Allergy New Zealand

Allergy New Zealand Allergy New Zealand is a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping people living with allergies.

Allergy NZ has the advice and support of a medical panel, which is made up of allergy specialists, nurses and dietitians, in order to keep our members informed with reliable, up to date allergy advice. We also represent the interests of people with allergies to government, policy makers and the media. We provide information and guidance to the health, education and food sectors and support research. Since 2007, we have been honoured to have Peter Charles Leitch QSM , aka The Mad Butcher, as our Allergy New Zealand Ambassador. Peter has provided an enormous amount of support in fundraising and building our profile.

Updated: we've corrected this graphic so it shows gluten in the allergen statement, as the new labelling rules require. ...
12/10/2026

Updated: we've corrected this graphic so it shows gluten in the allergen statement, as the new labelling rules require. Thanks to the community member who spotted it.

Packaged food labels in NZ now spell out allergens in plainer language, including sesame.

Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) is now in full effect for packaged food sold in New Zealand. Priority allergens must appear in clear, everyday words in bold in the ingredient list, plus in a separate 'Contains' statement, so you're not left decoding terms like casein or ovalbumin on your own.

Sesame is among the allergens that must be declared when present. Practical habit: read the allergen declaration every time, even on familiar products, because recipes and formulations can change.

This is general education about labelling rules, not a diagnosis. If you're unsure how labelling applies to your household's care plan, talk with your GP, allergist, or clinician. Concerns about non-compliant products can be raised with the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Save this for the supermarket run. Learn more: allergy.org.nz · Link in bio

Spring is here — and so are the bees and wasps.Sting allergy can range from local swelling to severe reactions, includin...
12/10/2026

Spring is here — and so are the bees and wasps.

Sting allergy can range from local swelling to severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. If you've had a concerning reaction to a bee or wasp sting before, talk with your GP about whether referral to an allergy specialist is appropriate, and whether an adrenaline autoinjector belongs in your emergency plan.

Practical education tips (not a treatment plan):
• Watch drinks and food outdoors in spring and summer
• Avoid swatting near nests; stay calm and move away slowly if a bee or wasp is around
• Wear shoes outdoors where wasps nest in the ground
• Know your ASCIA Action Plan if you have one prescribed

This post does not diagnose sting allergy. Personal management belongs with your GP, allergist, or clinician.

Save this spring reminder. allergy.org.nz · Link in bio

School term check-in: is your child's anaphylaxis Action Plan the updated 2026 ASCIA version?ASCIA Action Plans for Anap...
08/10/2026

School term check-in: is your child's anaphylaxis Action Plan the updated 2026 ASCIA version?

ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis were updated in 2026 with clearer layouts to support emergency response. In New Zealand, families commonly use the EpiPen-specific ASCIA plan when that device is prescribed.

A practical household checklist many clinicians encourage:
• A current, signed ASCIA Action Plan
• Copies at school, after-school care, and with regular caregivers
• Prescribed adrenaline autoinjectors available where needed (ask your clinician or pharmacist about funded supply if eligible)
• Staff who know where the plan and device are, and how to help in an emergency

Plans should be reviewed on a clinician's schedule (often annually). This is education about preparedness — not a substitute for clinical care.

Update if yours is out of date. Resources: allergy.org.nz · Link in bio

28/09/2026

Allergen update: Weet-Bix™ Bites Wild Berry

Sanitarium has updated the allergen status of Weet-Bix™ Bites Wild Berry following a new risk of cross-contact with milk.

The product also continues to carry the recent alert for possible cross-contact with soy.

The updated allergen statement is:

Contains: gluten, wheat
May contain: lupin, milk, soy

Look for the pink allergen alert label on packs in New Zealand supermarkets. During the changeover, both old and updated packaging may be on shelves.

For more information, contact Sanitarium on 0800 100 257.

In an anaphylactic emergency, the person helping is often a stranger, and the person experiencing the reaction may not a...
25/09/2026

In an anaphylactic emergency, the person helping is often a stranger, and the person experiencing the reaction may not always be able to speak or act for themselves.

