The only DHB candidates we managed to write to were: Hutt Valley, Capital and Coast, Wairarapa, Whanganui and Waitemata. But this Otago Daily Times article gives the opinions of the Southland District Health Board candidates.
| Council | Candidate | Comment |
| Ashburton | Selwyn Price | I believe that this will be an issue that will be subject to legislation or national standards, and therefore will be out of the control of district councils. However, as a rule, I do not support blanket fluoridation, but I would support increased public funding of oral health, particularly for children.Councils will be going through a raft of changes to how their drinking water is delivered and safeguarded, and fluoridation needs to be considered alongside these. |
| Ashburton | Sonia McAlpine | I support floride. No wouldn’t want to bring to council table. Fluoride in water in Methven is added because we don’t have that element in our soil. I was born and breed here nothing wrong with my IQ or my mothers her mother my children or grand children . |
| Auckland | Alan Barraclough | I dont support either fluoridation or non fluoridation. I believe the discussion has been really fraught with difficulty by the assumption that councils can only deliver a single type of water. The residents of a city are the consumers, and the water authority should go some way to delivering on all the residents desires as to whether they wish fluoridated or unfluoridated water. As a candidate for councillor Orakei ward in Auckland I would ask Water care to provide at least one unfluoridated tap in each suburb. It would be up to Watercare to decide how to deliver that. By tank or one single extra pipe. Watercare should also actively promote, sell and install rainwater drinking systems simply as part of a range of drinking water options. |
| Auckland | Edward Benson-Cooper | I am a big supporter of preventive healthcare, specifically in this case as it relates to dental hygiene. Water fluoridation has been shown to reduce rates of tooth decay, especially in lower socioeconomic areas, however I would be interested and willing to investigate this further and look for better alternatives. |
| Auckland | Gary Brown | Can you advise if any profound scientists or doctors in NZ used fluoride in their water supply from since they were children?. |
| Auckland | Tricia Cheel | Yes, I support ceasing fluoridation as soon as possible. I would support this issue being raised at Council. |
| Auckland | Anne-Marie Coury | Not easy to tackle this as personally use a water filter, but I am standing on a team that does not hold currently hold a shared common policy on flouridation. It is a regional issue, where Local Boards are dealing with local matters in our area. I have referred this matter to the Board Chair and his Deputy for comment. |
| Auckland | Megan Earley | 1. Do you support fluoridation? Whilst in the past, fluoridation was added to water to support dental health, there is so much more to consider now. Especially with our changing environment. 2. Would you be willing to bring this issue to the council table? Absolutely, if something is not right for our community, it must be addressed correctly. 3. Any other comments. I think research is of utmost importance and you have to trust when the facts and statistics keep coming to same answer. |
| Auckland | Jesse Jensen | I think fluoride should be seriously looked at. I have read that it is toxic and is a by-product of the production of aluminium and dumping it in our water is an easy way to get rid of it, plus it makes people more docile. So yes should be put on the table and looked at and most probably gotten rid of if the science says its bad |
| Auckland | Danielle Hancock | I would need to see a full presentation at a meeting to be able to see the data and ask questions to get a better understanding. Also, Local Boards do not control fluoridation in Auckland, that is managed by Watercare so there is limited influence we can have but I am always open to learning more and seeing where I can help |
| Auckland | Christina Robertson | I support fluoridation. |
| Auckland | Frances Smiler-Edward | I have never supported Fluoride in public water. As much as you say it’s a council decision, think again, the DHB have much influence on Councils. In particular they influenced the Hastings District Council to fluoride water. I absolutely would lobby council to stop making decisions for the people. |
| Auckland | Glen Snelgar – Mayoral Candidate | My two oldest boys grew up in a country that didn’t support fluoridation. They have both had major surgery to remove their baby teeth that died prematurely and got stuck in their gums preventing their permanent teeth from erupting. My daughter grew up in New Zealand, and she has never had a problem with her teeth. None of my children have had any issues with IQ. I believe that fluoridation has important health benefits, especially for children. So, I won’t be supporting any changes to the status quo. You are welcome to use bottled water if you disagree with the scientific consensus. |
| Auckland | Peter Vaughan – Mayoral Candidate | I am very much against fluoride in our water and have personally done research of my own some years ago, and although a little rusty, I am not an advocate AT ALL for the infusion and it is not the ‘people’s voice’ or choice so it is undemocratic and therefore against the human rights act. |
| Auckland | Duncan White | I’m not an expert but fluoride makes sense to me. Maybe not the answer you want but honestly. Sit in the same area as being immunised against measles. I am happy to listen to all sides of course but based on balance of items before me demanding attention. |
| Auckland | Margi Watson | I support fluoridation. If the research is robust – then pregnant women could consider looking at ways to reduce their fluoride. |
| Bay of Plenty DHB | Tracy Livingston | The sodium fluoride, hydrofluorosilic acid and other chemical products called “fluoride” that government adds to citizens water are toxic chemical waste products that are classified as class 6 poisons. Medicating a population through the water supply is in breach of accepted medical ethical codes as there is neither informed consent, nor the ability to opt out. The Health and Disability Commission Act enshrines in law our right to refuse medication, therefore government sanctioned water fluoridation is therefore entirely unlawful. |
| Buller | Denis Bergman | I do not agree with your stance. |
| Buller | Ruth Vaega | I have read somewhere that the risks of adding it to water supplies outweigh the benefits & I remember how awful it tastes when I go to fluoridated towns. Therefore, I would definitely be against it being added to our water. |
| Capital and Coast DHB | Nathan Clark | I support fluoridation. People that work in dentistry, in areas where there is high deprivation and no flouride added to the water, end up seeing young children from low-income families having to have their teeth extracted on a daily basis. Fluoridation of water supplies is the most effective public health measure for the prevention of dental decay. Unfortunately misinformation is spread by a minority group of people about the so-called ‘dangers’. This has led to some areas of New Zealand not having fluoride added to their water supply. As a consequence, these non-fluoridated communities have significantly higher rates of tooth decay – particularly in areas of high deprivation. I support the science and evidence that fluoridation is safe and effective. |
| Carterton | Roger Boulter | I would oppose adding fluoride to our water if it came up as an issue for Council.It surprises me that the arguments advanced in support of fluoridisation are usually around children’s dental health. There must surely be better ways of tacking that issue – two which immediately come to mind are reducing sugar in drinks and food, and the old issue of getting children to brush and floss their teeth well and regularly. I’m not as familiar with the scientific arguments as some, but two further issue occur to me. Firstly, caution – the science is far from settled, and we should at least be open to arguments such as those you have advanced. Secondly, personal freedom, which when it comes to what we put into our own bodies I think is a very fundamental freedom indeed. With a fluoridated public water supply, it will be very difficult, or practically impossible, for most people to drink any other kind of water. |
| Carterton | Steve Cretney | I would be happy for Carterton council to consider using Fluoridation in their water.My wife is from Chch and all her siblings have amazing teeth – note from FFNZ Christchurch is not fluoridated |
| Carterton | Jill Greathead – mayoral candidate | I would oppose fluoridation if this issue came up at Council. Until I see a balanced report on the pros and cons of fluoridation with health and financial considerations backed up by evidence I say “Status Quo for our community keeping as many toxic substances out of our bodies and our environment”. We use taxpayer $s to educate our children at preschool, primary and secondary schools (3 to 15 years) – educate them all as part of the curriculum and give out free toothbrushes/toothpaste and get them to clean their teeth at schools if they haven’t at home. And of course educate them about the toxic effects of sugar on our bodies. Create the habit in the young so they like the feeling of clean teeth before they start and end their day! I clean my teeth because I love the feeling of smooth teeth a sweet breathe! It is a nice habit. In Carterton District District, one third of our households are not connected to the urban reticulated supply so do not benefit (if there are benefits?) from the treatment of this supply. I appreciate the work you do – thank you. |
| Carterton | Jenna Hagan | I absolutely do not support fluoridation. Yes, I would be willing to object to this if it came up at council. |
| Carterton | Bernard Tauro | First of all, I am an Engineering grad; not a Chemist, so I have no claim to being an expert in Chemistry, or even au fait with the Fluoride issue. I recall Fluoride to be a particularly vicious halogen, which reacts with almost anything, including other electronegative elements. For this reason, Fluorides seem to be spread far and wide. I also recall days when every school had several Dental Nurses who were all busy, until we fluoridated water; then they became unnecessary. In the modern age, those who want fluorine are able to buy fluoridised toothpaste, which obviates the need to fluoridate the water. I would be happy to take advice, and discuss this matter with CDC. |
| Central Hawkes Bay | Meremere Tu Ahiahi Darcie Scowen | Fluoridation isn’t a priority for me nor am I for it. |
| Central Otago | Cushla Browning | I would oppose to having fluoride in our Central Otago water. |
