Living gluten free can feel like a big journey - especially if you’re still trying to understand your symptoms, waiting for testing, or navigating life after a diagnosis. That’s exactly why this year’s Gluten Free Food Festival seminar sessions in Christchurch are built around one powerful theme: Knowledge, Confidence, Community - Thriving GF at Every Stage of Life

Whether you’re newly curious, newly diagnosed, or a long‑time gluten‑free pro, this festival is your chance to learn, connect, and feel supported. Alongside delicious gluten-free food and great local brands, we’re hosting three inspiring expert-led seminar sessions designed specifically for people living with coeliac disease or exploring whether it might be affecting them.

These aren’t medical lectures - they’re practical, empowering conversations that meet you where you are.

(1) Your Coeliac Health Journey: Thriving With Confidence at Every Stage

Presented by Dr Alastair Dunne, GP

If you’ve ever wondered, “What should I be checking? Am I doing this right? What happens next?” - This session is for you.

Dr Dunne will walk you through the big picture of coeliac health, including:

• Understanding coeliac disease beyond the diagnosis moment
• What good long‑term monitoring looks like
• When to check in with your GP
• Managing other health conditions alongside coeliac disease
• How to advocate for yourself in the health system
• Building a supportive, confident GP–patient partnership

This is a safe space to get clarity, reassurance, and practical steps you can use straight away.

(2) Helping Our Tamariki Thrive Gluten Free: Growth, Development, and Family Wellbeing

Presented by Prof Andrew Day, Paediatric Gastroenterologist

For parents, caregivers, and young people, coeliac disease can raise a whole new set of questions. Prof Day brings decades of experience supporting children and families through diagnosis, growth, and everyday life.

He’ll cover:

• How coeliac disease affects children differently
• Growth, puberty, and long‑term health
• Supporting kids emotionally and socially
• Navigating school, sports, parties, and social events
• What to do when things feel hard - fussy eating, symptoms, or setbacks
• How families and clinicians work together so children can flourish

If you’re supporting a child with symptoms or a diagnosis, this session will leave you feeling informed and empowered.

(3) Eating Well, Living Well: Everyday Nutrition for a Thriving GF Life

Presented by Sophie Hall, Dietitian

Food is at the heart of living gluten free - and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Sophie’s session is all about practical, real‑world strategies that make GF living easier, healthier, and more enjoyable.

She’ll explore:

• Building a balanced gluten‑free diet without overwhelm
• Avoiding common nutrient gaps
• Smart label reading and cross‑contamination tips
• Eating out, travelling, and social situations
• Budget‑friendly GF strategies
• Moving from “strict and stressful” to “safe and sustainable”

Perfect for anyone wanting to feel more confident in their everyday choices.

Plus: A Combined Q&A With All Three Experts facilitated by our in-house dietitian, Georgia Blomquist

This is your chance to get clear, trustworthy answers from people who genuinely understand coeliac disease and gluten‑free living

Why Come Along?

• You’ll learn from some of Aotearoa’s leading experts
• You’ll meet others who “get it” — no explanations needed
• You’ll discover new GF products, brands, and ideas
• You’ll leave feeling more confident, more connected, and more supported

Whether you’re exploring symptoms, waiting for testing, newly diagnosed, or years into your GF journey, you belong here.

Pre-register for the FREE SESSIONS now.  More detail can be found on our website.

Access to the seminars is free with your ticket to attend the festival: Click here to purchase tickets.

JOIN COELIAC NEW ZEALAND before the festival and enjoy being part of our community with a Welcome Pack and a free All Day pass to the GF Food Festival in Christchurch. This is a limited-time, members-only perk for new joiners - perfect timing to get involved!