For over 50 years, we've been New Zealand’s trusted voice on coeliac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle. As an independent charity, we’re dedicated to helping Kiwis live well, gluten-free - offering expert advice, reliable support, and championing better access to safe, gluten-free food.

Our mission is clear: to create a future where everyone on a gluten-free diet can thrive with confidence and ease.

We do this by:

• Sharing expert, independent information to empower people to manage their health and diet confidently.
• Advocating for faster diagnosis, better treatment, and safer food options – both at home and when eating out.
• Supporting leading research into new treatments and, hopefully, a cure

Behind the scenes, our passionate team works across everything from dietetic support and education to awareness campaigns, database management and managing our accreditation programmes. We're guided by a dedicated Board who all have personal experience with coeliac disease, and we’re fortunate to be supported by our Medical Advisory Panel — a team of leading gastroenterologists, dietitians, GP's, a public health physician, and an immunologist.

At this year’s festival, we’ve partnered with Shayna to ensure all food vendors have completed our Gluten Free Food Safety Training Certificate - so you can feel confident about what’s on your plate. We also encourage you to become a strong advocate for your own dietary needs.

Be sure to visit the Coeliac NZ stand and attend our FREE seminars and a food demonstration by Kelly Gibney during the festival! Learn tips and tricks for gluten-free desserts and treats in this food demonstration using the new range of Griffin’s Gluten Free Biscuits.

For details and to register click here:

Wendy Bremner, General Manager of Coeliac NZ, reminds us: “You must feel confident that the food you eat is safe, especially when prepared by someone else. That confidence is vital.”

To help you stay in control when dining out, don’t miss our helpful checklist — a quick guide on what to ask and what to look out for.

Consumer checklist for eating out

What to look for:

• Dining Out Programme accredited; signage that says gluten-free?
• Gluten-free foods in the cabinet display? Separated from other foods? (on the shelf above gluten-containing foods, not below).
• Separate and labelled serving utensils available?

What to ask:

• Are you able to cater for someone with coeliac disease who requires gluten-free food?
• What menu items can be made gluten-free?
• How do you avoid and manage cross-contamination?
• Please let the chef know that I am coeliac.
• Can I please talk to the chef?

What to listen for:

• Do staff understand your requirements?
• Are they asking you relevant questions?
• Are they willing to check with the kitchen or another staff member and get back to you?

Timing, when to ask the questions:

• When you are booking a restaurant.
• On arrival at the restaurant.
• When placing your order.
• When the order is delivered.

Did you have a good experience?

• Don’t forget to share this with your friends, family and colleagues, and on social media.
• Don’t forget to review or feed this back to the venue/restaurant.
• Not so good experience? Talk to the venue or send a complaint to MPI via info@mpi.govt.nz / 0800 00 8383

Thank you to our Sponsor

Griffin’s is proud to support the Coeliac New Zealand food demonstration by Kelly Gibney at the Gluten Free Food Festival in Christchurch.

Join Coeliac New Zealand

If you follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons, join Coeliac New Zealand today.  

 As the trusted authority on coeliac disease for over 50 years, Coeliac NZ offers reliable information, practical guidance, advocacy and vital support for those living gluten-free. 

 From expert advice on managing coeliac disease to easy-to-follow resources on reading food labels and avoiding cross-contamination, Coeliac NZ is here to help you live well and stay safe.