Would you please advise with a simple yes or no – if you are elected, would you support pressuring the coalition Government to bring forward, and vote for, the Member’s Bill introduced by NZ First, which seeks to repeal the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021 so that decision making for fluoridation can be returned to the hands of each local council?
No – for the following reasons :
1. I tautoko fluoridating drinking water. I tautoko evidence-based health interventions that reduce inequity and prevent harm. Fluoridation, endorsed by decades of international and national research, meets these principles.
2. I tautoko devolving decision-making to as close as possible to those affected by the decision. However, consistent access to safe, effective fortification like fluoridation is likely an equity and health issue that justifies central direction, in consultation with local authorities.
3. It would be inconsistent with my POV and previous position to advocate for the blanket repeal of the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021. However, it would be consistent with my POV to advocate for more inclusive local decision-making in implementation, including mechanisms that respect iwi and hapū authority over wai and enable co-governance, and sharing of ongoing costs.
2. I tautoko devolving decision-making to as close as possible to those affected by the decision. However, consistent access to safe, effective fortification like fluoridation is likely an equity and health issue that justifies central direction, in consultation with local authorities.
3. It would be inconsistent with my POV and previous position to advocate for the blanket repeal of the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021. However, it would be consistent with my POV to advocate for more inclusive local decision-making in implementation, including mechanisms that respect iwi and hapū authority over wai and enable co-governance, and sharing of ongoing costs.