Water New Zealand calls for Government to legislate fluoridation in drinking water

Water New Zealand is encouraged by a recent report written by two New Zealand dental scientists which reveals that most New Zealanders see the benefits of having fluoride in drinking water.

“This report re-iterates what most sensible people know: that the science about the benefits of fluoride is robust and that most of us are in favour of having fluoride in our taps,” says John Pfahlert, CEO of Water New Zealand.

Water New Zealand, along with many other organistions such as Local Government New Zealand and the NZ Dental Association, believes that central Government should implement legislation insisting on nationwide fluoridation.

“It is a matter of public health and is therefore not something which should be decided on case by case by councils – it’s not a decision about whether to plant geraniums or gerberas in the main street of a local town, it’s about the wellbeing of all New Zealanders,” said Mr Pfahlert.

“What I don’t understand is that in the face of overwhelming evidence, from various reports and research, why the Government refuses to make fluoridation of public water compulsory.

“The Government has itself endorsed the use of fluoride. In 2014 the office of the Prime Ministers Chief Science Advisor issued a report which conclusively demonstrated the health benefits from fluoridation and that at the correct dosage, the risks were virtually non-existent.”

“The science is settled and it is time for central Government to step up and take a stand on the issue,” says Mr Pfahlert.

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