The mayor of Hamilton says central government should take over decisions on fluoridation because it is a public health issue, and not one for local councils.
On Thursday, Hamilton City Council deferred a decision on whether to reinstate fluoride in its water supply until the outcome of a judicial review into the South Taranaki District Council's decision to fluoridate some of its water is known.
Mayor Julie Hardaker said until the Government takes the issue seriously, local councils will continue to face difficulties on the process.
She said the Ministry of Health promotes fluoride as a public health initiative, so it makes sense for central government to assume responsibility for fluoridation.
