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.
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. 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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Kerre Woodham Mornings Podcast