Water Fight: Rotorua and the fluoride debate

Rotorua district councillors are preparing themselves for an onslaught of information and opinion regarding the contentious issue of fluoridation of the district's water supplies.

Councillors discussed how they would go about consulting the public on their plans to possibly introduce fluoride to the city's water supply, in an effort to prevent tooth decay, at a meeting of the council's strategy, policy and finance committee this week.

The issue of fluoridation was raised when councillors discussed a submission made by Toi Te Ora Public Health Service medical officer of health Jim Miller during annual plan deliberations this month.

In a wide-ranging submission, Dr Miller asked the council to consider introducing fluoride to all water supplies serving more than 1000 people in the Rotorua district.

Council chief executive Geoff Williams said after studying recent court cases "the need and obligation to consider all matters, information and all views before making a decision" was essential so the council could avoid lengthy and expensive legal challenges to its decision.

"It is very likely to be challenged, no matter what the outcome is," he said.

Councillor Charles Sturt, who openly opposes fluoridation, challenged the original recommendation put to councillors that "the committee resolves to work with Lakes District Health Board (LDHB) to undertake a public consultation programme on the fluoridation of the Rotorua water supply", saying the LDHB had no place in a council-led consultation process.

"But I will take in all areas and opinions on fluoride in our community - all the nutters in the world come out when this issue is raised," he said.

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Committee chairwoman Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said there could be a perception the council would be working with the LDHB, which was promoting fluoride.

Councillor Glenys Searancke said that perception would cause "a lot of unnecessary agitation from the public".

Councillors agreed to strike out any mention of the LDHB, amending the resolution to "the committee resolves to undertake a public consultation programme on the fluoridation of the Rotorua water supply".

Councillors also agreed with Mr Williams' assessment that the issue was "significant" in terms of council policy and would require extensive public consultation. He told councillors that in the coming weeks another report would be presented outlining a detailed consultation process and a draft communications plan.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said before any decision was made the council needed to be well informed and listen to all views with an open mind.

"We will need to hear from the likes of health authorities and water engineering experts and we'll need to explore international evidence.

"It's an important and sensitive issue and we certainly appreciate that it's one on which many people hold strong opinions.

"So our next step is to develop a fair and legally robust process for consulting with the community. That process will need to ensure there are genuine opportunities for people to share their different perspectives with the council," she said.