Fluoridation of council water supplies
Latest update - August 2026
Fluoridation of the Far North District Council’s Kerikeri and Kaitāia water supplies began on 31 July 2026. The fluoridation programme is being implemented in response to a direction from the Director-General of Health under the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021. FNDC is legally required to comply with this direction.
The target fluoride concentration is 0.8 milligrams per litre (0.8 mg/L), as specified in the Director-General of Health’s direction. FNDC’s role is to operate the water treatment systems and ensure the required fluoride level is maintained. This is the level specified in the direction issued by the Director-General of Health and is within the range used for community water fluoridation in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Kerikeri and Kaitāia council water supplies are being fluoridated. This does not affect private water schemes or other water supplies in the district.
Kerikeri and Kaitāia were identified as high-priority locations through an assessment by the Director-General of Health. The Director-General of Health has made no further directions to fluoridate other FNDC water supplies at this stage, although other supplies may be considered in the future.
The Director-General of Health has made no further directions to fluoridate FNDC water supplies at this stage. Other public water supplies may be considered in the future.
No. The council did not make the decision to fluoridate the water supplies.
Since 2021, the Director-General of Health has had the authority to direct local authorities to fluoridate public drinking water supplies under the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021. Councils are legally required to comply with these directions.
Yes. Community water fluoridation at the levels used in New Zealand is regarded as safe by New Zealand health authorities.
The Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand advise that fluoridation has been used for many decades and is one of the most widely studied public health measures for preventing tooth decay.
For information about the health effects, safety and scientific evidence relating to fluoridation, please refer to the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand.
Community water fluoridation is used to help prevent tooth decay. According to New Zealand health authorities, its benefits are seen over time through improved protection against tooth decay across the community.
Most people are unlikely to notice any change in the taste, smell or appearance of the water. The amount of fluoride added is very small, at a target concentration of 0.8 mg/L.
You are unlikely to notice a visible difference in the water as a result of fluoridation. The benefits of fluoridation are expected to be seen over time through improved protection against tooth decay across the community, rather than through an immediate or noticeable physical change to the water.
No. The council is legally required to follow the direction of the Director-General of Health under the Health Act 1956. There is no pathway or option for individuals to withdraw consent for fluoridation of the council water supply.
Questions about the health effects, safety or scientific evidence relating to fluoridation should be directed to the Ministry of Health.
Questions about the operation of the Kerikeri or Kaitāia water supplies can be directed to Far North District Council.
For more information visit community water fluoridation page on the Ministry of Health website.