The inquiry into the contamination of Havelock North's drinking water will be postponed until late January 2017, because of a legal battle between two Hawke's Bay councils.
This evening, the inquiry released a decision to adjourn the inquiry evidence hearings until the week beginning January 30, 2017.
On Friday it was announced the Hawke's Bay Regional Council had laid two charges against the Hastings District Council for unlawful taking of water.
The next hearing for the inquiry, at which evidence would be heard from core participants, was due to be held on Monday at Hastings District Court. On the same day, in a separate courtroom, the district council would be called for their charges.
Yesterday the district council applied for the postponement of the inquiry until after this prosecution had finished.
In its application, it cited the disruption to staff caused by the charges which meant evidence could not be filed on the due date - November 18.