News Archive

Voting is about to close in the local body elections, including for elected members of District Health Boards (DHBs). It is well known that the government intends to change the law to make DHBs rather than local authorities responsible for deciding whether to fluoridate community drinking water supplies. Legislation will likely be introduced before the […]

An advert made by an organisation opposed to water fluoridation has been given the all clear. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said it received six complaints about the advert, which screened on TV3 nine times between July 29 and August 6. Complainants said the advert contained misleading information and played on fear, but in a new decision […]

The New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled in favour of Fluoride Free New Zealand (FFNZ) regarding their controversial TV ads screened this winter. All of the complaints against the FFNZ TV ads were rejected. FFNZ produced two TV adverts that aired on TV3 in July and August this year. The Advertising Standards Authority […]

The South Taranaki District Council has won a four-year court battle for the right to fluoridate the water supply in Waverley and Patea. The case was brought against the council by New Health New Zealand Inc on the grounds that fluoride was a medicine, meaning members of the public had the right to refuse its use. […]

South Canterbury’s water is unlikely to be fluoridated regardless of the outcome of the local government elections, South Canterbury District Health Board (SCDHB) candidate statements suggest. The Herald asked the 14 DHB candidates for their views on the controversial fluoridation issue. A proposal to shift responsibility for fluoridation to health boards was announced earlier this year. It followed […]

Fluoride Free Hamilton supporters were pleased to see the launching of a brand new, custom-made non-fluoridated water outlet at Claudelands today, provided by Hamilton City Council. It has been keenly anticipated and will finally enable many local people to access a free alternative water supply to meet their family’s needs. Pat McNair, spokesperson for FFH […]

In a decision with ramifications for local authorities around the country, the Court of Appeal has ruled South Taranaki District Council’s proposal to fluoridate its water supply is lawful. The decision follows court action by a lobby group, New Health, in the High Court and Court of Appeal, where it claimed that local authorities had […]

A medical expert is concerned both of Christchurch’s main mayoral candidates oppose water fluoridation. “The message is clear, the science is clear. The benefits are enormous,” Canterbury medical officer of health Alistair Humphrey said. Both Lianne Dalziel and John Minto said they were against fluoridation of Christchurch’s water supply during The Press’ mayoral debate on Tuesday. Minto said he believed there […]

NZ Dental Association water fluoridation spokesman and Nelson District Health Board Chief Dental Officer Rob Beaglehole has been cautioned again for giving misleading information. Last week, the New Zealand Dental Council made public its formal “firm caution” to Dr Beaglehole, directing that he take greater care in ensuring adherence to his professional responsibilities, particularly when […]

A health board member has broken ranks to accuse his colleagues of pushing through what he calls a “rubber-stamp” statement supporting water fluoridation. Andrew Buckley unsuccessfully opposed the re-adoption of the Waikato District Health Board’s position statement on fluoridation, dubbing it “flawed decision-making”,  but chairman Bob Simcock said the board was simply following the science and Buckley was a lone voice. […]