I’m not sure this is how democracy works
Those who oppose enforced fluoridation of drinking water see it as a breach of human rights.
To be clear, elected councils did not make this decision.
We, the people, had no say and gave no consent.
Fluoride is a medical treatment. Regardless, New Zealand health authorities ditched the principle of informed consent when imposing fluoridation of community water supplies.
Director-General of Health Audrey Sonerson is tasked with overseeing the implementation of fluoridation directives across New Zealand, inherited from her predecessors - Ashley Bloomfield, who led the Ministry of Health through the COVID-19 pandemic, and Diana Sarfati, who resigned her position in February 2025 - but not before she told the Whangārei council in a letter that it was an offence under the Health Act for a local authority to contravene her direction to fluoridate.
Dr Sarfati told a defiant Whangārei council that the Minister of Health could seek a rare court writ of mandamus - ‘a type of court order directed to an inferior authority, commanding the performance of a specified duty’. Such a writ would enable her to turn on the fluoridation switch, or order council staff or contractors to do so.
The fluoridation order affects some 12,000 people living in my area. There is no option for refusal.
Our Far North District Council is required by law to comply with the directive. If the council doesn’t comply, it faces a fine of up to $200,000 per plant, followed by $10,000 for each day of non-compliance.
The council unsuccessfully requested an extension to the deadline for fluoridating the Kerikeri and Kaitāia water supplies, citing cost implications, potential health risks, and the necessity for comprehensive community consultation.
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania noted the importance of engaging with the community to ensure a transparent and inclusive decision-making process, as recommended by other councils.
His request was declined.
Facing financial and legal implications, the council has, therefore, gone ahead with a preliminary design for fluoridation plants,
The concerns
There is growing scientific evidence suggesting that fluoride exposure—particularly during pregnancy and early childhood—may be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
While international scientists call for high-quality research, the New Zealand government is unmoved by concerns that fluoridation of drinking water poses risks, although it doesn’t know how much water individuals drink per day and therefore the level of individual fluoride intake, particularly in the case of the unborn, infants and children.
New Zealand Ministry of Health bureaucrats, relying heavily on the advice of the World Health Organisation, insist that fluoridated drinking water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.
These are issues with ingested fluoride that have prompted other countries to discontinue fluoridation of drinking water:
Neurodevelopmental delay
Dental fluorosis
Hypothyroidism
Skeletal physiology, which is complex and dose-dependent.
There is concern that pregnant women and children are getting fluoride from many sources, including drinking water, water-added foods and beverages, teas, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash, and that their total fluoride exposure is too high and may affect fetal, infant and child neurodevelopment.
A 2025 study published in JAMA Pediatrics analysed data from 74 studies and found that each 1 mg/L increase in urinary fluoride was associated with a 1.63-point decrease in children's IQ. The research emphasised the need for pregnant women and parents to monitor fluoride intake.
The analysis found that the vast majority of the studies examined reported a link between fluoride exposure and decreased IQ, including at the lowest range of exposure.
Another 2025 paper, clearly not on the Ministry’s radar, found that fluoride exposure in the year of birth slightly reduced the risk of tooth decay but slightly increased the risk of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, and specific developmental delay. During the first 10 years of life, children who were fluoride-exposed as compared to unexposed were at significantly lower risk for tooth decay but at significantly greater risk for ASD, ID, and SDD. (Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. Intellectual Disability is a condition characterised by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors. Significant Developmental Delay (or Specific Developmental Delay is when a child is not meeting developmental milestones in one or more areas.)
The authors suggested new risk/benefit analyses of water fluoridation should be undertaken.
The Ministry’s stance and human rights
Health New Zealand medical officer Dr Phil Shoemack is on record saying that adding fluoride to water is not treatment to individuals, but to the water.
Officially, the Ministry of Health offers, as justification for its safe and effective stance, papers dating back to 2014, 2015 and 2021. (Cochrane Collaboration and reviews by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor).
Its website says:“There has been no high-quality evidence published since those 2014 and 2021 reports to suggest a causal link between fluoride exposure at the levels used in Aotearoa New Zealand for CWF (Community Water Fluoridation) and significant harm to health.”
The target concentration of fluoride in treated water is 0.85 mg/L, with variation between 0.7 and 1.0 mg/L allowed.
In February 2024, the High Court directed the Director-General of Health to assess whether each of 14 directions to fluoridate one or more water supplies made in 2022 were, in terms of section 5 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, a reasonable limit on the right to refuse medical treatment.
The Director-General has reconfirmed the directions to fluoridate community water, based on the belief that oral health benefits are sufficiently important to justify the curtailment of the right to refuse medical treatment.
However, the Ministry admits that formula-fed infants living in areas with fluoridated water may be exposed to higher levels of fluoride than deemed necessary for benefits, ‘putting them at higher risk of experiencing mild dental fluorosis’.
The cost
It's hard to understand the rationale for spending $11.3 million on controversial fluoridation systems for 14 councils, when the Ministry of Health is already cash-strapped.
Health New Zealand reported a substantial deficit of NZ$722 million for the 2023–24 financial year. In response to these financial pressures, the government has implemented austerity measures. The Budget 2025 operating allowance was reduced to NZ$1.3 billion, down from the previously forecasted NZ$2.4 billion.
Capital costs for the Ministry for the Kerikeri and Kaitaia plants alone are estimated to be $2.8 million. Far North ratepayers will be required to meet maintenance costs, as well as ongoing operational costs – estimated to be $110,000 annually for Kerikeri and $129,000 annually for Kaitaia.
