Member login 
Coeliac New Zealand Logo

PHARMAC PART-SUBSIDY FOR GLUTEN FREE FOODS

Eating gluten free foods can be expensive. But for those with coeliac disease, being on a strictly gluten free diet is the only way to improve and maintain their health. To aid those with coeliac disease in living gluten free, Pharmac offers part-funding for some gluten free foods.

The part-subsidy, which is available by prescription only, covers the part-funding of gluten free foods such as gluten free flour, gluten free bread mix or baking mix. The aim is to make gluten free foods more affordable. The Pharmac part-subsidy is available to:

PHARMAC PART-SUBSIDY ACROSS THE COUNTRY

South Island or Hutt Valley DHB area
Following recent changes to the availability of gluten-free products in the South Island, contact Unichem Ilam Healthworks Pharmacy to discuss fulfillment of your prescription if you live in Canterbury.
North Island

Careful consideration should be taken in deciding whether or not it is worth getting the prescription or not – as pharmacy charges and GP or dietitian consultation costs vary, and the range and price of gluten-free food is increasing in supermarkets.

Unfortunately, Pharmac provides a part-subsidy on a smaller range of gluten-free foods, which means using a prescription to source gluten-free foods may eventually become less viable.

ACCESSING THE PART-SUBSIDY

You will need a Special Authority Number (SAN) to receive the part-subsidy, which can applied for with consultation from a GP, specialist, or dietitian. More information about this process can be found on the Ministry of Health website.

Kids Can Become Members Too! 

  • They will receive advice, support, recipes and more throughout their coeliac journey
  • Become part of a lively and supportive community
  • Receive updates from medical professionals, manufacturers, and researchers
  • Gain access to our member only resources, support groups, kids’ clubs, special offers, and the Coeliac Link magazine
Member Plans

PRESCRIBING THE SUBSIDY

NORTH and SOUTH ISLAND: Your doctor or dietitian can provide you with a Special Authority Number and a prescription for up to 3 months supply of a specific range of gluten-free products such as gluten-free flour or bread mix. This can be taken to your local pharmacy to fulfil.

CANTERBURY: Unichem Ilam Healthworks Pharmacy will fulfil your prescription without charging a dispensing fee, however, postage costs may apply for delivery.

Get Involved

Support your charity – the only not-for-profit supporting Kiwis with coeliac disease. Become part of Coeliac New Zealand now.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to grow your community and share your knowledge with others.
Find out how.

Get in Touch

Donate

Help us reach more people who are suffering from coeliac disease. Contribute to the greater good of your community.

Make a Donation

Partner with us

Create a corporate partnership with us. If you wish to support CNZ in any capacity, please contact us today to enquire on how we can work together.

Get in Touch

About Coeliac New Zealand

Your partner in
healthy living

Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.

Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.

Latest News

02/12/2025
New Zealand’s first Coeliac Registry surpasses 500 participants

Coeliac New Zealand has announced a major milestone, with its national Patient Registry now exceeding 500 participants. The registry, launched just over a year ago to better understand the experiences of people living with coeliac disease and other gluten‑related disorders, is rapidly becoming one of the most comprehensive datasets of its kind in Aotearoa. The […]

Read More
14/11/2025
Lion Foundation Support Helps Coeliac New Zealand Strengthen Community Impact

Coeliac New Zealand is proud to acknowledge the generous support of the Lion Foundation, whose continued financial contributions enable our organisation to expand its reach and improve the lives of people living with coeliac disease across Aotearoa. This funding supports our vital education, awareness, and community initiatives for individuals and families affected by coeliac disease […]

Read More
14/11/2025
Travelling with coeliac disease - Part 3

Firenze is well known as the home of Coccoli, a golden, pillowy ball of fried dough, traditionally served warm with prosciutto and creamy cheese like stracchino or burrata. I haven't tried making it myself now that I'm back in New Zealand, as I have a feeling it won’t necessarily translate well, so I'm glad I […]

Read More
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram