Far North District Council advances fluoride in Kerikeri, Kaitāia water

Kerikeri, Kaitāia water supplies set to get fluoride by 2026. Photo / NZME

The Far North District Council has confirmed it is moving ahead with the installation of fluoride systems in its Kerikeri and Kaitāia water supplies.

This follows a final design approval and funding support from Manatū Hauora (Ministry of Health).

Final designs were signed off in April, following detailed design discussions with the ministry. A funding agreement to cover the full cost of capital works was signed at the end of May.

In a statement, the council said staff are working closely with the ministry to finalise the project delivery timeline and ensure national standards are met.

“An application to extend the existing deadline of June 2024 to an indicative completion date of July 2026 is to be made to the Director-General of Health (DGoH) for approval.”

This project follows a directive from the DGoH issued in 2022, instructing the council to fluoridate its public drinking water supplies serving Kerikeri and Kaitāia. It aligns with a national strategy to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health outcomes across Aotearoa.

The council is responsible for designing, constructing and maintaining the infrastructure required to meet the government mandate, but decisions around health policy and timing sit with central government.

Manatū Hauora has entered into a funding agreement with FNDC to fund the estimated capital cost of $2.852m. This external funding will significantly reduce the additional capital rate for Kaitāia and Kerikeri ratepayers.

More information about the fluoridation direction can be found here.