12 February 2024

Media: Radio NZ

Topic: Directive to fluoridate council water supplies

Enquiry

Today an RNZ reporter contacted Mayor Tapsell for an interview regarding where Rotorua is at with the fluoridation directive.

Response

Mayor Tapsell was busy at an event but provided the following comments:

“Following the High Court ruling on this last year we paused implementation and sought further guidance and legal clarification from the Director General of Health about how to proceed with the Government’s directive to fluoridate. We are still waiting on this.

“The health and safety of our community is our top priority and our Council has had robust discussions about the fluoridation directive. This has included seeking further clarification from the Ministry of Health on its view regarding potential health risks associated with fluoridation of water supplies. They advised they remain confident that fluoride in drinking water, at the suggested concentrations, does not pose a health risk to the community.

“However until we have further advice on the legality of this directive, all work to implement it will remain on hold.”