For Allergy Awareness Week, MediPoint is offering Allergy Today readers a free trial of its medical information card.

The wallet-sized MediPoint card includes a snap-off keyring tag and links to a secure health profile. One scan with any phone, with no app required, can provide access to important information such as your allergens, possible symptoms and severity, medications you carry including your adrenaline auto-injector, and who to contact in an emergency.

It can also be read in more than 50 languages, which may be useful when travelling.

For every Allergy Today reader who subscribes, MediPoint will donate a percentage back to Allergy New Zealand.

To start your free trial, scan the QR code or visit medipoint.co.nz/trial/?ref=ALLERGYNZ

Congratulations to our Auckland-based Allergy Educator, Roann Ilao, whose team was recently recognised for Allergy New Z...
24/09/2026

Congratulations to our Auckland-based Allergy Educator, Roann Ilao, whose team was recently recognised for Allergy New Zealand’s contribution at the 2026 Rural Wellbeing Expo in Pukekohe.

Roann was joined by new community event volunteers Winnie Yi-Chieh Chen and Fay Song, helping engage with participants and share practical information about allergies and anaphylaxis. More than 50 people took part in our lucky draw quiz, which was designed to help build awareness of different types of allergies and anaphylaxis.

Roann was also back out in the community during the two-day Philippine Independence Day celebrations in June, continuing to share Allergy New Zealand resources with families and local communities.

Congratulations as well to Joana, the lucky winner of the Allergy New Zealand quiz at the Kelston Community Centre. Joana told us:

“I really appreciate Allergy New Zealand proactively educating the community about allergies.”

If you would like to volunteer alongside Roann and help share allergy resources in the community, email [email protected].

Blocked or congested nose? There’s now a drug-free option worth knowing about.Goodair Nosebuds use gentle vibroacoustic ...
19/09/2026

Blocked or congested nose? There’s now a drug-free option worth knowing about.

Goodair Nosebuds use gentle vibroacoustic technology designed to support the nose’s natural clearing system. Developed from more than 25 years of nasal physiology research, Goodair reports that 95% of study participants experienced significant improvement across key congestion symptoms.

Allergy New Zealand is giving away a set of Goodair Nosebuds.

To enter, email [email protected] with “Clear Nose” in the subject line and include your name and contact details.

Entries close 30 September 2026.

A new blood test is now available to help people better understand whether common airborne allergens may be contributing...
16/09/2026

A new blood test is now available to help people better understand whether common airborne allergens may be contributing to their symptoms.

Awanui Labs’ Aeroallergen Sensitivity Blood IgE Test, available through BODYiQ, measures IgE antibodies associated with allergens including house dust mites, cat and dog dander, grass and tree pollens, plantain pollen, and common moulds.

A positive result shows sensitisation, but does not necessarily mean that allergen is causing your symptoms. Results should always be considered alongside your symptoms, medical history, and advice from your healthcare provider.

The test is available for people aged 16+ and can be requested without a GP referral.

Learn more through BODYiQ.

Have you received inaccurate or incomplete ingredient information from a supermarket bakery or delicatessen?Allergy New ...
10/09/2026

Have you received inaccurate or incomplete ingredient information from a supermarket bakery or delicatessen?

Allergy New Zealand has experienced a steady increase in calls about missing ingredient information, inaccurate labelling and incorrect advice concerning supermarket-produced food.

Recent reports also raise concerns about allergy awareness and food-safety training among staff working in supermarket food-service areas.

If this has happened to you or your family, we would like to hear about your experience. Please tell us:

• What happened
• Which supermarket area was involved
• How outlet management responded when the concern was brought to their attention

Email [email protected].

You can also read the recent NZ Herald article, featuring comments from Allergy New Zealand CEO Mark Dixon. link in the comments

Not just managing your allergies - want to support others?Allergy NZ membership is FREE and open to anyone. Get access t...
06/09/2026

Not just managing your allergies - want to support others?

Allergy NZ membership is FREE and open to anyone. Get access to the Allergy Today newsletter, trustworthy resources, and a whole community doing this together.

Join us:

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581 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden
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