In a candid discussion, Rotorua Councillor Conan O’Brien proposed a motion urging the Minister of Health, Simeon Brown, to halt fluoridation directives until an independent public inquiry on its health and environmental impacts is conducted. Councillor O’Brien expressed concerns about the safety and necessity of fluoridating the water supply, highlighting the financial pressures on local councils to comply with government directives. He emphasized the importance of thorough investigation into the effects of fluoride, especially considering Rotorua's unique environmental context and the potential long-term consequences for local ecosystems.

Councillor O’Brien's motion received unanimous support, reflecting a growing willingness among local leaders to push back against centralised health policies. He called for transparency and community involvement in decision-making, underscoring that the health of local residents and the environment should be the priority. As discussions continue, O’Brien is eager to engage with officials from the Ministry of Health to address these pressing concerns and ensure that decisions about public health are based on robust evidence.