| Central Otago | Liz Cadogan | I am vehemently opposed to adding fluoride to local water supply.I would be more than willing to bring this to the Council table. Adding fluoride to a local water supply is a form of mass medication and takes away a personal choice decision for anyone who did not wish to ingest it. Those who choose to have fluoride for themselves or their children can use fluoride toothpaste or pills. By adding it to water there is no limit on the quantity absorbed. I have seen younger people with fluorosis on their teeth (discoloured with pitting), most likely from having too much fluoride – ( water and toothpaste.) Excess fluoride is also detrimental for the elderly, affecting the quality of bone tissue and can cause bone fractures and kidney damage. |
| Central Otago | Ian Cooney | If thorough scientific testing has shown a link between fluoridation of our water supplies and lowered IQ then it would be best to err on the side of caution and oppose the addition of fluoride to our water. |
| Central Otago | Tony Hammington | I support fluoridation and it certainly warrants informed discussion. The studies seem very robust but cannot be taken in isolation, and must be factored with; – if the decision to fluoridate is made, a robust plant of communication for pregnant mothers about the positive and negative effects of fluoridation, as well as alcohol, nicotine and other drugs is implemented – the overall positive effects across the entire population of fluoridation and ability to mitigate any negative effects. -the extent of effect of lowering infant IQ as per the quoted text from the study below . |
| Central Otago | Bruce Potter | I was not aware of the studies you mention and I will certainly look into it. |
| Christchurch | J.T. Anderson – Mayoral candidate | 100% – Fluoride is a neurotoxin and should NOT be anywhere near our water and or waterways.Keep fighting the good fight, it takes people like you and I to make real change is this world |
| Christchurch | James Daniels | From what I know and understand it is not a good idea to fluoridate our drinking water. If I’m elected and have to make a decision I would oppose, pending information that I haven’t considered to date. |
| Christchurch | Robin McCarthy | As Christchurch is fluoride free, this is not an issue that I have to think about. I am sure that if it ever came to pass that there was a proposal to flouridate the water it would amount to a major change in current policy. In those circumstances it would go out to public consultation by way of seeking submissions, and a subsequent committee hearing to consider those submissions. At that point you could ask to be heard. |
| Christchurch | Peter Mcdougall | I support fluoridation.For me it’s like having a vaccination. |
| Christchurch | John Minto | I am opposed to fluoridation.I’ve written about this in the past https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/02/06/the-science-is-not-settled-on-the-benefits-of-fluoridation-of-water-supplies/ |
| Christchurch | Cam Parsonson | I have an M.Sc in chemistry. I am totally opposed to adulteration of our water supply with halogens. |
| Christchurch | Anthony Rimell | I do not support fluoride in the water |
| Christchurch | Lee Sampson | I would oppose the introduction of fluoride into our drinking water – I believe this is something that the individual should have a right to determine. I personally believe there would be better results from a targeted education programmes on oral hygiene like Childsmile in Scotland. |
| Christchurch | Peter Wakeman – Mayoral Candidate | Totally oppose fluoridation. Central Government likely to force by law the use of fluoridation. Council has to follow law. |
| Counties Manuakau District Health Board | Ray Pitch | Currently yes, I support fluoridation on the basis of the (peer reviewed) evidence I have read. I have not listened to the podcast by the JAMA editors, but will do so. I am prepared to change my view on the basis of evidence from peer reviewed impartial studies. |
| Dunedin | Christine Garey | Yes, I support fluoridation. No, I am not willing to bring it to Council. |
| Dunedin | Dave Hanan | Yes, I support fluoridation. No, I am not willing to bring it to Council. |
| Dunedin | Trevor Johnson -Strath Taieri community board | your group in my opinion are similar to the anti vaxers and look where that has got us. I suspect most of you vote green and drive electric vehicles and despise people who work hard and are successful. |
| Dunedin | Jason Lindsey | I am aware of people’s concerns about fluoride in our water. I have done some limited research on it in 2007 while making a documentary about the bottled water industry. It was a bit of a side issue to what we were working on, so I didn’t get far enough into it to draw a definitive conclusion, but I can tell you the my feelings about water fluoridation are that it seems wild that we put the stuff in our drinking supply. Have you tried to bring this subject to council, before? If so, what happened? I’d like to know more about these processes and where they fall short, so if I do get into council I can have a strategy for getting topics like this seriously considered, rather than passively dismissed. |
| Dunedin | Mike Lord | Yes, I support the scientific evidence that fluoridation is beneficial for the general population. No, I see no need to change unless there is new recommendations from the Ministry of Health. |
| Dunedin | Malcolm Moncrief-Spittle | I do not support water fluoridation. Yes, I would like to put forward a motion that we stop fluoridating the water. Fluoride is not an essential trace element, or required for water safety. It is a form of medication, which is dosed inaccurately (some people drink more than others). We should not be mass medicated against our will. Alternatives to gain fluoride-free water are expensive and complicated. But if people do want fluoridation, there are easily available alternatives like fluoridated toothpaste. There are health risks to fluoride. The risks outweight the benefits, especially when we see that tooth decay rates have declined at similar rates in areas which have never been fluoridated, such as Christchurch. |
| Dunedin | Callum Steele-MacIntosh | I fully support fluoride in the water. I am always open to discuss things, but I have no intentions to bring this to the table as it currently stands. |
| Far North | Rodger Corbin | 1. Do you support fluoridation? Yes 2. Would you be willing to bring this issue to the council table? There is no reason to at this time |
| Far North | David Senior | I personally don’t agree with fluoride being added to our water. It’s dental care and good diet that gives one great teeth. |
| Far North | Mike Stevens | I would you oppose fluoridation if the issue came up at Council. Pregnant women can choose to buy unfluoridated water. The poor dental condition of the Far North’s kids will have a lifelong effect on their health. |
| Far North | Kelly Stratford | I have opposed fluoridation in the past and would continue to do so. We need more hands on dental care in the north. The reason we have dental problems here is not because we don’t do fluoridation. It is because those that can’t afford dental care/maintenance simply don’t get any. |
| Gisborne | Athena Emmerson | It’s more than Fluoride! When is the last time you went to a water plant and sited what they actually debug our water with? You be surprised. |
| Gisborne | Lizz Crawford | I believe in keeping our communities safe from harm, monitoring and testing water quality and taking action should there be health risks to pregnant mums. The Ministry of Health and Emergency Management will take action I suspect before the issue gets to Council. I will advocate for our Medical Officers of Health to advise on the situation to both our District Health Board and Council.Does this impact the same as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in utero? Are you saying that generations of us who have got an education, worked hard etc are actually suffering from fluoride induced low IQ from neurotoxicity? How many people actually drink fluoridated water that is store purchased? What do other Councils do with water when they don’t fluoridate and why did they stop fluoridating? I would be concerned if others knew about the risk and did not present a warning. |
| Gisborne | Ross Chatterton | I am totally opposed to putting a deadly poison like fluride into our drinling water. I myself insist on buying bottled water for this reason and will only drink Gisborne tap water if absolutely desperate. Also, I would be more than happy to raise this issue before the GDC. I work with Elderly people, many of whom are afflicted with Dementia, and believe Fluoride poisoning is a major cause of this terrible illness. |
| Gisborne | Shane Vermeulen | Unfortunately I do not know much about this topic. However if I learnt the “facts”as it were from both sides of the story and the evidence was compelling that fluoridation was a significant health risk that outweighs its benefits then yes I would work on replacing that system with other treatments safer for our health. |
| Gisborne | Courtenay Waikari | My personal stance is that Gisborne should not be fluoridating its water supplies. I acknowledge the studies of the negative effects of fluoride on foetal development which is a big concern. |
| Gore | Ralph Beale | I personally have never supported the introduction of fluoride and successfully shut down a move to introduce it some 5yrs ago at our Council table. I am retiring after 4 x terms of council and standing for a seat on Gore Health Incorporated which is a governance role re hospital buildings, land etc not the day to day operation of staff contracts etc, that is Gore Health Ltd. |
| Gore | John Gardyne | Against fluoride |
| Grey | Kay Costley | Yes I would oppose the introduction of fluoridation. |
| Grey | Paulette Birchfield | no I would not oppose fluoridation, and I think that it should be the responsibility of the DHB’s. |
| Grey | Jackie Farrelly | Yes I would oppose fluoridation of water supplies. The research shows it to be harmful and unnecessary. If anyone feels strongly that they wish to have fluoride then they can purchase the tablets quite cheaply at a pharmacy. This way they make their choice without denying the rights of others to make their own informed choice to not have fluoride. |
| Grey | Rico Osmaston | No, I do not support fluoridation. I would be willing to bring the issue to Council. I have serious reservations with compulsory medication ethics and am very unsure of the efficacy of Flouride at all. My overall perspective is that our world has become universally toxic and anti-biosphere, essentially because of the competition based monetary system that we currently have. |
| Hamilton | James Casson | 1. Do you support fluoridation? Yes 2. Would you be willing to bring this issue to the council table? No 3. Nothing to ad other than making some public taps in Hamilton Fluoride free for public use. |
| Hamilton | Chris Davis | Yes I support fluoridation of water. I would support it being discussed if it was raised by enough Hamilton residents. |
| Hamilton | Siggi Henry | I do not support fluoridation. I am willing to bring this issue to the council table if someone from the public has concerns about it and will bring their concerns to me. My grandfather was a dentist so were my parents and I worked in their dental clinic for 8 years. This was in Germany and water fluoridation was then frowned upon. it is a neurotoxin and has harmful effects on humans as we have seen with the latest study on IQ. |
