Fluoride leader considers reversal

Relevant offers

Politics

Treaty obligations to stay in SOE sales law McCully email thief could be Kiwi PSA disappointed Key won't discuss cuts Delays in privatising ACC work account No background checks on Education ministry staff Labour fears for Kiwis in ministry shake-up The one-seat threshold Today In Politics: Thursday, February 23 Police complaint over election programme McCully's emails revealed

The first place in New Zealand to have fluoridated water will hold a referendum to decide if it should be removed.

Fluoride was introduced to Hastings' water supply in 1954.

Hastings district councillors yesterday voted unanimously in favour of holding a binding referendum. Papers will be sent out with voting papers in the 2013 local government election.

The decision follows months of lobbying by a group opposed to fluoridation, culminating in a public meeting in April which saw health experts debate with Paul Connett, chemistry professor at St Lawrence University New York and Fluoride Action Network research director.

Only water in the wards of Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere is fluoridated. Hastings last voted on fluoridation in 1990, with 56 per cent in favour.

If eligible electors vote for a change, the council will not have to repay a $244,100 subsidy from the Health Ministry for a new fluoridation plant.

- © Fairfax NZ News