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Living Coeliac Safe - Cycling the Tour Aotearoa 2022 Gluten Free for life

  • CNZ Conference 2023 JOIN US

      28 August 2023
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    We are very excited to advise that our conference this year will be an opportunity for everyone to gather together face-to-face in one place and you won’t want to miss it or the delicious gluten-free lunch and the goodie bag of products to take home with you after!

    We have an early bird offer available for the conference and we encourage you to take advantage of it asap. There will be a Medical Plenary Session to begin at 9am followed by the general admittance full day conference starting at 10am.

    Secure your place at the Coeliac NZ Conference today! All the details including the link to purchase your tickets here (booking fees will apply)

    The 2023 Coeliac NZ Conference will be held at the Due Drop Event Centre in Manukau Auckland on Saturday the 18th of November. Our theme– Living Coeliac Safe – challenges and successes will be well supported by our great range of expert speakers bringing their wealth of knowledge and experience. A range of topics will be covered in an informative full day of presentations ranging from diagnosis, and the GF diet to psychology and wellbeing. Join us for a wonderful day of sharing knowledge and creating lasting memories.

    Tickets to the Conference will receive free and exclusive entry into the Gluten Free Food Festival an hour before the general conference starts from 9.00 am until 10 am and then again during the lunch break.

    JOIN US!

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  • Thank YOU!!!

      27 June 2022
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    Awesome effort everyone, thank you so much for your kind donations. Hopefully we've got a few more members out of this and I know definitely a greater awareness of the challenges faced by people with coeliac disease to eat out safely! You guys all rock, thank you for supporting Max and Andrew and Coeliac New Zealand.

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  • The Final Push

      14 June 2022
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    Coeliac Awareness Week has just ended with our theme Thriving Living Your Best Coeliac Life!!

    The Cycle for Coeliac Challenge teams and individuals have also been working hard to ride those kilometres and raise funds.

    Awesome effort everyone.

    The money you helped raise through this event will help CNZ continue to do the work we do to raise awareness about coeliac disease and educate people about the importance of a gluten free diet and avoiding cross contamination.

    We've had lots of activity happening during the past week in the media.

    If you know anyone who would like to contribute towards this event please encourage them to do so. Two weeks to go to the end date so it's the final push for donations!

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  • Great Story

      26 April 2022
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    Hi everyone, there is a great story about the challenge in our Coeliac Link Magazine that will be posted to members this week. If you are not a member of Coeliac New Zealand you can join anytime. https://coeliac.org.nz/member-benefits/

    Thanks again for your support and keep spreading the word about the cycle challenge everyone can join in on no matter how many kms they wish to ride. email healthpromotion@coeliac.org.nz for more info, registration and pledge forms.

    Cheers Wendy

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  • Jump On YOUR Bike

      11 April 2022
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    Well done!! There a 7 teams registered in the cycle for coeliac challenge and one of the whitianga fossil riders turns 82 this year and rides 100km a week.

    Join the cycle for coeliac challenge and cycle as many kms as you want at home, at school, at the gym, on the road, round the track, exploring trails. Individually or with your mates.

    Not too late to sign yourself up email healthpromotion@coeliac.org.nz for registration and pledge forms - lets see if combined we can tally up those kilometers and dollars to match what the Andrew and Max did.

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  • Looks Like We Made It - Look How Far We've Come.........

      5 April 2022
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    Wow - These guys!!

    They arrived at Bluff yesterday and were greeted by our Coeliac New Zealand volunteers Wendy Shaw and Becky Maarschalk and by our Health Promotion Manager Lisa Jury. 35 days in the saddle and over 3000kms later -

    Thank you to everyone who has supported them and Coeliac New Zealand on this journey. We are keeping the givealittle page open until coeliac awareness week in June so spread the word!!

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  • Opportunity to meet Max in person RIGHT NOW in Invercargill!!

      5 April 2022

    If you're in Invercargil and you'd like to meet Max and Lisa (health Promotion Manager of CNZ) and a couple of our volunteer coordinators then scoot along to The Grille Restaurant Richardsons Transport World Tay Street Invercargill they'll be there 9am - 10:30am THIS MORNING - get your skates on!!

