A four-day tribunal hearing to decide whether to continue to add fluoride to Hamilton’s water begins tomorrow.

The hearing – involving hundreds of people before city councillors sitting on the tribunal – runs from tomorrow until Thursday, then continues on Tuesday 4 June. Deliberations by city councillors and a decision whether to continue fluoridation will be made the following day.

The tribunal format will see a primary presentation by each side. The Waikato District Health Board will give the presentation in support of fluoridation and Fluoride Free Hamilton and Fluoride Action Network NZ will give the presentation against.

Of the 1557 submissions received 1385 want Council to stop fluoridation. There are 170 submissions supporting the continuation of fluoride and two others were not specific.

About 150 individuals will speak to their submissions. Speakers have one minute, 10 minutes or, if they represent at organisation, 15 minutes.

Some speakers, like Declan Waugh from Ireland and Paul Connett from US, will participate using Skype technology.

The tribunal will be held in the Bill Gallagher Centre Events Room 1 at Wintec’s Gallagher Hub on the central city campus.