proud of your boldness and bravery and vision for the Bay. Great leadership too!"
Fracking was a high-profile issue at the council's long-term plan hearing where people had asked for Hastings to be declared fracking free. The council released a statement to clarify its position following the Facebook comments.