Attachment 1

PCB's submission to the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Bill

Submission

Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Bill

From Petone Community Board

Introduction

Thank you for the opportunity to submit on the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Bill. The Petone Community Board has been established under section 49 of the Local Government Act 2002 to represent, and act as an advocate for, the interests of its community and we represent Petone and Korokoro residents who could be affected if this Bill is passed.

Specific Comments

Water supplied to Petone residents is currently unfluoridated and it’s pure artesian water has always been a source of pride to residents and the local community.

In 1840 the first European settlers to Wellington landed at Petone. Initially they sourced their water from the Hutt River but soon became aware of the pure artesian water that lay beneath them. The artesian water supply has continued since then.

In 2003 residents of Petone wanted to celebrate the uniquesness of their water by building a sculpture that paid tribute to their natural artesian water and Te Puna Wai Ora is the result. People come from all over Wellington to collect water from the fountain there all and every day and into the night.

There was a community outcry in the 1990s when Hutt City Council suggested adding fluoride to the water and we believe the reaction would be the same today.

We do not want the local DHB to consider fluoridation of Petone water and especially not without any public consultation. Hutt City Council has, since the early 90s, respected the wishes of the Petone community on this matter – even though Petone is the only part of Hutt City with a non fluoridated water supply.

What We Seek

Firstly: We request that the Petone/Korokoro historical pure artesian water supply be excluded from this Bill. This is a small population of under 10,000 so in the national scheme of things will not make a lot of difference.

Secondly: We want consultation included. As drafted the Bill omits any consultation or communication with communities where fluoridation might be being considered and consultation and/or communication needs to be included.

Thirdly: We agree with LGNZ that whoever is the decision maker should bear any costs associated with instituting the inclusion of fluoride in water supplies.

The Board wishes to be heard in respect of its submission.