| Hamilton | Anna Smart | Yes I support fluoridation of water and was pleased when it was reintroduced into Hamilton’s Town supply. Yes, I would support this at the council table if it were on the agenda. |
| Hamilton | Sarah Lorraine Thomson | I support fluoridation. Thanks. And that billboard on Mill St is extremely disappointing. |
| Hastings | Rebecca Burn | I would oppose the reintroduction of flouride into our water supply.Should the reintroduction of flouride be brought to the table again I would be happy to receive more information from you. |
| Hastings | Ann Redstone | I am strongly opposed to any sort of mass medication, including fluoride. We were very lucky where we live out on the Cape Coast that fluoride was never introduced to our water supply and we weren’t included in the Hastings fluoride referendum. i have listened to the podcast and interview and was already very aware of the studies undertaken. I intend to oppose the reintroduction of fluoride to the Hastings water supply.People should have freedom to choose whether or not they ingest this substance and they do at present in that it’s obtainable in chemist shops. |
| Hastings | Jonathan Stockley | I am standing as a candidate for the rural community board of Hastings District Council. The only water supplies we have here are private supplies from bores, rivers, springs or roof water. Fluoridation is not an issue for our community nor is it an issue that the Rural Community Board plays any part in deciding.In my role as a candidate I therefore have no view either way on this issue. |
| Hutt City | Debra Hislop | I support fluoridation. I thank you for providing information however I remain of the view that fluoridation is important for our community. |
| Hutt City | Simon Edwards | I support fluoridation but I am open to continued discussion about its safety and efficacy. I do not have sufficient science or health knowledge to make a call on this but I have faith that the experts and scientists in our public service and universities would call out any issues, and advise the government accordingly. I am confident they are monitoring the kinds of studies and information you have emailed. I do not believe there is a conspiracy of silence or some sort of cover-up. |
| Hutt City | Tui Lewis | I support topical application only of fluoride – I don’t support it being put into the water. I would support bringing it again to Council table but honestly to get it on the agenda first and then across the line would require a miracle looking at the candidates stance from the VoteScience page. Being the Harbourward Councillor, my stand will remain at keeping fluoride out of our local supply. |
| Hutt City | Michael Lulich | I am sticking with the status quo. I can ask again for it to come to the council table if I am e-elected. |
| Hutt City | Simon Monrad | Are you aware that IQ has a long and sordid history of being used as a tool of race science, and that this continues today? This includes being used to justify antisemitism and anti-black racism. Further, it is essentially useless as i) any kind of isolated statistical metric, since environmental factors are unable to be controlled, and ii) any measure of intelligence. An IQ test does not measure intelligence. It measures how good a person is at taking an IQ test, the scores of which can be wildly changed merely by the conditions of the day, health of the person, and room the test is taken in. I am afraid that unless your society can roll out comprehensive, free public-controlled dental care for each and every person in Aotearoa — a goal which I would wholeheartedly support — then stripping away one of the few things which forms a final bulwark for the dental health of the poorest and most vulnerable in our country amounts to little more than class warfare. I cannot support an attack on the poorest of our communities. If you truly believe in making fluoridation unnecessary, please use your energies in social activism to get a comprehensive public healthcare system which includes completely free dental care for all. |
| Hutt City | Ashok Parbhu | I support fluoridation. Fluoride has been the greatest public health outcome for people |
| Hutt Valley District Health Board | John Terris | As Mayor I arranged a Referendum so Petone people could choose and they chose not to have fluoride.Its a community decision in my view. |
| Hurunui | Peggy Burrows | I agree with both fluoridation and chlorination. Fluoride because the most recent New Zealand oral health survey (2009) showed that children and adolescents living in areas with fluoridated water have 40 percent less tooth decay than those living in areas without. The significant benefits of water fluoridation for oral health are also supported by over 60 years of studies around the world |
| Hurunui | Mary Holloway | Fortunately we do not have a fluoridated water supply in Hanmer Springs and I do not support Flouridation. |
| Hurunui | Stephen Carr | 1.Thanks for your email. At this present point in time I do not believe I know enough about the pros/cons of adding Fluoride to water supplies to make an informed decision. Should I be elected to Council my role is to advocate for what my community wants, and it becomes their decision, not mine weather to oppose or be in favour of, regardless of my personal belief or opinion on the subject. I realize this may not specifically answer the query in the way you were expecting. |
| Hurunui | Margaret Walker | 1No I will not oppose fluoridation in Hurunui. My kids were born in Auckland over 30 yrs ago. They are fine and highly intelligent. It saved their teeth, protected them all the way to adulthood. My guess is, as a scientist, there will be other studies stating the opposite as there are with other controversial social issues. |
| Kapiti | Geoffrey Churchman | I’m very dubious about the alleged benefit of fluoridated water and personally I prefer not to have to drink it. I think that enthusiasts of fluoride could use toothpaste containing it, rather than having it imposed on everybody. There would also be a council cost saving. The position I’m standing for, the Waikanae Community Board, will not give me a vote at the council table. |
| Kapiti | Bede Laracy | Fluoridation is a very divisive topic. If there is significant community support, then the Paekakariki Community Board would be the best vehicle to mange a local consultation. I would then support the view of the Board. Personally, I don’t like fluoride in the water as there is the risk (admittedly low) of brain and bone issues, and ingestion is not the best way to use it to promote dental health. The NZ Supreme Court last year decided that fluoridation of water is “mass medication”, in which case there are also human rights issues to assess. I would support the democratic will of the people so long as it upheld the rule of law including the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. |
| Kapiti | Nigel Wilson | Do you support fluoridation? NO. Would you be willing to bring this issue to the council table? YES I would. Fluoride is a toxic waste product, and added to the water supply is a form of mass medication. There are far more effective methods of dental care. |
| MacKenzie | Carol Simcox | I support fluoridation. Growing up in the Mackenzie we took fluoride tablets to help protect our teeth as we had spring water. However it was not enough, many of us here have appalling teeth. |
| Manawatu District Health Board | Ray Pitch | I’ve now had the opportunity to read the research article and watch the videos. It certainly raises some questions I’d not considered meriting further investigation.Is the difference in IQ significant? The population had an IQ in the 105-108 range so above average any way. How has IQ in the population shifted over time (eg is an IQ in 2019 the same as an IQ measured in 1969?). The majority of the US NIH, UK NICE and our own MOH studies argue dental health benefits of Fluoride which in the long term indicate better general health.I now agree that there needs to be more discussion with regards to the apparent risk trade off between IQ loss and Dental health benefits. Thanks for your advocacy the science of the last century does need to be questioned. |
| Marlborough | Cyril Dawson | I am so AGAINST fluoride in Blenheims water supply. We have good quality drinking water here and thats how it should stay. If people want fluoride in their water then go buy a tablet. |
| Marlborough | Sally Arbuckle | Yes I would oppose fluoridation. Currently MDC has no fluoridation and I’m not aware any plans to change that. |
| Marlborough | Rick Ireland | The people of Marlborough tend to be against fluorodation and if the subject were to come up for consideration, it would be a decision for Marlborough, as a whole, to make. |
| Marlborough | Margaret Martin | I have yet to see any truly balanced reports on the advantages vs disadvantages of fluoridation of the water so it is difficult for me to adequately answer this question I’m afraid. At this point in time I would suggest that I am AGAINST it, purely because I have yet to have been presented with enough adequate research on both sides of the argument. However, if I am fortunate enough to be elected to the Council, it is my role to be the voice of what my community wants, rather than any personal agenda that I may have. It is our job, as Councillors, to hear our community and represent them. That said, I’m not sure that mass fluoridation of the water is the answer that is needed. I think that as Council, we should be encouraging our DHB to look at alternatives to improving dental hygiene across the board and targeting those most at risk of problems, rather than a mass campaign. Without significant evidence that the benefits outweighed the risks, I would not be able to support the addition of fluoride. |
| Marlborough | Gerry Roodakker | I don’t support fluoridation of town water supply and along with vineyard sprays drift and roundup and 1080 use are things I want to have decisive action on if elected to council |
| Marlborough | Philip Vink | Yes I have done in the past. We gave our children fluoride tablets as children (during the 90’s) as our water supply in those days was not fluoridated. To this day they have excellent teeth and enjoy good dental health. You raise an interesting point about the effects on women carrying babies and if this research is indeed correct I would take advice from our local health authority as to the next best thing to do.I think it would be important to discuss at a council and committee level within our local authority. I would therefore support the introduction of the subject to Council and revisiting our current processes and delivery of fluoride to local water supplies. |
