27 June 2018
NZDA statement on Civil Appeal Judgement Supreme Court of New Zealand
For attribution to Dr David Crum, CEO, New Zealand Dental Association:
The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) welcomes the decision by the Supreme Court of New Zealand to dismiss two
appeals against community water fluoridation.
We have seen South Taranaki District Council take part in expensive and unnecessary legal proceedings, at a cost to
ratepayers. A cost that has also fallen on the Crown via the Attorney General.
Community water fluoridation is effective, safe and affordable, we will soon see decision-making for this sit with DHBs.
This means that no Council will have to face what South Taranaki District Council did as a result of making public
health decisions for their community.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists water fluoridation as one of the ten great public health
achievements of the 20th century.
-ends-