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