The Whangarei District Council voted today to reject a directive from the Director-General of Health (DGH) to fluoridate the district’s water supply.
The motion passed with a narrow margin of seven votes to six, with one councillor abstaining. The outcome has been hailed by advocacy group Fluoride Free New Zealand (FFNZ) as a victory for public health and community autonomy.
The decision comes amidst increasing global scrutiny of water fluoridation practices.
Last week, Florida’s Surgeon General, representing a population of 22 million, publicly advised communities in the state to cease fluoridation, labelling the practice “public health malpractice” and condemning it as the addition of a neurotoxin to drinking water.
Whangarei District Council was one of 14 councils directed by former DGH Ashley Bloomfield to implement fluoridation or face severe financial penalties, including fines of up to $200,000 and $10,000 for each day of noncompliance. Despite the pressure, the seven councillors who opposed the directive stood firm, citing concerns about potential harm to public health.
Cr Gavin Benney, supported by Mayor Vince Cocurullo, spearheaded the motion with a resolution stating, “The Whangarei District Council resolves NOT to fluoridate the district’s water supply as required by the directive from the Ministry of Health.” Cr Benney’s determination and research into the matter were praised by FFNZ, which described his actions as “a model of integrity and leadership”.
Mayor Cocurullo, Deputy Mayor Phil Halse, and Councillors Golightly, Ruka, Olsen, and Reid joined Benney in opposing the directive. Their stance, they asserted, reflects a commitment to prioritising the health and well-being of their constituents over government mandates.
FFNZ are optimistic that this decision could inspire other councils to follow suit. The topic is scheduled for discussion at the Nelson City Council meeting on December 5, and the Horowhenua District Council will review its options, including potential legal action, on December 11.
The Ministry of Health has yet to respond to Whangarei’s decision.
Any enforcement action, FFFNZ predicts, could further galvanise public opposition to fluoridation. For now, the council’s vote stands as a significant act of defiance against what critics call an unscientific and harmful policy.
Now that’s encouraging. Good on you for doing the right thing for your community Gavin Benney and Vince Cocurullo.
Great article thank you. Just one correction … Deputy Mayor is Phil Halse not Greg Innes. Thank you!
Thank you – the article has now been amended.
Huh! So adding toxic industrial waste to drinking water isn’t such a great idea.
I’m shocked I tell ya.
Well done Whangārei stuff the DGH their agenda is to make your people sick other councils should follow if they value there people.
The question remains:
Why did Ashley Bloomfield issue the fluoridation directive on his very last day in office as DGH?
This is clearly extremely suspicious behaviour.
Definitely encouraging.