Summarised by Centrist
Half of 14 New Zealand councils have missed deadlines to fluoridate water, prompting Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati to explore legal penalties, including fines of $200,000 and $10,000 daily. Whangārei, equipped for fluoridation, voted against it, with Mayor Vince Cocurullo questioning its benefits. Sarfati reaffirmed, “This is a legal directive.” Public health officials defend fluoridation as safe and effective in improving dental health.