Director-General of Health Confirms Fluoridation for Kaitāia and Kerikeri

The Director-General of Health has declined an extension request by Far North District Council (FNDC) to the 30 June deadline for implementing the fluoridation of drinking water in Kaitāia and Kerikeri.

In a formal letter to Dr Diana Sarfati, Director-General of Health, Kahika Moko Tepania outlined the council's primary concerns. This follows an agreement at the 11 April 2024 council meeting to ask for an extension.

Concerns include the cost implications, potential health risks, and the necessity for comprehensive community consultation. Kahika Tepania emphasised that the projected costs of $6 million to introduce fluoride in the district, categorised as an area of high economic deprivation, present a significant financial challenge. He also noted the importance of engaging with the community to ensure a transparent and inclusive decision-making process, as recommended by other councils.

FNDC received a response from Dr Sarfati declining the request.

She highlighted that the 2021 amendment adding Part 5A to the Health Act 1956 empowers her to direct councils to fluoridate drinking water, and that councils are legally required to comply. A High Court decision on 24 May 2024 confirmed the validity of current directions, establishing that councils have a statutory duty to ensure mandatory compliance.

Failure to adhere to those directives constitutes an offence, potentially resulting in significant penalties.

While an extension to the deadline was not granted, Dr Sarfati requested that FNDC collaborates closely with the Public Health Agency to develop a plan for complying with the statutory requirements. Once a plan is agreed upon, the compliance dates will be reconsidered in accordance with the proposed plan and its timeline.

The council expects the detailed design to install fluoridation at both locations to be completed by July 2024. Budgetary provision has been included in the Long Term Plan 2024-2027 for construction to be delivered by 30 June 2025.

While fluoridation will be mandated, FNDC allows the installation of rainwater tanks for drinking purposes in reticulated areas for those who prefer an alternative, providing that the necessary consents are obtained and all District Plan requirements are met.