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  • 30 days in the saddle

      31 March 2022
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    A quick bite to eat, pack up and we are rolling down the highway. Say bye to a shrinking glacier as we move further down the coast. The terrain is gently undulating as we cross numerous bridges. It was of interest to note that many streams and rivers were bone dry.

    Our eyes prick when we see a sign indicating refreshments at Bruce's Bay. However the cafe was shut but the scenery was stunning. The team pulled into the Salmon cafe for lunch, Salmon bagels were consumed and Max stuck with a coffee.

    It was a refreshing break to pass by lakes Paringa and Moeraki, before climbing up to Knights Point. Three more climbs followed and then it was 20 km of flat road to Haast. The team pulled into Ship Creek reserve where we were greeted by several Hectors dolphins frolicking in the waves.

    We merely turned up at our accommodation and were fortunate they had a room for us. Took a chance as we hadn't booked in advance. Fergus and I dined out while Max baked a frozen gluten free pizza, which he found in Haast as a change from his dehydrated staple.

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  • Wanaka here we come

      29 March 2022
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    Day 29 and we are on our way to Wanaka!!

    Stay up to date via the facebook and instagram pages. Thanks for joining us!

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  • upping the ante!!

      29 March 2022
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    We increased the target from $5k to $7k as there is still 3 months after the lads finish their journey to fundraise until coeliac awareness week and you can join in on the cycle for coeliac challenge - ride some kms as an individual, team on your bike at home, at the gym, on the road or trail and get pledges for the kms you ride from friends colleagues and whanau and lets see if we can raise more funds and awareness together!

    email Lisa Jury our health promotion manager on healthpromotion@coeliac.org.nz for registration and pledge forms.

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  • Day 26 Tapawera to Murchison then Murchison to Reefton

      28 March 2022
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    The day starts with a gentle ride up the Tadmor Valley. Once again we find ourselves in rural NZ with oh those familiar odours. After a few kilometres we lose the seal. We turn onto the highway at Kawatiri Junction.

    We rode out of our accommodation and straight onto Faifax Street. It was a chilly, foggy morning, lights were required for the first part. Eventually we bid farewell to the seal and the gravel kicks in. We pass numerous farms and finally the road turns into a four wheel drive track.

    Up we went working our way to the 580 metre high Maruia summit. One hour of climbing and we arrive, time for a rest and refuel followed by a nice uneventful descent.

    Before long we were back on the road, 38km to Springs Junction. However we were met by a strong headwind which certainly slowed our progress. A lunch break midway helped to rekindle our spirits.

    We eventually rolled into Springs Junction and the Alpine Cafe. Here was a separate cabinet of wrapped GF food options. With no external access and assurances about handling and cross contamination avoidance. CNZ member Jenni Fairey in Palmerston commented that it isn't that hard. After so many times seeing labeled GF food not located or handled safely, Alpine Cafe at Springs Junction bucks the trend. They can do it and it was great for Max to enjoy something with his coffee too.

    We then rode up and over the 696 metre high Rahu Saddle and enjoyed the 36 kilometre largely down hill run into Reefton. At Dawson's Hotel where we stayed Max spent time with the chef and later had a GF option of Salmon and all was good!

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  • Thank you!!

      28 March 2022
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    Wow we have some very generous people following the lads on this awesome journey - Coeliac New Zealand Incorporated are so proud of what Max and Andrew are doing to raise awareness about Coeliac Disease to assist us to inform, educate and support people with the condition in New Zealand. I will be adding some more updates shortly from the last few days and don't forget to keep checking in on the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Gluten-Free-for-Life-Tours-Aotearoa-112480331337083 and instagram pages for more photos https://www.instagram.com/cnzevents/

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  • Lower Hutt to Nelson

      24 March 2022
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    Lower Hutt to Havelock

    At 5.40am I hear movement in the house, people have started to stir. I head on downstairs and enjoy a bowl of Pure Delicious muesli courtesy of the Gluten Free Shop.

    The team ready themselves and John (our host), Max and I ride from Lower Hutt to Petone and then onto Wellington. Much of the ride was in semi darkness as we were told the Interislander check-in was between 7 and 7.30am. It was lovely coming along Petone's foreshore as the dawn was starting to break. Glorious colours and very little wind.

    We boarded and during the 3 hour trek I spent time catching up on administrative tasks. We exited the ferry and rode 35 km to Havelock village. The route took us around the coast and we enjoyed viewing Queen Charlotte Sound and various bays and inlets.

