Fluoridation of council water supplies
In July 2023, the Director-General of Health directed the Far North District Council under section 116E the Health Act to fluoridate drinking water for Kaitāia and Kerikeri. Far North District Council is one of 14 local authorities directed to fluoridate water supplies.
In accordance with the Act, the council is required to ensure the Kerikeri and Kaitāia water supplies are fluoridated at optimal levels. The council expects the detailed design to install fluoridation at both locations to be completed by July 2024. Budgetary provision has been included in the Long Term Plan 2024-2027 so that construction can be delivered by 30 June 2025.
Why Kaitāia and Kerikeri?
Kaitāia and Kerikeri water supplies are located within the previous Northland District Health Board (NDHB) area.
Data for children aged 0-12 in NDHB showed that overall, 58 per cent of children had experienced tooth decay at age five. Māori and Pacific children have significantly worse outcomes than other children within NDHB. The 2017-2020 NZ Health Survey results for Far North District Council showed that 58.6 percent of adults (15+) had an abscess, infection or gum disease and one or more teeth removed in their lifetime due to tooth decay. Of adults (15+), 11.8 per cent had one or more teeth removed in the last 12 months due to decay, an abscess, infection or gum disease.
The Director-General of Health made the directive following consideration of the scientific evidence including Water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay (Cochrane Collaboration 2015), Health effects of water fluoridation: A review of the scientific evidence (PMCSA and Royal Society Te Apārangi 2014) and Fluoridation: An update on evidence (PMCSA 2021).
How did FNDC respond to the directive?
During its 11 April 2024 meeting, the council resolved to request an extension of time on the Department of Health’s deadline for adding fluoride to the Kerikeri and Kaitāia water supplies.
In a formal letter to Dr Diana Sarfati, Director-General of Health, Kahika Moko Tepania outlined the council's primary concerns. Those included the cost implications, potential health risks, and the necessity for comprehensive community consultation. Kahika Tepania emphasised that the projected costs of $6 million to introduce fluoride in the district, categorised as an area of high economic deprivation, presented a significant financial challenge. He also noted the importance of engaging with the community to ensure a transparent and inclusive decision-making process, as recommended by other councils.
FNDC received a response from Dr Sarfati declining the request. She highlighted that the 2021 amendment adding Part 5A to the Health Act 1956 empowers her to direct councils to fluoridate drinking water, and that councils are legally required to comply. A High Court decision on 24 May 2024 confirmed the validity of current directions, establishing that councils have a statutory duty to ensure compliance.
While an extension to the deadline was not granted, Dr Sarfati requested that FNDC collaborates closely with the Public Health Agency to develop a plan for complying with the statutory requirements. Once a plan is agreed, the compliance dates will be reconsidered in accordance with the proposed plan and its timeline.
The council expects the detailed design to install fluoridation at both locations to be completed by July 2024. Budgetary provision has been included in the Long Term Plan 2024-2027 for construction to be delivered by 30 June 2025.
Regardless of any individual views on fluoridation, the council is required by law to comply with the ministry’s directive. If the council doesn’t comply, it faces a fine of up to $200,000, followed by $10,000 for each day of non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The council did not make this decision. Since 2021, the Director General of Health has had the power to direct fluoridation under the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021.
This legislation was originally introduced to Parliament in 2016 and was eventually passed in November 2021 with unanimous support from all parties.
Drinking water supplied by the council in Kerikeri and Kaitāia will be fluoridated.
This will not affect private water schemes or other water supplies in the district.
Kerikeri and Kaitāia were identified as high priority locations in an assessment conducted by the Director General of Health. As a result of that assessment, Far North District Council received a directive to fluoridate the Kerikeri and Kaitāia water supplies.
Other water supplies in the Far North are being considered, but the Director General of Health is waiting to see what impact reforms across the water services sector and service delivery pressures across local government will have.
Further details can be found here.
The council is legally required to follow the direction of the Director General of Health under Part 5 of the Health Act 1956. There is no pathway or option for individuals to withdraw consent for fluoridation.
No, water has been fluoridated in New Zealand for 70 years, beginning in Hastings in 1954. Drinking water in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Invercargill and other areas are currently fluoridated.
No.
However, FNDC allows installation of rainwater tanks for drinking purposes in areas that already have town supply. Provided that the necessary consents are obtained and all District Plan requirements are met, those wanting an alternative water supply can install their own.
You can find their information here.