Fluoridated Water, good or bad?
Fluoride is a natural element that can be found in air, water and plants.
Fluoride is said to help with teeth and bone health, however overuse can lead to a number of health issues.
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The fluoridation of water to improve dental health began in Hastings in 1954, and following a commission of inquiry in 1957 there was a rapid adoption of the practice in the 1960s. The decision to introduce fluoride to water is made by local authorities, often following a referendum.
Source: Te Ara
Why are we talking about it now?
In November 2021, the Labour Government changed the law, now the decision regarding fluoridating drinking water, is made by the Director General of Health, no public referendum required. New Zealand First currently has a Members Bill that will bring the decision making back to local councils, where you get to have your say.
It is important to note, that Cartertons drinking water is not currently fluoridated.
Who is Fluoride Free NZ?
Fluoride Free NZ is an organisation that was established in 2003, they aim to end water fluoridation in New Zealand through the use of education and resource material.
Their website contains information on fluoridation in NZ, recent study findings, and general dental health.
A link to their website can be found here...
On the 2nd September, Fluoride Free NZ sent an email out to Candidates running in the 2025 local elections with the following...
Would you please advise with a simple yes or no – if you are elected, would you support pressuring the coalition Government to bring forward, and vote for, the Member’s Bill introduced by NZ First, which seeks to repeal the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021 so that decision making for fluoridation can be returned to the hands of each local council?
You can see the responses of all that replied (you will have to scroll down to Carterton) here...
Where do you stand?
I liken the addition of fluoride in water, to mass medicating.
I believe that you should have a choice if you want to be medicated or not, and some people are extremely sensitive to chemicals; therefore I do not agree with any additional chemicals in ratepayers water (excluding those that are needed to ensure our water is safe for consumption).
Some argue that people can just get filters or buy bottled water; where I would argue, why should we burden the ratepayer with the additional cost of adding fluoride, and then forcing the population that does not want fluoride to take on additional costs of acquiring fluoride free water?
Everybody should be entitled to drinkable water.