| Masterton | Aileen Haeata | I do not support fluoridation. Even though I’m not standing for Council this time (I’m standing for M.C.T), I would like to become better informed and push to cease flourodating and it would make sense as I find I.Q levels in Whakaoriori (Masterton) since I moved here April 2018 are quite stunted. I think the high levels of indoctrinated prejudice (normalising prejudice and discrimination by both pakeha and maori) are incredibly high and linked to low I.Q’s, now I have a possible definitive cause of low intelligence in people who think they ARE intelligent. Bloggles the mind really. I’m going to join Fluroride Free NZ. |
| Matamata-Piako | Bruce Dewhurst | I would not oppose fluoride in our water supply. |
| Matamata-Piako | Bruce Morgan | Fluoride has been a concern to me for many years. I will table these concerns at council if elected or not. I also do not like how the powers that be make these rules on behalf of the people .You have my full support. |
| Matamata-Piako | Sue Whiting | I appreciate your views.If elected I want to ensure that I take the views of the community to the Council Boardroom, Therefore you can be assured that I will work to support the communities preferences if and when the district debates the fluoride issue. |
| Napier | Jake Brookie | Any decision about fluoridation would have to be thoroughly consulted on as it would effect everyone in the city. I understand that fluoride is needed for healthy teeth but I believe that there are better ways to distribute it (e.g. toothpastes, education around brushing teeth, the school dental system). Given the Council’s lack of data on the condition of our water network I wouldn’t apply a medication into the system. |
| Napier | Annette Brosnan | I do not support fluoridation, mass medication is not the future. |
| Napier | Will Jenkins | I would you oppose fluoridation if the issue came up at Council. Napier Council has no plans to introduce fluoride. |
| Napier | Craig Morley | I absolutely oppose the introduction of any chemicals into out water supply, especially Fluorine.The issues of dental hygiene need to addressed with self responsibility. Don’t lump a problem on most of the population from the actions/inaction’s of a few. Educate.Even compulsory teeth brushing at schools (they do this very successfully in the Island as they have no or little access to dental care and have to address the issue at the root [excuse the pun]cause). It would be far cheaper identifying children at risk and providing Fluoride tablets/pills/ even toothpaste. |
| Napier | Rhonda Sue | No I don’t support Fluoridation. Chlorination is bad enough. |
| Nelson | Yvonne Bowater | I would definitely read all the literature if I was to be elected and if it did come up as a discussion. With everything I like to make an informed decision and as we are one of the regions that do not fluoride as yet this is not a topic that I have greatly researched. My understanding is we have an excellent water filtration system through our water plant so I’m quite confident that we will not be having to bring this topic to the Council table. |
| Nelson | Bernie Goldsmith | I oppose fluoridation and will do my best to keep Nelson-Marlborough free of it. The health of people is of paramount importance to me. |
| Nelson | Luke King | I do not support fluoridation. |
| Nelson | Stephen Lindup | I haven’t looked into the subject into any great depth, but I am aware that the jury is still out on the subject. One thing I was told some time ago, it’s not necessarily the fluoride that does damage but the other additives that go along with it. |
| Nelson | Harry Morris | I would oppose the introduction of fluoride to the water supply I believe as parents educating children regarding dental health is an important role covering both diet and teeth cleaning. |
| Napier | Greg Mawson | Yes, I oppose fluoridation. I liken the fluoride in water the same as any other additive in water. Unless its necessary (to kill bugs) then don’t do it. People should brush their teeth themselves. The toothbrush was invented in 1938, surely we can get it together? |
| Napier | John Smith | John did not reply to the email, but FFNZ know he is opposed to fluoridaton. |
| Nelson | Chris Stewart | I support fluoride in the water as long as it is safe to do so based on scientific evidence. While reading that study, it would be worth highlighting the risks of high consumption of fluoride during pregnancy. If the World Heath Organisation and the Ministry of Health were to change their stance on fluoride, then I would defer to their expertise in the matter and present all available information to my community so that ultimately they can decide. As I am standing for the Nelson Park Ward, it is typically associated with the lower socioeconomic demographic, and subsequently has a high risk for poor dental health. In its current form, fluoridated water is used to support oral health in the community, and the health and well being of the community is of great importance to me. |
| New Plymouth | Dwayne Sherwood | We should have full control over our water supply. And no population, should be mass dosed, of anything, especially that toxic waste, that is not even the right flouride. Stop feeding kids junk food will do more for their teeth than poisoning the whole community. |
| Opotiki | Deborah Hocart | I have mixed feelings about fluoridation. I personally have never given it to my children. We have alwayshad access to water from natural sources ie water from a spring & rainwater in a tank. There are some poorer communities where the children have poor diets that might benefit having fluoridation in the water for their teeth. I have always felt that that was not treating the root of the cause of bad teeth. Why arent we able to give children appropriate ffods for good tooth development. So I would have to say that I do not support fluoridation. |
| Otorohanga | Neville Gadd | I do not support mass medication without the ones being medicated having the decision on whether they are medicated or not. I would absolutely oppose fluoridation if the issue came up at Council. If people want fluoride, they can go and buy some fluoride and poison themselves. |
| Palmerston North | iulian h. dian | I consider fluoridation unnecessary.The main reason for water fluoridation is tooth decay. Water fluoridation may reduce cavities in children but there is no conclusive study of its efficacy. Older studies failed to control for numerous variables, such as increasing sugar consumption as well as other dental strategies. Recent studies even suggest that water fluoridation, particularly in industrialized nations, may be unnecessary.Unlike NZ, Australia, Canada and the US, most European countries don’t use water fluoridation |
| Queenstown Lakes | Barbara East | I would absolutely oppose fluoridation of the water supply if this ever came up in our district. |
| Queenstown Lakes | Lyal Cocks | I would oppose. |
| Queenstown Lakes | Chris Hadfield | I Should I be lucky enough to be elected to the Wānaka Community Board my role is to be an advocate of the Wānaka Community. As such I will take my lead from them. |
| Rangitikei | Cath Ash | I would most certainly oppose fluoridation. I believe people need to have the choice whether to use fluoride or not, and at what quantities. Ingesting fluoride through drinking water offers no prescribed dose, therefore those that drink a lot of water could be consuming enough to be detrimental to their health. Brushing teeth offers the ideal solution to dental decay and should people wish to use fluoride there are plenty of fluoridated pastes available. So much more I could say…but thanks Mary, for the opportunity to share a snippet of my thoughts. |
| Rotorua | Al Angus | I do support fluoridation. |
| Rotorua | Brendan Davis | Our waters here in Rotorua are the best I know and I would totally oppose any idea of fluoridation. There are many examples as you know of cities now reversing their fluoride waters. |
| Rotorua | Alan Deverson | I do not support fluoridation of our water supplies. |
| Rotorua | Steve Chadwick | I do support fluoridation. This will be a decision for DHB’s to make. I would be prepared to consider any evidence such as the one cited if the Ministry of Health advised against the status Quo. |
| Rotorua | Ryan Gray | Once the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Bill passes, if the DHB makes a decision to add fluoride to the water, then Council would have no choice but to comply – your questions would be better posed to the people with responsibility around this decision being made. I agree with the scientific consensus on fluoride. |
| Rotorua | Bill Hedges | I have always opposed Fluoride in water for a couple of reasons. 1. Its basically mass medication.Those who wish to put fluoride in their water the choice is much easier than taking it out. 2. There is a need for certain chemicals to keep water drinkable in areas, Fluoride has no affect for water quality. 3. I don’t even know why this is a debate – the logic is not there so the only answer is pushed will over others in flawed thinking. 4. Freedom of choice is taken away when you force fluoride on people 5. The fluoride used is a byproduct of industry and putting it in the water is an easy way to dump the product Tis a no brainer actually |
| Rotorua | Peter Jones | Totally opposed to fluoridation of our water supply and would strongly lobby against it if the question came up in Rotorua. |
| Rotorua | Rob Kent – Mayoral Candidate | I have publicly stated my intent to do all I can to oppose compulsory fluoridation of Rotorua’s water supply, should that ever be attempted. I have read enough on the subject to be totally convinced that the risks of over-exposure to fluoride though inclusion in water supplies will have unacceptable health side-effects, particularly in unborn children. |
| Rotorua | Lance Mutrow | hank you for getting in touch. I definitely oppose the addition of fluoride to water supplies.Apart from the removal of choice to be medicated, it’s my understanding the benefits of additional fluoride ingestion are few, if any. The risks however are substantial.Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you need me to be more specific. |
| Rotorua | Jennifer Rothwell | Rotorua has the second worst rate of dental health in the country, that we do not fluoridate our water may be a correlation that I will be investigating. The JAMA research was slammed in the peer review process, the experiment was poorly conducted, the results statistically insignificant and the conclusions flawed. Be gone you peddlers of disinformation. |
| Rotorua | Harina Rupapera | I am totally against fluoridation. I would never support that. It is linked to health issues, mental and physical. Also bad for environment. |
| Rotorua | Alan Tane Soloman | 100% yes I would oppose fluoride like I did in 2014. Back then my freedom of choice was under attack, so as a concerned citizen I helped Fluoride Free NZ lead the fight here in Rotorua. Common sense prevailed with the Rotorua Lakes Council voted not to start fluoride in our city. All the new research that has come out and the fact that 97% of Europe has banned fluoride tells me the decision in 2014 was a great decision. |
| Rotorua | John Rakei-Clark | I do love the water in Rotorua so saying that I’ll have a look into what else is there to investigate |
