Kawerau

Fluoridation started in Kawerau on 30 September 2024

Unfortunately the Kawerau District Council gave in to the pressure of the fines being threatened by the Dr Diana Sarfati, Director-General of Health, to start adding a neurotoxic fluoridation chemical to the drinking water of their community. They could, and should, have rejected the bullying tactic and refused to do. They could, and should, have sought an interim injunction if Dr Sarfati did in fact try to enforce the fines.
This council still could choose this option and stop fluoridation today if they had the political will.

Images above – Council meeting 10 April 2024

Due to public pressure, on 24 April 2024, the Kawerau District Council requested an extension to deadline. A petition with 762 signatures was presented to the Council. The Director-General of Health refused the extension.

Kawerau District Council correspondence regarding Mandatory Fluoridation

CEO’s letter to Director-General of Health 26 April 2024 – CEO requesting extension. Mayor’s letter to Minister of Health 26 April 2024 – Mayor requesting extension.

MOH Letter to Kawerau District Council 22 February – Update on directive. MoH Directive to Kawerau District Council 27 July 2022 – ordering council to start fluoridation of Kawerau by January 2023.

In the Media

Extension granted for Kawerau water fluoridation 11 June 2024
Kawerau council bound by fluoride directive 4 April 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What parts of the region under the council’s jurisdiction are fluoridated?

What fluoride chemicals are used to fluoridate the water supply?

Hydrofluorosilicic acid (HFA)

Where are the fluoride chemicals bought from?

Ixom

What level is water fluoridated at?

Between 0.7 and 1.0 mg/L as recommended by the Ministry of Health.

How frequently is the level of fluoride in the water tested?

Who performs the testing?

Where is the wastewater discharged?

Is there a Resource consent for the discharge of fluoridation chemicals?

Can you provide the section of the consent that permits the fluoride discharge?

Is there a Resource Consent held by the council to add fluoridation chemicals to the community water supplies?

How much per annum is spent on fluoridation chemicals?

Around $20K per year.

How much per annum is spent on implementing water fluoridation?

The cost of implementing fluoridation in 2024 was $419K which was paid by the Ministry of Health.

How much per annum is spent on testing the levels of water fluoridation?

How much does it cost per Tonne of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid?

How many tonne of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid is added into the environment?

I’m fairly sensitive to chemicals and have always avoided diet products, as aspartame affects me noticeably. A few years ago, I decided to try fluoride-free toothpaste. Since then, my health has improved in several ways. I no longer drool at night or wake up with a sore throat. My skin is clearer, and I no longer experience sudden tooth pain.

I’ve generally lived in areas where the water was not fluoridated and relied on rain tank water from 2002 to 2013. These days, I use a water distiller and occasionally drink bottled water. While working in Thames recently, I started getting sore throats after drinking hot chocolate made with boiled tap water—something I hadn’t experienced in years.

My son, who is 100% unvaccinated and was raised on raw milk and tank water, has never had a cavity at age 22. We lived in Paeroa and Cambridge, where I was assured the water was fluoride-free.

I initially tried Red Seal toothpaste, then explored several Indian brands. I currently prefer Rozino and Xiaoks, which I order from Temu.

Pamela, Paeroa

Sore throat from fluoride – even the toothpaste