Editorial: Fluoride - where will the buck stop?

Anti-fluoride protesters

Few topics seem to produce as many self-appointed experts as the battle over fluoride in our water.

To be fair, I've written plenty on the topic, though I've never painted myself as an expert. Instead I've been happy to defer to those with the backgrounds, experience and qualifications to warrant the title.

We've brought you a wealth of information and opinions on the topic, from both sides of the debate.

But no matter how much you now know or think you know about fluoride, you won't be having your say because a planned referendum on adding it to Rotorua's water has been canned.

District councillors last week voted 7-6 not to hold the binding referendum.

It was immediately seen as a victory for anti-fluoride campaigners, not least because when the referendum was hiffed, so was any discussion on adding fluoride to the city's water.

Last month I argued against a binding referendum, saying such important decisions should be made by our elected representatives.

I still think they should do the research and consultation needed and make an informed decision.

But as they won't, I agree with councillors who say central government has a role in deciding on fluoride for our communities.

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As I've mentioned a couple of times in the past few months, it seems strange that each community has its own rules on fluoride, as if the Government is passing the buck to the smaller local bodies instead of making the big call.

How much time, effort and money could be saved if the Government stepped up and took ownership of this issue?