New Zealand fluoridation exemption rejected

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has failed to get an exemption from the Government’s water fluoridation mandate.

Mayor James Denyer wrote to Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health in July seeking an exemption from the mandate to fluoridate two of its eight water supplies, all of which are currently not fluoridated.

The ministry issued a directive to fluoridate the Athenree and Wharawhara water supplies by July 31, 2025.

Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati responded: “I am not able to grant an exemption and it would be inappropriate to revoke or amend the direction to fluoridate provided to Western Bay of Plenty District Council.  

“Given the established evidence on the efficacy and safety of community water fluoridation, I consider the fluoridation of Athenree and Wharawhara to be an important initiative to improve the oral health of your communities,” her letter read. 

Those water supplies cover Waihī Beach, Athenree, Tanners Point, Katikati and the reticulated rural area through to Morton Road.

The council decided to seek the exemption after public consultation from the annual plan showed the community had concerns about fluoridation. The councillors voted 10 in favour with two against.

“These concerns included the ethics of medication without consent, the unfunded nature of the mandate, concerns around the safety aspects of fluoridation, and the lack of equity in the requirement for council to fluoridate some but not all our water supplies,” Denyer’s letter read.