| Rotorua | Shirley Trumper | My response is: While Councils must consider the 4 Wellbeings in future policies, the fluoride debate is a health matter and not a local body issue. I would not support this debate as a Council driven policy. Council’s business is storm water, waste water and any additives in the potable water are at the directives of Government or Health policies. |
| Ruapehu | Elizabeth Pakai | No I wouldn’t oppose Fluoridating our water supply. Dentists support this see Ruapehu Bulletin 17th September pg. 7 quote ” If you want free dental care – put fluoride in the water’. end quote. |
| Ruapehu | Jacques Windell | I would totally oppose fluoridation.Thank you for your efforts in this regard,. |
| Selwyn | Epiha Cycler | Thanks for asking me my thoughts on this. All i can do i speak to what i know. I must say as the father of 5 daughters from 17 to 6 months, growing up healthy with an abundance of fresh clean water is something we take for granted. Leeston is the first place i have lived that has a completely untouched water supply. Something of which i am very proud and protective of.I would be happy to bring the issue of fluoridation to the council table. |
| Selwyn | Sophie McInnes | More than anything else, I support healthy outcomes. In the case of teeth, I’m not convinced that fluoridation is always the answer and am happy for Selwyn District Council to continue not fluoridating our water supply.If fluoridation was proposed as a new measure, I would certainly question it. There are other ways to improve oral hygiene, which may be better suited to those at risk and/or more effective in different areas. I wouldn’t support fluoridation without substantive evidence that it would actually help residents with poor oral hygiene, and that there was genuine support from the affected community (since the decision could potentially be to fluoridate township by township, not district-wide). I’m aware of the proposed Bill to give control of this decision to DHBs (or possibly the Director-General of Health?), which would obviously take fluoridation out of councils’ hands, but may still require local consultation at least. My comments above would apply regardless, but obviously wouldn’t have much weight around a table where a different organisation makes the final choice. If fluoridation was mandated, I would request a review of whether the expected outcomes had in fact been achieved after a suitable time period. |
| Selwyn | Michelle Jones | To my knowledge there is no fluoridation in any of the public water schemes in the Selwyn District nor any plans to include fluoridation in the foreseeable future. If presented with the question on fluoridation of public water schemes. I would like to take an evidence based approach to making a decision. |
| Selwyn | Ken May | My daughter-in-law is a highly respected PhD Biochemist in the UK and has informed me that many areas in the UK are removing fluoridation because the science doesn’t weigh up. Also, I’m opposed to fluoridating water when many, if not all toothpastes include fluoride and I don’t know if the science yet has identified categorically that over fluoridisation is harmful to our health, so, once again, against it. |
| South Canterbury District Health Board | Peter Binns | To my knowledge the only ongoing comprehensive data we have in NZ on oral health comes from the community dental service. The Ministry of Health reports data for decayed, filled and missing teeth for 5 and 12 year-olds. Over the years it seems there has been an overall improvement and the figures for the children in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas have been converging and are almost equal now. Maori are notably worse off than non-Maori but it is questionable whether fluoridated makes any significant difference to the trend in their status. These trends were shown in the form of a graph by the Sapere report for the MoH in 2015 (attached). My conclusion at this stage is that there is no convincing evidence to justify fluoridating water. I believe that the most important factors affecting oral health for both Maori and Pakeha are socio-economic. I would like to see free or at least heavily subsidized dental care for all age groups and will continue to advocate for that. Prevention of tooth decay would be best promoted and informed by successful programmes overseas such as the Danish system and Child Smile in Scotland.. |
| South Wairarapa | Matt Bell | The more fluoride in water the better in my view. Please delete me off your database. |
| South Wairarapa | Alex Beijen | I see no need to fluoridate water. It may have been seen to be necessary in the past, but it todays informed age, there is enough information to allow parents to manage childrens teeth without the need for arbitrary imposition on all consumers of water.I am happy to raise this opinion with other Councillors should this become a topic, but may be only one amongst the Council. |
| South Wairarapa | Rebecca Fox | There are many studies about fluoride and taking a balanced view is interesting as it’s a pretty polarised topic. I support drinking safe water supplies – I’m far more interested to ensure that we provide water that meets the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards for bacterial and protozoal compliance. If people choose to use fluoride then they can purchase fluoridated toothpaste. The addition of fluoride to water is not an issue I support. |
| South Wairarapa | Daphne Geisler | I am a new candidate and so while not privy to all conversations of Council in the past I have not been able to find any debate about fluoridation of Martinborough, water and so think it is not an issue at the moment. If it ever does become an issue then, regardless of what my personal views are I will take the community view, expert advice across all perspectives and of course any national central government directives into account in my decision-making process. Its good to have your contact, and I will add your name to my database and recognise that you will be a good source of information if the issue is ever debated locally.. |
| South Wairarapa | Dayle Harwood | I don’t have a particular view either way on this. You have presented to Community Board and Council during my time and your insight was invaluable. I have however heard anymore from Ministry of Health and other parties that feel that fluoridation is warranted. Apologies, I cannot be anymore specific than that. |
| South Wairarapa | Mel Maynard | While personally I am against fluoridation and as a rate payer myself would take this personal stance, if I am elected by the people of Martinborough as their Community Board member, I would assess the input and feedback from our residents, along with providing all information available to assist everyone to be informed, and would then vote accordingly. |
| South Wairarapa | Sandy Ryan | I support fluoride free taps accessible for people to make choice. We have one in Masterton but more are needed where there is access to safe water.Yes I would take it to Council. |
| Southland | Brian Dillon | Our council has discussed this in the past and voted against |
| Southland | Tim Hanna | If I become mayor of Southland I will vigorously oppose any move to put fluoride in our water. |
| Southland | Ryan Murray | I would oppose fluoridation. I believe we are far better off improving our drinking water quality rather than poisoning it and our selves |
| Stratford | Christopher James | I support fluoridation but i’m open to listening and reading resources that are sent my way, so long as they’re from qualified individuals or peer reviewed sources. |
| Tasman | Dave Armstrong | I would not oppose fluoridation if the issue came up at Council |
| Tasman | Kaya Blown | I do not support fluoridation of our water.I do not believe that we should be adding anything to our water, full stop. |
| Tasman | Celia Butler | I represent a rural ward without water reticulation so it does not apply to my community. If the issue was debated around the Council table would look at all the information available at the time. |
| Tasman | Maxwell Clark – Mayoral Candidate | Totally opposed to Fluoridation the Water Supply. Would oppose fluoridation if the issue came up at Council. Any one who wants fluoride for themselves or their family can get it from a fluoride tooth paste brand. |
| Tasman | Paul Dixon-Didier | 1.I do not support fluoridation of the TDC reticulated water supply. This matter does not effect my family personally because for the past 30 years we have relied on private bores, rainwater and rural reticulated water schemes. We did however use fluoride toothpaste when our children were growing up and they seem to have suffered no cognitive impairment if their secondary and tertiary academic achievements are anything to go by. However I do not agree that TDC should abandon its responsibility to support the health of the region, be that dental or otherwise, and I would like to see funds saved from fluoridation redirected to public health education targeted at the real villain – sugary foods and soft drinks. Unfortunately, far too many parents and caregivers make poor choices regarding the children in their care. 2.A key responsibility of Council is to maintain a close relationship with the DHB and with primary health providers and I would certainly support the matter of fluoridation being raised at an appropriate forum. I am not convinced that the results of overseas clinical studies can be relied upon in NZ due to other variables and lifestyle factors unique to our lifestyle. 3.I am torn between a philosophical position that health should be a matter of individual choice and the requirement of the authorities to act in the greater public good or to protect vulnerable individuals. Your questions do however form part of a wider debate about the quality of NZ’s drinking water supplies and we should all be very concerned at levels of nitrates accumulating in our waterways and aquifers that are reaching toxicity – especially in areas where there has been widespread land use intensification – and of course biological contamination of drinking water from livestock. |
| Tasman | Barry Dowler | I do not support fluoridation of water.I was raised in Ashburton which had a fully fluoridated water supply. My mother was against sugary drinks. When I left school I had an average amount of fillings in my mouth. I shifted to Motueka back in 1990 and have raised 4 children here. All four have only one or two fillings in their mouths up until the present day. We were careful about sugary drinks.Our water supply still is untreated bore water. So from that fact, I cannot see any advantage of fluoridation of water supplies. |
| Tasman | Grant Knowles | Golden Bay …Takaka has the purest water in NZ and most of this comes form multiple private bores in the town.To add anything would not only be impossibly expensive to create one large system for Takaka, but would be a breach of the freedom of people’s choice so I would actively fight against this ever happening in Takaka.As for other areas of Tasman I would feel we would need to have a referendum on individual towns and water schemes – Golden Bay community Board |