    We stayed in cabins and headed out to dine at a local restaurant. Max was resigned to not eating, had a Radix earlier and left restaurant selection to Andrew. But on arrival, and separately, Max made enquiries with a very aware waitress who gave real confidence about the kitchen and chef. This restaurant was the Captain's Daughter and they could cater for Max and keep him safe. Great service here and greatly appreciated. Zero reaction from Max. Hugely appreciated and Max could eat with me and Fergus (a solo TA rider we met a few days back).

    Havelock to Nelson

    I join Max for a 7am for a split Radix 807 KCAL breakfast, yum yum. We departed at 7.30am destined for Nelson. We rode 20km to Pelorus Bridge where we had a comfort stop.

    From here we rode on State Highway 6 to Nelson. This meant riding on a busy road and at times a narrow shoulder. We endured a couple of reasonable climbs. Eventually we were able to join a pleasant ride on a cycle path into Nelson, where we stayed centrally.

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  • We're in the South Island

      21 March 2022
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    We're off the ferry and on the trail in the South Island - let us know coeliac safe places to eat gluten free food along the way

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  • ka kite ano Ikaroa-a-Māui, Te tena koe Te Wai Pounamu

      21 March 2022
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    Graeme greeted us in the morning as we sorted out our gear for the trek over the Rimutakas.

    Get underway and cycle back into Martinborough fueled by a banana and a GF protein bar. We started on the main road and before long were in rural NZ. A brief pause while young cows crossed the road and soon we were riding beside Lake Wairarapa.

    A left hand turn took us to the start of the Rimutaka Cycle Trail. A couple of kilometres of single track took us to the start of this Trail. This was a most enjoyable ride, gradually climbing to the summit. Enroute we pass through 3 tunnels and over a swing bridge. It was lovely to see other people enjoying this Trail, including young children, dogs and adults.

    The descent took us to Te Marua dairy where I was able to enjoy a homemade steak and mushroom pie. Max was less fortunate if you are into the famous Tour pies but could have a GF icecream.

    The lads followed the cycle path into Lower Hutt. A most pleasant flattish route that hugged the Hutt River. We stayed with friends of Max trail angels Kim and John. We picked up GF Radix dehydrated food packs and Nothing Naughty bars pre-sent by Max.

    The Gluten Free Shop sent a care pack too, hand delivered by Nerys the CNZ Kids Club Coordinator in Wellington. Greatly appreciated as it is difficult to source GF on Trail. We are heavy packed now and it looks like the weather is coming in. No worries about food for now. Max has GF supplies to cover several days at least. We are on the ferry and about to arrive in Picton.

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  • Encounters with Angels!!

      21 March 2022
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    19th Masterton to Martinborough

    The lads cycle into town to look for a new bike seat for Max. Spy some TA bikes in front of a cafe, so in we go for a chat. I have a coffee and a normal date scone while Max had earlier finished off his remaining GF Munch food.

    Finally get underway at 10am with Max now sporting bike seat number 3. Another day of cycling in beautiful rural NZ. Today we ride wholly on sealed roads. While we were recuperating a female cyclist stops for a chat. Chris says if we struggle to find accommodation, then give her a call.

    We have a nice ride into Martinborough on smooth seal. First port of call the Top 10 Holiday Park. They were fully booked so I phone trail angel Chris. Absolutely she says, feel free to stay, Graeme and I are heading into Wellington and will be back around 6pm. Help yourself to tea, coffee, the washing machine and the spa. We were overwhelmed by trail angels Chris and Graeme.

    Max then contacts Sylvia (long time and now ex CNZ Board member) and we arrange to meet she and Peter in the Medici Cafe. Sylvia kindly gives us some gluten free mango cheese cake.

    We head to our wonderful accommodation, and then on to the Martinborough Hotel for dinner where on Sylvia's local advice we had pre arranged that Max could be catered GF. We could see they took care and advised us that it was taking a little longer due to separated preparation. Awesome GF meal and no issues. Thanks Sylvia and Martinborough Hotel!

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  • Food glorious Food! Max could eat at a cafe woohoo

      18 March 2022
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    A big shout out to Munch (and Coeliac NZ volunteer Pip Meads) for making Max and Andrew's morning so joyful and sending them off with a gluten free packed lunch for the journey South.

