Whaanga: Fluoridation Backed by Strong Evidence

Atereano Mateariki John Whaanga | Whaanga: Fluoridation Backed by Strong Evidence

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Deputy Director-General Māori John Whaanga says public health decisions like water fluoridation must be guided by substantial evidence.

Since 2021, the Director-General of Health can order councils to fluoridate—Dr Ashley Bloomfield directed 14 councils, with Rotorua Lakes and Whangārei given a 28 March 2025 deadline.

Whangārei lost a High Court challenge and has complied.

Whaanga says fluoridation helps reduce tooth decay, one of Aotearoa’s most persistent health issues.

“In this country at the moment where we’ve got close to half of our children starting school already with some form of tooth decay. So we know the evidence, and the evidence is clear that fluoridation helps reduce tooth decay,” says Whaanga.

Only the Far North and Waipā District Councils have missed deadlines—Auckland and Western Bay have until January 2026.

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