| Tasman | Abbie Langford | I personally am not against fluoridation, but I would listen to my communities wishes before deciding, as it is up to them. |
| Tasman | Peter Lynch | It sounds bad, probably would definately oppose it, but this is new to me, and requires further investigation. I am moving about travelling at present, and will look into this more closely when I am settled. |
| Tasman | Christeen Mackenzie | Until I see any case built for change I would be supporting the status quo. |
| Tasman | Brent Maru | In answering your question, on the limited information I have read, I personally do not support fluoridation of water supplies, I need to answer that carefully in that this is my view. As you will know Council operates on democracy so there could be a situation where my personal view is not supported by the other 13 elected members. I am lucky to live in Motueka and so have our own bore so we are also free of any chlorination. |
| Tasman | Dean McNamara | I am not in favour of compulsory fluoridation.It will no doubt be brought before Council in the event we have a choice to do so, however the Government may be taking that choice out of Council hands with their push for water authorities to control water delivery in NZ |
| Tasman | Julie Nevin | I am undecided on this issue as I haven’t researched it extensively. In deciding, I would take into account its effects on our health and our natural world. I endorse a balance of community-led and evidence-based approaches to decision-making with wellbeing at its heart.I will prioritise systemic issues that affect our ecosystems and the resilience of our communities. Fluoridation is not a priority for me at this point, given the acceleration of climate change, freshwater challenges, biodiversity loss and other critical global issues we are facing. |
| Tasman | Elisabeth Siegmund | My stance is neutral on supporting fluoridation.The issue is not as pressing as many other issues we have in the Tasman District; unfortunately, I am unable to present this to the Council table, should I be elected. To be honest, I have never viewed fluoridation as an issue of concern largely because I grew up in the 1960s and 70s in Europe with fluoridated water. From memory, we were a pretty healthy bunch of children, not only with a solid set of teeth but many generations went on to study at university, did college degrees or apprenticeships or other types of education. I find it difficult to believe that fluoridation causes the lowering of IQs – if there is, indeed, a reduction in intelligent quotient levels, I would attribute the reason for this more to the millions of hours that children spend in front of TV or computer screens as well as other electronic gadgetry that does not require any output from the brain but rather floods the brain with millions of pieces of nonsensical, unnecessary and irrelevant information. [note from FFNZ – 98% of Europe is not fluoridated so not likely this candidate grew up with fluoridated water] |
| Tasman | Hayden Stevenson | I am totally for fluoridation, it is the best practice. I studied and lived with a dentist as a student and asked their opinion and I have not meet one dentist who is against this. Regarding IQ, my daughter has been brought up with fluoride in the water and she is in the top class in her school and is planning to train as a doctor! The teeth of our children that did not have fluoride in the first 5 years have had issues with teeth whereas our daughter with in fluoride in the water has had NONE. The irony is the dental nurse put fluoride directly on my kids teeth to protect them. My concern is the effect of lack of Fluoride on the next generation. Take the anti vax people there children that are now in their late teens early 20’s have been angry that they have been put at risk from Measles, based on scientific evidence had come to a different conclusion. This discussion should be lead by the dental association and their members as they are the true medical experts in this field. Having one studying out of American is not a fair representation, as it is not truly relative to NZ context, environment factors of our water supply. I can probably show you many other studies that do not reach different conclusions. If is not best academic practice to quote only one study. |
| Tasman | Reg Turner | n a democracy,as a councilor I must I must represent the majority wishes and commands of my constituents. I will follow their wishes whatever they are “,for or against” Fluoridation . That is why we elect representatives. This issue would be put to my Golden Bay Ward and a consensus taken . My opinion is unimportant. So many elected representatives forget this,and fail in their duty to represent. |
| Tasman | Trevor Tuffnell | I would oppose the fluoridation of water in the Tasman District. Not sure on what should happen in some of our low socio/economy regions where there are issues with childrens teeth.WaipaBernie FynnFluoride is considered a medicine and as such should be a family decision. WQHY are parents not told about BRUSHING teeth, swill out with water after a sweet drink or other sugary foods. I don’t agree with pushing this on those opposed.. |
| Tasman | Graeme O’Brien | Yes, I am opposed to fluoride in the water on many fronts. |
| Tasman | Gary Watson | I totally oppose anything in the water supply. I own Mainland TV & Radio in the Nelson region and we have broadcast docos on the harmful effects of Fluoride and Chlorine.Those who want fluoride can put it in their own water but its un-necessary as most toothpaste has it in and little is digested.Councils in my view should get their water supply operating correctly so nothing should be put in the water. (The only exception is during an emergency Councils could use good methods to kill bugs like UV filters, white vinegar and small micron filters etc.Putting anything in the water is taking away the rights of those who do not want it. Pure water only in the water supply does not stop those who do want it in their supply. |
| Tasman | Avner Nahmias | Yes, I am adamantly opposed to fluoridation! |
| Taupo | Duncan Campbell | I haven’t looked into the subject into any great depth, but am aware the jury is still out on the subject. One thing I was told some time ago, its not necessarily the fluoride that does damage but the other additives that go along with it. Have been meaning to get a decent water filter at home for years but alas just haven’t got round to it (perhaps the fluoride has dulled my thinking).
Not sure I am the best person to bring it up as I really don’t have all the background knowledge, and don’t have a firm opinion either way at this stage. But if I had the time could think about it. Certainly when major investment in water treatment plants comes up it must become a relevant topic. |
| Tauranga | Jacko Abrie | I don’t know enough about flouride in water to have a policy on it.I believe central government is reviewing water supply at the moment, so it may well be out of councils hand shortly.I’d be in support of passing the fluoride question over to the DHB, as it seems to be within their area of expertise. |
| Tauranga | Geoffrey Brown | In my view there is now little need to fluoridate the water supply. This is brought about as a result of the only positive outcome, that I am aware of, is hardening of the enamel on teeth and thereby reducing fillings and decay. Because most toothpastes have fluoride incorporated into the paste I see little need to introduce fluoride in Tauranga. When kids go for dental checkups it is also possible for the dentist to put a fluoride paste on the teeth. I go with this option for my child. I think it was something that had benefit in the past when toothpastes did not have fluoride which is part of the toothpaste makeup now.I think that a better focus would be on diet and teeth brushing with fluoride toothpaste in terms of education campaigns. My understanding is that having small amounts of sugar frequently throughout the day is the most damaging situation in terms of tooth decay. |
| Tauranga – Mayoral Candidate | RangiMarie aka Lady Justice | Yes I OPPOSE ALL chemical use and abuse threatening human and animal and environment health and YES I would oppose it completely.However there are JUST AS MANY OTHER CHEMICALS that are disguised under this OLD BRITISH COLONIAL Water management Council science chemist university WHITE COLLARED CRIMINALS agenda that you and I are not told. And when I think of fluoride I think the FATTENING THE DENTAL INDUSTRY to charge whataever dirty fees they want….you see this artificial fake society is ALL ABOUT LOOKING AFTER THESE UNIVERSITY DEGREES life styles, whether lawyers, accounts, chemists, dentists, scientists, doctors WHO HOLD MOST OF THE NATIONS WEALTH….THESE FRUITLESS ARROGANT racially hatefull fuelled groups of professional GANGS focus on THE DEPOPULATION PLAN OF GENERATIONAL HOLOCAUST as to why MANY MANY NZers cannot afford to have DENTAL CHECKUPS and these toxic waste amalgam MERCURY FILLINGS removed for FREE by an INDUSTRY OF WAR CRIMINALS that should be JAILED FOR POISONING people who have them in their mouths. |
| Tauranga | Danny Cancien | Yes I would oppose fluoride in our water, its up to the community to vote on this issue as its to much of a huge issue for just 11 people to vote on. |
| Tauranga | Caleb Hall | I would oppose the fluoridation of water supplies if elected. Thank you for you excellent work in this area for our country. |
| Tauranga | Andrew Hollis | I do oppose fluoridation. A number of reasons. 1 has been the link between lowered IQ and fluoride in water 2 that it goes against the basic human right to not be medicated by our government 3 ingestion of fluoride cannot be shown to target teeth while topical application of fluoride appears to. 4 nothing is being done to limit sugary drinks rather than medicate all. |
| Tauranga | Anna Larsen | I have yet to be convinced that fluoridation is the solution for mass dental health issues. I grew up in rural areas with no fluoridation and my parents were vigilant about tooth brushing and they gave us fluoride tablets to chew. These did not stop the dentist filling mine and my brother’s mouths will fillings as we had deep crevices in our teeth and I’ve since been told that caries would be inevitable unless we consumed a completely sugar-free diet. It was the 1960s and 70s so that was not going to happen! I don’t believe fluoridation is the solution to preventing mass dental issues in children. In my experience, as the manager of a community centre, the children in our area with poor dental health are constantly given sweet drinks and food, and do not habitually drink water. They generally don’t consume a healthy diet on a daily basis, and I question how frequently some of them are given home-cooked food. Meanwhile, my daughter and I have lived here for 10 years and neither of us has any issues with our teeth; she has always brushed well, I have maintained a healthy balanced diet which rarely includes sweet, acidic soft drinks, and when she was about 8, her teeth were coated to prevent the same issues with deep crevices that I had. At 17 she has no fillings for caries – she had a tiny hole which the dentist believes was a developmental issue that may have occurred in utero. The school dentist was able to use a fluoride treatment and coat the teeth, and this is a free service available to all children. My experience has shown that the majority of the causes of poor dental outcomes for children stem from parental behaviours – management of diet and sweet drinks, attending free dental appointments, and maintaining good dental hygiene. My sister is a primary school teacher in a decile 1 school in a fluoride-free town. Her students have a brush and toothpaste at school and she ensures at least one daily brushing with her guidance. This is often the only dental maintenance these children receive. In my opinion, fluoridation is not the solution to mass dental health. |
