Far North towns say big 'no' to fluoride in water

Anti-fluoride campaigners are celebrating the results of a survey showing a majority of Kaitaia and Kaikohe residents don't want their water fluoridated.
The results of a Far North District Council postal survey of about 5000 households in the two Far North towns were released yesterday, showing a "no" vote of 56 per cent in Kaitaia and 67 per cent in Kaikohe.
The actual numbers were 298 against and 231 for in Kaitaia, and 191 against and 96 for in Kaikohe.
Councillors will consider the results during their annual plan deliberations on May 26-27.
 Anti-fluoridation campaigner Ross Forbes, of Kerikeri, said the "excellent outcome" should put a stop to health board proposals to fluoridate the water supplies in other Far North towns. It also showed Far North residents were wise enough to see past the survey's "bias" and the Northland District Health Board's "unprincipled" ad campaign, he said.
It now remained to be seen if the heath board would invest as much in dental health programmes, especially for children, he said.
Earlier this year councillors resolved to abide by the majority vote.  A staff report - which needs to be confirmed by councillors - said the survey showed "clear majorities" opposing fluoridation in both towns.
"In the light of this and reflecting its decision in February 2010 to abide by the majority vote, council confirms there will be no resumption of fluoridation of its water supplies in the Far North," the report stated.
 
What is still not clear, however, is whether the council will now have to repay the costs of the towns' 2007-09 fluoridation trial.
The previous council agreed to the trial and persuaded the Ministry of Health to cover equipment and running costs of  $230,000. In return  it signed an agreement to continue fluoridation for 10 years or else repay the subsidy.
The agreement stated  if the council pulled out earlier the money  must be repaid unless it could show a majority of ratepayers opposed fluoridation. The vote showed a majority of respondents opposed fluoridation, but only 16 per cent of the  forms sent out were returned - and the survey went  only to households in  town supply areas, not all ratepayers.
A staff report said it was likely the $232,700 subsidy would have to be repaid, but the council would try to argue its case. 
Health board chief executive Karen Roach said she would wait for the outcome of council discussions  before  commenting.
 The Advocate calculates margins of error of roughly 4 per cent for the Kaitaia results and 6 per cent for Kaikohe.