Water fluoridation
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, FNDC received a directive from the Director General of Health 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 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.
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.
Fluoridation is scheduled to begin on 31 July 2026 for the Kerikeri and Kaitāia water supplies.
The council is required to implement the direction issued by the Director-General of Health and has been preparing the treatment systems needed to meet that requirement.
The target fluoride concentration is 0.8 milligrams per litre (0.8 mg/L).
This is the level specified in the direction issued by the Director-General of Health and is within the range used for community water fluoridation in New Zealand.
Yes. Community water fluoridation at the levels used in New Zealand is regarded as safe by New Zealand health authorities. The Director-General of Health issued the fluoridation direction under the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021.
The Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand advise that fluoridation has been used for many decades and is one of the most widely studied public health measures for preventing tooth decay.
FNDC’s role is to operate the water supply and comply with the legal direction issued by the Director-General of Health.
You are unlikely to notice a visible difference in the water when fluoridation begins.
According to the Ministry of Health, the benefits of fluoridation are seen over time through improved protection against tooth decay across the community. It is not expected to produce an immediate or noticeable physical change in the water itself.
Questions about the health effects, safety, or scientific evidence relating to fluoridation should be directed to the Ministry of Health.
Questions about the operation of the Kerikeri or Kaitāia water supplies can be directed to Far North District Council.
The fluoride level being added is very small (0.8 mg/L), and most people are not expected to notice any change in the taste, smell, or appearance of the water.
The Director-General of Health has made no further directions to fluoridate FNDC water supplies, but says others are under active consideration. Find out which here: Implementation of community water fluoridation | Ministry of Health NZ
More information: Fluoridation of council water supplies | Far North District Council