May 9 - Can't we control our own water?

Northland DHB told a parliamentary health select committee in March 2015 the country's worst oral health is seen in Northland’s children, with more than 65% of 5 year olds showing tooth decay. We all know there are a number of ways to combat this upsetting statistic, including campaigns to get parents to take more responsibility, handing out free toothbrushes, reducing access to sugary drinks and getting dentists to have more of a presence in the community.

Instead, unfortunately, NDHB has urged for water to be fluoridated, as if fluoride were the only option. Northland dentists also varnish the teeth of 20,000 children.

Because Northland’s various councils have not had fluoridation over the last few years – because the public expressly said most did not want fluoridation – Health Minister Jonathan Coleman plans to introduce legislation later in 2016 to take responsibility away from local councils and give it to the government.

Responsibility and control of water is a big topic this year. The country was disgusted when it was revealed Ashburton District Council was selling a business estate which included resource consent for the owner to take 45 litres of water per second. Because the consent runs until 2046, 40 billion litres of water could potentially be taken away from the people.

Up this part of the country, the Poroti Springs area is being heavily tapped. WDC already takes millions of litres of water from the springs and the Maungatapere Water Company has been allegedly “consent-banking” or “water banking” their allotment after the Environment Court gave the go-ahead. They’ve been allowed to take 20,000 cubic metres of water per day for 35 years. The Waitangi Tribunal has been unimpressed at the resource consent and is ruling in favour of mana whenua Maori, who had owned the area since 1896, gaining more control over an area they consider taonga. Maori had done a perfectly fine job of managing the water from 1896 until 1967 when the Water And Soil Conservation Act gave control back to government. In summer 1983, Whangarei District Council ran the springs dry, which killed all the watercress, eels and freshwater crayfish Maori had depended on.

So, it sounds to me like there are some really big concerns for Northland over the protection of our water supply.  At least you can have your say in October by voting for the regional and district councillors who will protect your interests.