| Tauranga | Hugh Robb | Regardless of findings from studies, I 100% support pure water. I do not support fluoride or any medication in any water supply. No exceptions, no compromises. |
| Tauranga | Tina Salisbury | I would oppose fluoridating our water. I believe their are other ways that we can care for our teeth than treating our water supply. Thanks for raising awareness caring for the impacts on our children and future generations. |
| Tauranga | Waitsu Wu | I have been following your report for some years and I don’t support fluoridate in our drinking water. I believe fluoridation affects our lives. I will try my best bring this to the Council table if elected. |
| Timaru | Gerrie Ligtenberg | While I can accept the science behind the need for fluoride for healthy dental care, I do no agree with using drinking water to achieve this. I believe in equal, accessible and affordable health care for all New Zealanders and would address this via the health system by supplying fluoride in another form to all children in need as a part of education and regular check ups for every child. |
| Timaru | Gordon Handy | I do not support fluoridation. I want our drinking water quality improved without the use of any chemicals. Water quality is a major issue to all Councils and must be on the top of our priority lists. |
| Timaru | John Jensen | I am against using our water reticulation system as a means of distributing introduced Fluoride in any form. However, I accept that there are variable amounts of natural background Fluoride in underground water which I do not consider a contaminant. |
| Timaru | Shane Wilson | Personally I am against adding fluoride to water and if the issue came up in council I would voice that opinion loudly. It is my hope that the elected councillors will share this view but I am also interested in the public opinion on the matter as the decision should ultimately come from them. |
| Upper Hutt | Angela McLeod | Greater Wellington Regional Council manages our water supply. If the Upper Hutt Community were to come to Council with a call to ditch fluoridation, I would direct them to GWRC. I promise to listen to the community however, so if the community asked Council to lobby the GWRC on their behalf to remove fluoridation, Council would have to consider that. |
| Upper Hutt | Paul Lambert | When I have had an opportunity to review all the update info on fluoridation you have forwarded I will be in a better position for any actions going forward. |
| Upper Hutt | Tracey Ultra | Yes to fluoride in toothpaste or dental treatments – topical use by choice. No to fluoride in drinking water – because of the risk of overdosing our smallest citizens. I would you be willing to bring this issue to the council table if the public ask me to. I moved to a rural area 3 years ago. When I had a couple of fillings this year I asked my dentist about being on rainwater with no fluoride. He said that what’s in your toothpaste is enough and we don’t need to ingest it. My fillings were likely caused by my love of chocolate – and not brushing my teeth before bed. |
| Waimakariri | Monique Fleming | I would oppose fluoridation as I am aware of health issues with regards to it. |
| Waimakariri | Natalie Leary | I dont agree with flouride being put into our water. If stopping tooth decay is the only reason for putting fluoride in our waters, then the real problem has to be addressed. People changing their eating habits, eating healthier and taking care of themselves and the environment, has helped with keeping fluoride out of our waters. Changing childrens lunches for healthier options helps towards preventing tooth decay. And continuous education on keeping teeth clean and healthy helps too. Thank you for asking the question and kind regards. |
| Waimakariri | Doug Nicholl | I would not oppose fluoride if it was investigated, my sons had the chance to use fluoridated tooth paste and now in their forties and fifties have excellent teeth. I had my own teeth removed when I was 22 |
| Waimakariri | Miles Stapylton-Smith | I do not support fluoridation of any water. I think fluoridation should be classified as a dangerous substance. |
| Waimakariri | Oliver Sandeerson | I am opposed to putting any unnecessary chemicals or additives into our drinking water. |
| Waimakariri | Paul Williams | I would oppose fluoridation. I do not want any chemicals in our water. |
| Waimate | Miriam Morton | I am for fluoride-free water supplies, and I will not raising this discussion at the Council table, as I would prefer the status quo. |
| Waipa | Les Bennett | I oppose fluoridation.The Community should always the right to decide in a democracy, Community’s need to be able to make informed decisions on what we allow Government to put into the body’s of our children and ourselves! this also includes the use of chemicals and now the placement of 5G transmission towers in our towns and cities. Many things that we are told that were good for us have turned out not to be so over time! New Zealand has one of the highest rates of fluoridation in the world! the mass fluoridation of water supplies thus results in the mass fluoridation of processed food and drinks which we take into our body and also though the skin when bathing in water that it is added to. It is available for those who need or want it in tablet form or in tooth paste and can also be painted on children’s teeth by your dentist . |
| Waipa | Steve Grounds | 1. Yes – on the basic principle of avoiding adding anything to water (other than the need for very low level chlorination for very sound public health reasons) should be avoided. I should however say, while I respect he views your organisation, I not hold any strong views on fluoridation, per se.
2. Yes – I believe fluoridation needs to be brought to the table for discussion. Especially given that (as I understand) the government are in the process of enacting legislation that will give DHB’s, not local councils, control over fluoridation. This is concerning and I believe that Local Councils and the Communities they serve should continue to make such decisions. 3. I appreciate your held views and position on fluoridation but I believe there are equally strong opinions on the counter position. As an elected representative(s) Council’s role should be to seek and listen to the views and options of the community on this matter and make a decision. |
| Waipa | Kane Titchener | Fluoride is a neurotoxin that is being shown with more and more research to lower IQs at levels that are seen at the current levels of fluoride in New Zealand.I think Councils need to enact the precautionary principle and cease fluoridation if they currently fluoridate or stop fluoridation from starting if the Council does not fluoridate. There are alternatives such as the Scotland Childsmile programme that provide a solution to tooth decay that does not expose vulnerable groups to harmful levels of fluoride. I am totally opposed to the DHBs gaining control of the fluoridation decision making. |
| Wairarapa District Health Board | Stephen Butcher | I do not support the use of fluorosilicic acid dosing of water supplies. This chemical is not fluoride, despite the name. Fluoride, as it occurs naturally, passes out in the urine in equal proportion to it being taken in by mouth. Fluoride in this form is bound to calcium. Fluorosilicic acid, a salt not bound to calcium, is a waste product of the fertilizer industry and is removed from fertilizer because it creates a failure to thrive condition in livestock. Fluorosilicic acid retards growth, makes bones prone to breakage, rots teeth from the inside out and, in humans, delays puberty in boys and lowers IQ. Fluorosilicic acid does not pass out in the urine in equal proportion to consumption and is retained as a cumulative poison. It attaches to calcium, for example in bones. Therefore it has no safe dosage. It is less than convincing to argue that fluorosilicic acid protects teeth and has no side effects. If we won’t give it to livestock then we sure shouldn’t give it to our kids. By analogy, salt is safe. Nitrates are salts. Therefore nitrates are safe. Or again, my car is a Ford and is reliable. A Holden is a car, therefore it is reliable. Not convincing, is it? I support implementation of the Scottish Childsmile tooth brushing programme in schools for improved outcomes. |
| Wairarapa District Health Board | Joy Cooper | I have always supported fluoridation of water supplies as an effective public health measure for the protection of dental health. I note the information about fluoride on the Ministry of Health website. I read the JAMA Pediatric paper with interest and noted the conclusion: that the research indicates “possible need to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy”. I also noted that the authors do not rule out the “possibility of other unmeasured residual confounding”. The strengths and limitations section of the paper then goes on to list five specific limitations. My immediate reaction from reading the paper was that it does raise a concern that merits further serious investigation, and that we need to see the results of two other similar studies (at least as large and preferably bigger) and whether these replicate the results from this study before coming to an official policy position on the issue. I then listened to the podcast which raised some other interesting questions including the surprisingly very wide IQ range of the infants studied. I agree that the study raises the possibility that fluoride could be a neurotoxin and that more studies are needed. The podcast participants also pointed to the need for further studies. Given this information, and if were a GP or paediatrician (and particularly if in the litigation prone USA), if asked, I would also advise pregnant women to consider drinking bottled or filtered water only during their pregnancy. So, to sum up: I the paper has raised some concerns in my mind about risks to developing fetal brains, but that further rigorous research studies are needed.. |
