Fluoride could go to referendum

Should Rotorua have fluoride in the water?

The question of whether Rotorua should fluoridate its water supply could come down to a binding public referendum.

District councillors will discuss how to go about public consultation for the controversial subject at a meeting of the Rotorua District Council's Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee tomorrow.

In a report to councillors, Strategy and Partnerships group manager Jean-Paul Gaston said staff preferred the use of a binding public referendum "in that it provides a mechanism for the community to determine their preferred direction on a highly contentious issue and is also the most likely option to survive a potential legal challenge".

Councillors will need to decide three issues - if any referendum undertaken should be binding or non-binding, or if consultation should be undertaken under the umbrella of the Local Government Act's special consultative procedure by producing a "statement of proposal" for community discussion.

"It is proposed under this option that council include additional opportunities for public engagement in excess of the minimum legal requirements," Mr Gaston said in his report.

"Council needs to be conscious of the risks of litigation surrounding the process. Councillors have been advised previously on expressing their own personal views and the need to remain open-minded in their decision-making capacity.

"A phased approach to these discussions is intended to ensure the process is robust. Discussions at each step of the process will ensure clarity for the next phase," he said.

The cost of a referendum would be between $80,000 and $100,000, while the cost of alternative public consultation would be between $25,000 and $50,000.

Mr Gaston said one of the dangers in holding a referendum was a low voter turnout where some would argue that any result was not representative of the community's views.

But, "this option provides council with the opportunity to offer community leadership by encouraging open public discussion, while allowing councillors to express personal views without affecting the integrity of the decision making process".

Rotorua has some of the worst dental health statistics in the country, especially for children and young people.

According to the overwhelming majority of health professionals, fluoride is a safe and effective way to improve dental health.

Ratepayer money is being used to fight two legal challenges to fluoridation in Hamilton and South Taranaki.

Both legal challenges were initially defeated in the courts, but appeals are underway, being led by anti-fluoride interest groups based outside of both communities. The meeting is at the Rotorua District Council Chamber from 9.30am and is open to the public.

Also being discussed at the meeting will be an update on the activities of Homeless Support Rotorua (Rotorua Community Night Shelter Society) and the council's "Wood First" policy which looks at further supporting the forestry industry in the region.

What do you think? Should Rotorua have fluoride? Should it go to referendum? Comment below or email editor@dailypost.co.nz