Hastings stop fluoridation campaign

July 28th, 2011: The Council voted unanimously to put fluoridation to a referendum in conjunction with the 2013 local body elections.

Hastings District Council to Report in July 2011 on Consultation Options

Angela Hair was given a whole half an hour to present her 2011/2012 draft Annual Plan submission to the Council, which was very generous of the Mayor.  The council staff are in the process of putting together a report on how the Council should consult with the people of Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere. The question that will face the councillors will be if they should have a referendum or whether they can make the decision themselves. A referendum wouldn’t be until the 2013 local body elections. 

April 5th, 2011:  Presentation by world leading fluoridation expert, U.S. Prof Emeritus Paul Connett to Hastings District Council - meeting was open to public.

April 4th, 2011:  Public meeting and presentation by Paul Connett at Havelock North Community Centre.

January 2011 - Use excellent new Hastings No Fluoride site for all Hastings fluoridation information.

December 4th, 2010: Protest Plea to Mayor - Hawkes Bay Today

Great protest in Hastings where at least 50 people turned up to give the mayor bottles and jars of water with a sticker containing the following:

Warning : This Hastings water contains Hydrofluorosilicic Acid

ORICA CHEMICALS MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET STATES:
Repeated and prolonged exposure may result in fluorosis
Avoid contaminating waterways
Dispose of this material through a licenced waste contractor
Decontamination and destruction of containers should be considered

 

2010: A referendum was discussed at a Council meeting:

There was strong advocacy to hold a referendum from Councillors Anne Wilson-Hunt,  Henare O'Keefe, Keriana Poulain, Rod Heaps and Mayor Yule to allow the people of Hastings to have a say as to whether fluoride should remain in the Hastings water supply. 

Councillor Bowers put to Council that the status quo should remain with Council officers talking with DHB to reduce the amount of fluoride in the water (0.7mg/L was suggested). This has still not been undertaken two months after the decision was made. 

 
Councillors Norm Speers, Tania Kerr, Mandy Kimber, Robert Burnside, Cynthia Bowers, Derek Brownrigg, Kevin Watkins voted for the status quo (i.e. continued fluoridation of Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere water) while Councillors Anne Wilson Hunt,  Henare O'Keefe, Keriana Poulain, Rod Heaps, Wayne Bradshaw and Mayor Yule voted against the motion.

 

June 30, 2010: Concern for babies sees reduction in fluoride - Hawke's Bay Today

Early in 1990, a Council decision resulted in fluoride being removed from the water supply in Hastings City. However, a referendum took place in November 1990, and fluoridation at 1 ppm was reinstated. Hastings City has since remained fluoridated.