Nearly one in five of Canterbury's 5 year olds has tooth decay - and Christchurch is New Zealand's only metropolitan centre without a fluoridated water supply. Â
Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation of New Zealand children - and we can do something about it as parents or grandparents and the politicians can do something about improving outcomes if they have the will.
But it appears they don't. Â And you would have to wonder why a government that places so much emphasis on child welfare and improving outcomes for the most disadvantaged children is dragging the chain when it comes to making a simple, significant policy decision.
Listen to the audio above as Kerre McIvor shares her thoughts on the issue.
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