    Keep spreading the word and supporting the team!! #coeliacsafe #glutenfreeforlife

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    • 18/03/2022 by Roger

      Great to see a good meal in front of you two.Well done good progress.Rog.

    • 21/03/2022 by Coeliac New Zealand

      more from Andrew - Well we were well and truly spoilt by Veronica the owner of the wonderful gluten free Munch Cafe. Dining Out Programme certified, Max could relax, feel completely safe and have the amazing freedom of anything on the menu and no need to ask all those GF safety questions. We took photos, made a couple of videos and indulged in scrumptious food in great ambiance and the great fellow coeliac company of Veronica, Pip Meads the CNZ area coordinator, and Jenni Fairey. We can't recommend Munch enough, it is amazing.

      From here we headed out of town on quiet roads. Climbed a significant hill where we paused to admire a distant view of Palmerston North. We then traveled through a wind farm, such huge, graceful structures. The next section comprised quiet gravel roads, before arriving in Pahiatua for lunch. Max and I feasted on awesome sumptuous and nutritious gluten free food courtesy of Munch Cafe.

      Next port of call was Eketahuna, where Max kindly posed in front of the large kiwi. We found ourselves back in farm land and gravel roads. The final sealed section was a joy to ride and before long we had arrived at the Mawley Holiday Park. The lads cleaned themselves up and headed out for a meal at Lonestar where they took greatly appreciated care to enable Max to skip the dehydrated food this evening. No reaction. Thanks Lonestar!!

  • 1/3 done and dusted

      16 March 2022
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    TOUR UPDATE - over one-third of the Te Aotearoa cycle ride COMPLETED and still FEW coeliac safe GF food options available for Max- check out the latest update on the CNZ fb page https://www.facebook.com/Coeliac.New.Zealand and share some advice on where to eat over the next few days!

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  • Thanks again supporters!!

      15 March 2022
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    Thank you for coming along on the Gluten Free For Life ride!

    Max and Andrew really appreciate your support as they ride the length of Aotearoa to raise funds for Coeliac New Zealand and raise awareness about Coeliac Disease.

    Coeliac Disease can have an impact on someone you know as people of all ages can have it, and the importance of understanding the disease and how to manage a gluten free diet is particularly important for their wellbeing. By supporting Max and Andrews' "Gluten Free for Life" tour of Aotearoa you help Coeliac NZ to continue to educate and support individuals, whanau and entire communities to live their best life with this lifelong auto-immune condition. Nga mihi Coeliac New Zealand Inc.

    More photos and updates on the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Gluten-Free-for-Life-Tours-Aotearoa-112480331337083 and cnzevents instagram page.

    Join the thriving not just surviving coeliac safe gluten free for life journey!

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  • Day 9 to 12 update - Keep the support coming!!

      13 March 2022
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    On 9 March Max and I met Lisa Jury the CNZ Health Promotions Manager for breakfast at Villa Nine in Te Aroha. Super excited to see Lisa and hear about the Thriving not just Surviving team events planned to match our kilometres! Only the third time Max felt safe to eat. Villa Nine is truly awesome with great safe GF food. Max will return. In fact it is so good he'd travel to Te Aroha just for Villa Nine. Awesome to finally have an amazing breakfast and buy a scone for the road. Lisa brought a care pack of some fresh food and other needed things. From Te Aroha we made our way to Matamata and onto Arohena Landing, camped and had some fresh food. Thanks Lisa! Today we rode 96 km.

    The following day (10 March) we rode to Mangakino where we were met by 2 wonderful trail angels Roger and Coralie Smitheram. They delivered a GF food pack that Max had sent to them. We camped at Pureora that night.

    The team gathered their senses on 11 March and rode from the start of the Timber Trail to Camp Epic approximately 40 km of single track (mountain bike) riding.

    Today (12 March) we left Camp Epic and made our way to Taumaranui. The first 5 hours were spent riding the final 42 kilometres of the Timber Trail. We the rode 28 kilometres to Taumaranui.

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  • Woohoo back in the saddle tomorrow

      7 March 2022

    Day 7 update Great news!!!!!

    Andrew's eye has been reviewed and it's all ok!

