Why fluoridation is back in the spotlight

A battle between health officials and local councils is heating up, as one government party seeks to change the rules. The Bulletin’s Stewart Sowman-Lund explains. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. NZ First wades into fluoridated waters New Zealand First has launched a member’s bill that would return power to councils […]

Fluoridation debate heats up at Rotorua council meeting

The city has until March 28 to fluoridate its central and eastern water supplies, after being granted an extension from April 30 last year. Whether it will comply will be decided on March 26. Non-compliance carries a maximum penalty of $200,000 and up to $10,000 a day for continuing offences. Chief oral health adviser Dr […]

Fluoride policy won’t change – Health Minister

The Health Minister says fluoride policy will not change, after New Zealand First announced a Member’s Bill which would restore decision-making power to local communities. It comes as Whang?rei District Council is under fire from the Director General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati after it voted in December against adding fluoridation to the water. Dr […]

NZ First introduces bill seeking referendum on fluoride in drinking water

New Zealand First has introduced a Members bill that seeks to repeal the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021, and mandate local authorities to hold a binding referendum on water fluoridation. “This Bill reinstates the fundamental right for communities to determine through democracy whether or not their water supply is fluoridated” New Zealand […]

Rotorua fluoride mandate: Councillor seeks inquiry

A Rotorua councillor is trying his luck with the new health minister in a bid to halt directives to fluoridate water supplies. Minister of Health Simeon Brown has confirmed the Government’s stance remains the same, in that fluoridation is a “safe, effective and affordable measure for improving oral health”. Rotorua Lakes Council’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting this […]

Whangarei risks health court order in defying water fluoridation directive

Whang?rei’s rebellion against fluoridation has been met by a warning from the country’s health lead, saying it has the means to fluoridate drinking water. Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati wrote in a letter to Whang?rei Mayor Vince Cocurullo and Whang?rei District Council chief executive Simon Weston that contravening the direction to fluoridate was an […]

Fluoride opponent from USA to speak

American lawyer Michael Connett has been booked to speak in Cambridge early next month. Connett has been a prominent figure in a legal crusade against fluoride in drinking water in the US, and he will add firepower to Fluoride Free NZ campaigner Kane Titchener’s push to stop Waip? District Council adding fluoride to Cambridge’s supply. […]

Wellington water treatment plant shut due to problems

A treatment plant supplying drinking water for about one-fifth of the Wellington region has been switched off following the discovery of a technical issue. A spokesperson for Wellington Water said there is minimal risk to supply, as the Te M?rua and Waterloo Water treatment plants will continue to supply the regional network. The issue, discovered […]

Fluoride-free water supply for Tauranga a ‘waste of time’

Tauranga residents will not have access to a public supply of non-fluoridated water for at least another few months, but a fluoride-free advocate says the move would now be a waste of time. The city’s water has been fluoridated since 24 October this year following an order from the director general of health. If Tauranga […]