| Waitemata District Health Board | Warren Flaunty | I have previously supported fluoridation particularly with presentations from Public Health at WDHB Meetings and the improvement in dental care of the more vulnerable population. However with this latest study I am now a little more concerned that its use comes with other issues. I will be interested to see how our Public Health Officers address this issue when next discussed at Board level. Thanks for your interest over the use of Fluoride and I can assure you I will be keeping a very open mind on the use of Fluoride in our water. |
| Waitaki | Katrina Hazelhurst – Mayoral candidate | I would need to see clear evidence of health benefits to be convinced that it is necessary to add fluoride to the water source. I am more concerned at the dental damage being caused by sugary drinks especially those consumed by small children. |
| Waitaki | John Shaw | I don’t really have any views on Fluoride because to my mind there are more pressing issues that will get my attention. Domestic violence, particularly against women, disease and fetal alcohol syndrome as a result of alcohol abuse, and the increasing chronic obesity in our society are much more important to my mind. |
| Wellington | Rohan Biggs | I strongly support fluoridation. |
| Wellington | Rayward Chung | Very interesting articles and I have to admit that I’ve only heard that dentists say that fluoride is good for teeth and since it’s been inserted into our water supply, the number of cavities in children has reduced dramatically. I’ll read through this documentation and do some more research into this but based on what you’ve shown me so far, if elected, I’ll be keen to study and debate this further with a view to getting a scientific reassessment on whether it should continue. In the interim though, has it been found that children in areas without fluoride are smarter? |
| Wellington | Jenny Condie | Fluoridation is the best preventative for dental health problems, and providing it through water is the best way to make sure that it reaches as many people as possible. |
| Wellington | Brian Dawson | Fluoridation is a regional council issue rather than city. I am pro-fluoridation. |
| Wellington | Fleur Fitzsimons | I strongly support fluoridation. |
| Wellington | Norbert Hausberg | The debate has been raging for a long time by now. From my perspective the Ministry of health should have the last word. I would suggest you write to the Minister and explain the situation and your reasons behind it. |
| Wellington | Norbert Hausberg | The debate has been raging for a long time by now. From my perspective the Ministry of health should have the last word. I would suggest you write to the Minister and explain the situation and your reasons behind it. |
| Wellington | Conor Hill | I support fluoridation. |
| Wellington | Thomas Morgan | I am now tending towards a freedom of choice model where ever possible and allowing people to deal with this themselves seems to be the best idea. Presumably it would save some money as well! |
| Wellington | Bernard O’Shaughnessy | I do support fluoridation. I’m happy to see ongoing conservation on the issue. Dentist still report the huge decade of children’s teeth in NZ and I think to some extend Fluoridation helps combat that. |
| Wellington Regional Council | Bill Hammonds | I fully support fluoride in our water but are willing to look at any studies that may have an opposing view if the science is proven. |
| Wellington Regional Council | Tony Jansen | Regional council implements central government policy. Currently central government is for fluoridation. My understanding is there is considerable evidence in support of the many benefits of fluoridation. I would not at this stage support a change from current practice. |
| Wellington Regional Council | Phillip Marshall | I support fluoridation and the science is robust regarding the merits of this. I will oppose to the very fibre of my being the removal of fluoride from our water supply. People like you with your crack pot theories have contributed very strongly to the measles epidemic. Please try listening to scientists and doctors for a change. |
| Wellington Regional Council | Sam Somers | I do not support water fluoridation in Water. I would be happy to bring this to the table aswell as the MOH since they will be taking over the control. One thing I can do is bringing fluoride to the table is monitoring the levels in our water and being the watch dog to ensure our level are maintained in the MOH safe guidelines and notify them when there is breaches and how often. Its a shame they have taken it out of control of the local representatives and it looks like monitoring is the other option and recording when levels are over the so-called safe limit. |
| Wellington Regional Council | Joshua Van Lier | The benefits of fluoridation have been shown over decades of research to provide positive oral health outcomes which is particularly important given many modern high-sugar diets. While topical treatment is certainly better, the most recent New Zealand specific review found that younger people living in areas of water fluoridation had 40% less cases of tooth decay. Based on the above research, I would certainly be willing to bring this issue to the council table and look into reductions in fluoride levels in water alongside what the study’s authors recommend (e.g., 0.5 ppm). I would like to see increased amounts of artesianal springs available around Lower Hutt (such as that on Buick Street in Petone) so that people can make a choice between if they so desire. . |
| Westland | Flow Ir IN | f it becomes an issue in Westland, then I’ll speak about it. The science on the effectiveness or required dose of fluoride to protect teeth is not settled. However, the science on harm is clear. Fluoride is deemed to be effective as a topical application, but putting it in water has a number of issues: 1) water spends little time in the mouth, so it is ineffective as a topical application route. 2) systemic application increases the risk of harm 3) old and young people’s differing metabolism and athletes (who drink more water than usual) mean that it is difficult to get dose right, when fluoride is added to water 4) the people who need help are less likely to be drinking water anyway. I believe that targeted toothpaste and fluoride tablets are a far better way of getting to the desired demographic, and minimizing potential harm. |
| Whanganui | Charlie Anderson | I am absolutely against mass medication of fluoride for all the reasons stated below. My further concern is the ones who seriously need dental hygiene and care don’t drink water anyway, they drink sugar drinks which some argue are cheaper than water, that arguments is unfounded, if people drink water from the tap, and not supermarket shelves. To summarise, the people who need it wont get it , and the ones who don’t need will be poisoned on mass. |
| Whanganui | Steve Baron | I would absolutely oppose it. No one should be forced to be mass medicated and I have read enough to give me strong doubts that fluoridation is worth the risk. |
| Whanganui | Helen Craig | I always base any decision on good evidence. When and if council is asked to make a decision about Floridation (I was not aware we would have any say in the matter), then I will consider all the evidence and community feedback. I thought this was a health board issue to decide, and I’m unsure what ability the Council would have to say in enacting their final decision. Sorry to be so vague, but this has not formally come before council, so I havent put my mind to all the issues. I really appreciate all the work you have put into this issue however, and whilst I’ve kept a watching brief, I haven’t delved into the detail at this point. There is always so much else to do at Council, that I do concentrate on what is in front of us, rather than what might come in front of us at some time in the future. I believe this has been discussed for over 6 years and still has come to a pointy end! |
| Whanganui | Jenny Duncan | Just confirming my stance. No to Fluoride. It comes up quietly from time to time but gets no traction. |
| Whanganui | Ross Fallen | Under the Local Government NZ Act councillors need to set aside preconceived viewpoints and have a readiness to hear all sides and reach a consensus on behalf of their community. Therefore whilst I hold concerns around fluoridation in our water I am open to a full and open discussion. |
| Whanganui | Alan Taylor | WDC will not be delving into this matter as it is destined to become a DHB concern. I am reluctant to enter into a position without hearing fully both sides of any debate informed by sound evidence. If the WDC were to submit to the DHB on this in the event that it was intended then, if a councillor, it would be appropriate to consider that at the time. |
| Whanganui | Christie Teki | Opposed to fluoridation. |
| Whanganui District Health Board | Stuart Hylton | Liike any protection or treatment methodology, fluoride needs to be taken safely by all concerned which is why I’m against ‘mass medication’ via public water supplies. Most people can receive fluoride, if they wish, by brushing their teeth with most toothpastes. Vulnerable people, such as pregnant women, can simply choose not to. There are many other measures of oral health protection that don’t require fluoridation of our water supplies that need to be promoted and encouraged first.Quite apart from the potential damage caused by ingestion of fluoride is the notion that fluoridated water supplies will mean fluoride ingestion/treatment for all. So few people these days ingest water from our water supplies that this is another reason not to trust or rely on ‘mass medication’ of water supplies for any form of health prevention or control.. |
| Whanganui District Health Board | Annette Main | We have from a good source that Annette is opposed to fluoridation – FFNZ |
| Whanganui District Health Board | Debra Smith | I support fluoridation of public water. I have read the research summary and can conclude that this study shows no evidence that fluoride consumption in pregnancy affects the cognitive function of the child. This study makes an association which is a hypothesis, yet to be proven. This a small data set and subject to biases and confounders and therefore does not have enough statistical weight to contribute to clinical practice. I am disappointed that it was published. I suggest you look at the Cochrane Collaboration resources and I’m sure that you are aware of the very thorough review led by Prime Ministers Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir Peter Gluckman’s in 2014. Fluoridation of public water supply remains an effective public health measure to prevent dental caries and complications. |
| Whangarei | Vince Cocurullo | I do not support fluoridation. Keeping our water clean, clear and healthy is my No. 1 view. |
| Whangarei | Tony Gill | There is more information for me to review. I thought it was control by the DHB’s so looks like I need to check further. Very interesting about the IQ levels and bone issues. 1) I did support fluoridation as the DHB said we needed it ,now I’m questioning it.2) Yes.. I would be willing to bring to the council table if the community brought it to me. 3) I would need to study the published work in full before I can make a better informed choice. It has got me questioning thanks. |