A safe and adequate supply of drinking water is an essential requirement for health.

Taumata Arowai, took over as New Zealand’s drinking water regulator on 15 November 2021 when the Water Services Act 2021 came into effect. More information can be found on the Taumata Arowai website, especially their Mō te iwi whānui | For the publicpage.

Community water fluoridation

The Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021, which came into effect in December 2021, allows the Director-General of Health to direct local authorities to add – or not to add – fluoride to a drinking-water supply. This enables a nationally consistent approach to community water fluoridation based on its well-established health benefits. More information can be found on the Ministry of Health website.

Hospital's community water fluoridation position statements

For more useful information click on the links below

Last updated 24 October 2023.