Whang?rei councillors are meeting in secret today to discuss the legal risks of refusing to fluoridate the city’s water.
Whang?rei councillors are meeting in secret today to discuss the legal risks of refusing to fluoridate the city’s water.
The council has defied the government’s directive, risking a $5 million fine.
NZ Dental Association president Amanda Johnston, a Whang?rei dentist, says fluoride is proven to improve dental health and calls the council’s hesitation frustrating.
Mayor Vince Cocurullo led the opposition, citing a 2024 U.S. court ruling that questioned fluoride’s safety.
He wants a High Court ruling before proceeding.
Councillor Scott McKenzie says the council is legally bound to follow the directive and shouldn’t debate the science.
He also questions why today’s meeting is confidential, calling it a transparency issue.
Cocurullo says legal advisors requested the closed-door discussion.
Original article online at: https://waateanews.com/2025/03/11/whangarei-council-secretly-debates-fluoride-mandate/