Coeliac Awareness Week 2026: Together We Can Thrive Gluten Free

This June, Coeliac New Zealand is leading Coeliac Awareness Week 2026, taking place from 15–21 June, with a focus on helping Kiwis better understand coeliac disease and the support needed to live well gluten free.

Coeliac disease affects an estimated 100,000 New Zealanders, including around 30,000 children under the age of 18. Despite growing awareness, many people remain undiagnosed, with symptoms often varying widely from person to person. These can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, brain fog, iron-deficiency anaemia, chronic fatigue, headaches, reduced fertility and osteoporosis.

Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition where exposure to gluten triggers an immune response, damaging the lining of the small bowel and affecting the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. For those diagnosed, following a careful gluten free diet is essential — but with the right support, knowledge and dietary changes, people with coeliac disease can live healthy, full lives.

For anyone newly diagnosed, supporting someone with coeliac disease, or simply wanting to learn more, Coeliac New Zealand encourages small, practical habits such as learning how to read labels, preventing cross-contamination, planning ahead when eating out, choosing nutrient-rich gluten free foods, and keeping up with regular medical check-ups. To support this year’s campaign, the free Coeliac Awareness Week 2026 Cookbook: Thrive Gluten Free, Real Food for Real Families is also available to download via the Coeliac Awareness Week 2026 homepage, featuring a range of fuss-free gluten free recipes to help make everyday meal planning easier.

As part of Coeliac Awareness Week 2026, Lee Kum Kee is helping bring flavour and ease to gluten free cooking at home.

Try the Beef, Tofu and Loaded Green Stir Fry HERE

Try the Crispy Rice Paper Chicken & Mushroom Dumplings in Warm Miso Broth with Bok Choy and Rice Noodles HERE

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate Coeliac Awareness Week, we’re also giving readers the chance to win the ultimate gluten free kitchen bundle, featuring Sunbeam appliances and gluten free pantry favourites from NZ Bakels, Ploughmans, FreshLife, Arnott’s and Lee Kum Kee.

Enter HERE

For more information about Coeliac Awareness Week 2026, coeliac disease and the support available, visit www.coeliac.org.nz.