Current Legal Issues Facing Networked Suppliers of Water

This presentation will examine two current and controversial legal issues facing networked suppliers of water:

Fluoridation: Less than half of New Zealand's population currently live in communities with water fluoridation programmes, and its use has remained controversial. The High Court recently rejected a challenge to South Taranaki District Council's water fluoridation programme, confirming that councils do have a statutory power to add fluoride to water, and that fluoridation is not a breach of the right to refuse medical treatment under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. This presentation will consider the High Court's decision and its wider implications.

Ability to restrict supply: Disconnecting consumers from essential utilities is very much on the Government's radar in 2014. In the case of water supply, suppliers are prohibited by law from completely disconnecting domestic consumers for non-payment of charges or a failure to fix water leaks. However, suppliers may restrict the supply of water, provided an adequate supply is maintained. This presentation will consider the constraints on restricting supply under the Health Act 1956 and Local Government Act 2002.