Fluoride will be removed from Whakatane's water after the council narrowly voted to scrap it after 44 years.

Photo: 123rf.com

Whakatane District Councillors have voted six to five to scrap fluoridation, which protects against tooth decay, despite 60 percent of residents voting to retain it in a referendum two years ago.

Mayor Tony Bonne, who moved the resolution, said he was convinced by the evidence against fluoridation.

However his deputy, Judy Turner - who voted against the measure - said it was bad news for a community which had high levels of deprivation and limited access to dental services.

She said central government needed to take the lead on fluoridation.