Coeliac New Zealand Incorporated
Coeliac New Zealand Incorporated
Contact Details
PO Box 35 724
Browns Bay
Auckland 0753
24-hour Message Centre: (09) 820 5157
Fax: (09) 414 7468
Email: admin@coeliac.org.nz
Who are we?
Coeliac New Zealand Incorporated (formerly Coeliac Society of New Zealand Inc.) was formed in 1973 to promote the welfare of children and adults who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. Along with support and assistance we provide new members with a manual containing information on coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, the gluten free diet, where to shop, recipes and helpful advice to make the transformation from gluten to gluten free as easy as possible. Additionally, we have a members’ only area on our website full of recipes, gluten free accommodation providers, articles, members only forum, information about overseas travel and the gluten free diet, and other resources. Our website also contains gluten free eating guides full of listings from gluten free cafes/restaurants/bars, gluten free grocery outlets and gluten free manufacturers.
What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is a permanent, autoimmune disorder caused by an intolerance to gluten which is found in wheat, barley, oats and rye. This intolerance to gluten causes the body to produce antibodies which damage the lining of the small bowel and make it impossible for the body to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from food. Environmental factors play an important role in coeliac disease and coeliac disease is hereditary. Coeliac disease is diagnosed using a combination of blood tests, gene tests and biopsy. The gold standard for diagnosis is a positive biopsy result. Once diagnosis has been made, the only known treatment is a gluten free diet for life. To be effective, the diet must be strictly and permanently adhered to and should only be begun after a proven diagnosis.