Fluroride debaters have been swimming in shark infested waters and no lifelines have been thrown after Council remained deadlocked on the issue. In a five votes to five decision Kāpiti Coast District Council will remain with the status quo and continue to add fluoride to the public water supply for the central Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati area of the district. Mayor Jenny Rowan declined to use her casting vote on the issue.
The Council also voted against holding a non-binding districtwide referendum on the addition of fluoride to the treated water.
Instead, the Council voted to ask the Health Select Committee to hold an enquiry into the positive or negative effects of putting fluoride into the public water supply.
It will also ask the National Medical Ethics Committee to investigate whether fluoride is defined as a medicine under the Health Act and whether adding fluoride to the public water supply is an ethical act.
The Council was reviewing submissions on its Annual Plan and the proposal in the plan that the Council cease adding fluoride to the public water supply in the Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati area of the district.
A proposal to hold a referendum which would also ask people in Paekākāariki and Ōtaki for their views on fluoridation was also lost.
The Council had earlier heard submissions from both pro and anti-fluoride groups and individuals as well as from the Ministry of Health, District Health Boards and other public health advocates.
“I’m sure this will not be the last time we get to debate the subject of fluoridation,” Mayor Jenny Rowan said.