The details
Answers to an official information request to the Far North District Council disclose that the compound to be used in the Far North is Sodium Fluoride (NaF), purpose made for drinking water application.
Council has not yet confirmed procurement of the 5kg canister dosing systems that will be used.
Sodium Fluoride is classified as a hazardous substance.
The Far North District Council will not be providing a fluoride-free service for Kerikeri and Kaitāia.
On the issue of a fluoride-free tap, the Ministry of Health advises, “It is a matter for the Director-General of Health to decide whether or not a local authority is allowed to provide any source of non-fluoridated water. Under the Health Act, local authorities may supply water without fluoride at specified sites, however these sites must be specified in the Director-General of Health direction to fluoridate. If a direction does not allow this, the local authority is not able to provide non-fluoridated water. If the local authority wanted to provide a source of non-fluoridated water, it would need to seek the permission of the Director-General of Health to do so.”
With little room to move, the Far North District Council advises that it allows installation of rainwater tanks for drinking purposes in areas that already have town supply. Provided that the necessary consents are obtained and all District Plan requirements are met, those wanting an alternative water supply can install their own.
Some questions were referred to the Environmental Protection Authority.
The following information was received from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
Sodium fluoride (NaF) is classified as a hazardous substance, with the classification of:
• Acute oral toxicity Category 3
• Acute dermal toxicity Category 3
• Skin irritation Category 2
• Eye irritation Category 2
• Reproductive toxicity Category 2
• Germ cell mutagenicity Category 2
• Specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure Category 1
What now?
New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill which aims to restore decision-making power to local communities through a binding referendum on water fluoridation.
However Health Minister Simeon Brown has indicated government policy won’t change. This may affect the bill's advancement and, until now, the bill has not progressed further through the legislative process.
The environment
Studies have investigated the impact of fluoride compounds on freshwater ecosystems, revealing varying effects across different organisms and environmental conditions.
Kaikohe's system discharges treated waste into local rivers.
In conclusion
So what it comes down to is that an unelected Wellington bureaucrat has the power to force medicated drinking water on populations who are not offered an opportunity to say ‘no thanks’ or even submit their views. Research shows that fluoride’s benefits to teeth are topical, not the result of ingesting fluoride.
It seems obvious that we need alternative ways to protect children against tooth decay.
“A growing body of research is demonstrating how ingested fluoride can alter the gut microbiome. This is especially concerning with young children where the microbiome is in a critical state of development. The best way to prevent cavities in children is by avoiding excessive sugar intake and good dental hygiene, not by altering a child’s microbiome,” - Dr Martin Adel Makary, British-American surgeon, professor and medical commentator.
“We need a much greater focus on primary health care. Incentives for healthier eating and lifestyles. Sugar taxes on unhealthy food and drink.” - Dr Glenn Colquhoun
"This is not a matter of being pro-fluoride or anti-fluoride. It is a matter of what New Zealanders see and value as democracy in our country” - MP Winston Peters.
“A person may validly agree to, or refuse, medical treatment even where they do not accept the diagnosis that has led to the offer of the treatment in question.”- High Court Justice Graham Lang.
Another public health matter
On a further public health front, New Zealand is again accused of dismissing a precautionary approach.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has announced its intention to raise the allowable glyphosate residue limits on food crops.
In a submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries, Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility (PSGR) has concluded that the entire regulatory environment for the stewardship of hazardous chemicals to protect human and environmental health is broken, and that no effort has been made by government ministers or chief executives to establish a cohesive, functional, evidence-based framework: “The current regulatory culture and framework ensures that New Zealand lags behind others in the regulation of chemicals.”
Again, the New Zealand authorities are accused of relying on outdated WHO guidelines, in this case for predicting dietary intake of pesticide residues.
They are criticised for being blithely ignorant of the risk that glyphosate presents, in particular, to babies, children and adolescents from chronic dietary exposures.
Sources
Community Water Fluoridation: An evidence review
Fluoridation of council water supplies | Far North District Council
Council fluoridation for Kerikeri and Kaitāia to go ahead | Far North District Council
Good Practice Guide Supply of Fluoride for Use in Water Treatment (PDF, 6.69mb) which
FLUORIDATION OF DRINKING-WATER SUPPLIES IN NEW ZEALAND
Fluoride policy won't change - Health Minister
Opposition to fluoride in drinking water grows - The New Lede
Top health official threatens to override Whangārei fluoridation refusal
Council votes against order to add fluoride to water
Whangārei District Council votes 7-6 against adding fluoride to water supply
NZ First Introduces Fluoridation Referendum Bill - New Zealand First
Fluoride policy won't change - Health Minister | RNZ News
Winston Peters says Whangārei fluoridation mandate a 'despotic Soviet-era disgrace' | RNZ News
Call for order amid heated fluoride debate at Rotorua council | RNZ News
Community water fluoridation policy | Ministry of Health NZ
Ashley Bloomfield ‘really excited’ to begin new role at University of Auckland - NZ Herald
Critiquing the WHO study on lives saved by COVID-19 vaccines | The BMJ
Utah becomes 1st state to ban fluoride in public drinking water - ABC News
FDA Moves to Get Fluoride Prescription Drugs for Kids Off the Market • Children's Health Defense
Far North fluoridation expansion on the horizon as non-compliance continues - NZ Herald
NZ First Introduces Fluoridation Referendum Bill - New Zealand First
Thank you for your well written and referenced work, spelling it out. Let us count the ways they are trying to poison us so that we then have to use their health services and pharma products. Just disgusting.
Thanks, Keri. More and more double down on authoritarianism in so many ways....