    He'll be dropped back to Miranda tonight and they'll set off tomorrow. Max is still there and was ready to go or stay depending on the news

    - Food is difficult here and the GF trail food Max is carrying needs to last so hopefully he can get something from home for tonight along with Andrew when he's dropped off. .

    So pleased Andrew is fine!

    Remember to spread the word everyone - let's get as many people as we can behind these two legends!

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  • Send your positive vibes out to Andrew!!

      6 March 2022

    Today a challenge on the way. One of our challenges to get to the start line was that Andrew had to have surgery for a detached retina. He had medical clearance to go but last night it flared up. Andrew heads to Auckland today for a review and hopefully tomorrow can be back on trail. Max gets a rest day - probably a good thing. We hope we know more and get back on track tomorrow.

    Thanks everyone for the support - keep those pledges coming :)

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  • other snaps and updates on our facebook pages

      6 March 2022

    Hi everyone

    We also have updates and posts regularly on the Coeliac New Zealand and Gluten Free for Life Tours Aotearoa facebook and CNZevents instagram pages so check them all out.

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  • Day 5 - Starting with a Hiss and a Roar

      6 March 2022
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    Day 5 update from Andrew:

    They started with a hiss and a roar at Max's house where I had spent the night. We cycled off up the pink path, etc. gradually making our way to Maungawhau's summit.

    It was lovely riding up towards the summit knowing there was a welcoming party waiting for us. How cool is that? Max and I rounded the top corner it was wonderful to see amazing people, supporters and friends waiting to greet us. Those present included the Coeliac NZ Board and Executive Officers.

    We were really pleased to share some wonderful GF food and receive a care pack from the Gluten Free Shop. All of which was greatfully appreciated and a huge energy boost for us. We had the opportunity to acknowledge the Coeliac NZ team who are doing an amazing job to raise awareness and make this happen.

    After which we headed off to Onehunga, Mangere Bridge foreshore, through Totara Park, past Ardmore to Clevedon. Max took me to the Corner Kitchen and Bar where we had a separate wrapped GF carrot cake and a coffee.

    We then headed to the coast, Kawakawa Bay and then onto Miranda, arriving around 7.30pm having cycled 115km. This night we pitched our tents for the first time.

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  • Day 3 - Max and Andrew's intrepid journey

      3 March 2022
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    Wow Max and Andrew thank you for the support and messages. They're riding big days due to Pouto ferry sailing tomorrow morning. They rode something like 9 hours yesterday on the saddle not counting breaks.

    Legends!!

    Spread the word.

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  • on the road 1st of March

      2 March 2022
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    Max and Andrew starting to rake up those kms - Have you got your cycle challenge team organised to see if you can match the distance?

    https://fb.watch/burxvYbczB/

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  • Suns Out Guns Out

      28 February 2022
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    All that prep has paid off - It's the eve of start day and Max and Andrew are ready to go!!

    Spread the word and get behind these two Coeliac Safe Champions on their journey

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  • Getting Closer

      21 February 2022

    On Sunday 20 February I had my first ride nearly fully loaded. I rode from the CBD out to Westgate then across the North Harbour Bridge to Devonport and across the ferry back to the CBD. About 51km. I stopped at a few bike shops along the way to pick up small things that I still needed. I have also changed the tyres to tubeless with a different tread pattern more suited to the range of Tour Aotearoa surfaces. I also had the bike checked over.

    The bike felt surprisingly good with the gear on, although I will need to organise the packing and tie down a bit better. I also need to fit in more clothes and food – I am not sure where! Included is a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, various spares, tools and a cooker.

    Thanks for joining me and Andrew on our ride, we really appreciate the support.

    Cheers

    Max.

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  • A big thank you

      10 February 2022

    Thank you for coming along on the Gluten Free For Life ride! Coeliac Disease can have an impact on someone you know as people of all ages can have it, and the importance of understanding the disease and how to manage a gluten free diet is particularly important for their wellbeing. By supporting Max and Andrews' "Gluten Free for Life" tour of Aotearoa you help Coeliac NZ to continue to educate and support individuals, whanau and entire communities to live their best life with this lifelong auto-immune condition. Nga mihi Coeliac New Zealand Inc.

    Join the thriving not just surviving coeliac safe gluten free for life journey!

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  • We are only weeks away

      3 February 2022

    Hi team - please start spreading the word, Max and Andrew will be starting their incredible journey in only a matter of weeks.

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