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Water fluoridation

Update, December 2024

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that Cambridge’s water supply is required to be fluoridated, following a review of the original directive.

In July 2022, the Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora instructed 14 local authorities, including Waipā District Council, to add fluoride to their water supplies. Waipā was specifically directed to fluoridate the Cambridge supply but was not required to do so for other water supplies in the district.

In February 2024, a High Court judgement directed the new Director-General of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, to reassess the original directives under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, which provides people a right to refuse medical treatment.

As part of this review, the Ministry of Health examined the latest scientific evidence on community water fluoridation. Based on this assessment, Dr Sarfati has now advised the 14 local authorities including Waipā District Council that the original directives will stand.

Her assessment is that the benefits of fluoridating the water outweigh the rights of individuals to refuse medical treatment, due to:

  • The high prevalence and potential for lifelong impacts of poor oral health
  • Scientific evidence that shows water fluoridation within the optimum range is safe, has no significant health risks and protects against dental caries
  • The proven effectiveness of community water fluoridation as a public health measure

Waipā District Council had no part in this decision – the Ministry of Health is responsible for all decisions about water fluoridation in New Zealand.

Council is now working on the costings, design and timeline for installing the plant required, and will inform Cambridge residents of the details as they become available. It is expected this work will take around nine months.

Under the Health Act 1956, Waipā District Council is legally required to comply with this directive. Failing to do so is an offence that carries significant penalties.

Helpful documents and links:

Update, July 2022

On 27 July 2022, Council was advised by the Ministry of Health it must add fluoride to the Cambridge water supply. This was NOT a council decision. The Ministry of Health – not councils – makes ALL decisions around fluoride.

Council has advised the Ministry it will take at least nine months to take this action, and only after receiving funding to help pay for the work required. As at November 2023, Council has not had any funding provided and nor is a funding agreement in place. This means any change is still some way off.

Note: Council is aware of the November 2023 High Court decision relating to the Director-General of Health’s decision to issue directives. The Court did not set aside the directives to add fluoride, so Waipā District Council is still legally required to comply with the Ministry’s instruction. We will continue to liaise with the Ministry of Health on any developments in this area.

Here is a copy of the letter received from the Director-General of Health on November 17, 2023.

If you wish to make comment or receive further information about this issue please email the Ministry directly on info@health.govt.nz.

Here is a link to the Ministry’s news release which may also be helpful.

Frequently asked questions

A law change in November 2021 means it is the Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora – and not local councils – which make all decisions about fluoride in New Zealand.

No. Waipā has never added fluoride to any of its water supplies.

Yes. In July 2022, Council was directed by the Ministry of Health to add fluoride to the Cambridge water supply. We have not been instructed to add fluoride to any other water supplies in the district.

In December 2024, this directive was reconfirmed by the Director-General of Health who was asked to reassess the original directives by the High Court.

That is a decision made by the Ministry of Health. Council has had no input into this decision and has no plans to add fluoride to any other water supplies in the district.

There is no firm date yet. It is expected to take about nine months for the necessary plant and equipment to be installed. We will keep residents informed as more information comes to hand, and will advise people well in advance of the specific dates that fluoride will be introduced.

Yes. Council will put this information on our website and social media channels, advertise in local Cambridge newspapers and use the Antenno App.

Download Antenno

Costs will increase slightly to cover the costs. Funding from the Ministry of Health only covers installation of plant required.

No. Adding fluoride to the Cambridge supply is something Council is required to do by law; it was not a Council decision.

If households stay connected to the water network, there will still be a network charge.

www.fluoridefacts.govt.nz

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