Allergy New Zealand

30/04/2026

Have you ever heard of thunderstorm asthma?

First reported in the 1980s, the term refers to an asthma attack that starts or worsens after a thunderstorm. It can also affect people with seasonal allergic rhinitis and can sometimes overwhelm hospitals after a significant weather event.

According to this Harvard Health article, understanding the triggers can help you stay well and be prepared.

Read more here: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/thunderstorm-asthma-bad-weather-allergies-and-asthma-attacks-202206222766

28/04/2026

You are invited to the eighth Chefs’ Pacific Six Course Health & Allergen Awareness Kai event on 15 May.

Held at the Naumi Hotel Auckland Airport, it will be led by Chef Ana from Gia’s Catering and Chef Rodney from Restaurant Lunar & Bar. Use the QR code in the image to find out more.

23/04/2026

A recent global study has analysed nearly three million children to help determine the early-life factors that most strongly predict food allergy risks.

It looked at how skin barrier health, family history, and early allergen exposures intersect to provide a compelling pattern from past incidence, as an early life predictor of food allergies.

Read more here: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260212/Top-early-life-factors-driving-childhood-food-allergy.aspx

22/04/2026

Allergy NZ CEO Mark Dixon has appeared in the Northern Advocate to discuss the lack of allergen labelling in supermarkets.

Read the full story here:

The lack of an allergen list on Pak'nSave hot cross buns is sparking a call for change.

21/04/2026

Remember, if you have to call an ambulance for a major allergic reaction, say the word ‘anaphylaxis’ to the person taking the call, as soon as you can.

This will help to ensure your call is considered a priority one, and triaged and escalated accordingly.

20/04/2026

Allergy-aware cooking classes that will focus on preparing safe, practical food with a Pasifika influence will be held in Manukau on 29 April and 26 May.

The classes will be taken by Ana Mailei Savio, a qualified chef and Pacific community advocate.

Registration is free but spots are limited: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/aUYchKJH0D

19/04/2026

📣 An important announcement for people who are sensitive to or allergic to milk and/or soy. 📣

Sanitarium Health Food Company has announced the allergen status of its Weet-Bix™ Bites Wild Berry product has been updated to reflect a new risk of cross contact with milk. It has also carried over the recent alert where cross contact with soy was added to this product.

The product label now includes the allergen statement “May contain: lupin, milk, soy”.

Look for the pink allergen alert label on packs arriving in Australia and New Zealand supermarkets from May 2026. There may be some cross-over time when products with and without may contain milk and soy allergen labelling are on shelves.

Allergen alert flashes have been included on front, side and top of packs for all products that may contain these new allergens to help consumers identify this change.

For more, freephone 0800 100 257
www.sanitarium.co.nz/contactus

16/04/2026

✨ In case you missed the latest edition of ‘From Mark’s Desk’ in the recent Allergy Today newsletter, you can still read it here. ✨

https://www.allergy.org.nz/news-events/allergy-today-from-marks-desk-autumn-2026/

12/04/2026

What’s the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?

A food allergy is caused by an over-reaction of the immune system. Food intolerance is not caused by the immune system but rather by other problems, for example the digestive system.

Read more here: https://www.allergy.org.nz/conditions/food-allergies/allergy-vs-intolerance/

09/04/2026

Did you know…Allergies are the most common chronic health condition in the world?

In fact, up to one third of the New Zealand population will have an allergy of some form during their lifetime.

From information about anaphylaxis to reducing the risk of a food allergy in babies, the Allergy NZ website is the place to go for information, tips, and resources that are accessible for anyone affected by allergies.

Stop by sometime and take a look: www.allergy.org.nz