IBD & ME...
Transitioning to Adulthood with IBD
is an important milestone.
This website offers tips and information
to help you prepare for your big step.
Read More...
Our Vision
Making life more liveable for the Crohn’s and colitis community.
Our Mission
We provide a community where people affected by Crohn’s and colitis can find support and understanding. We are a powerful, united voice that brings about positive change.
Applications are now CLOSED for the 2025 Giving Circle Scholarship Award!
This incredible opportunity is brought to you by a group of anonymous donors who established the IBD Computer Scholarship Award back in 2020.
About the Award: The first award was presented in 2021 and is administered through Crohn’s and Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust. The award consists of either one brand-new MacBook Pro or funds amounting to $2,299, which can be utilised to support the recipient's educational pursuits. This award will be granted on an annual basis.
This year's winner is....
Macy Forman
Macy is an aspiring chemical engineer living with ulcerative colitis. Her journey with this condition has inspired her to improve pharmaceutical technologies and create better medications. She's driven to help others and make a real difference in the IBD community.
Let's congratulate Macy on this well-deserved achievement and show our support as she embarks on this exciting new chapter!
Previous winners are listed below:
2024 Rachel Weatherly, studying Electrical Engineering at ETCO.
2023 Casey Irwin, studying Teaching at the University of Otago.
2022 Ranger Leary, studying Fine Arts Film at the University of Canterbury.
2021 Nicole Thornton, studying Nursing at the University of Otago.
#ibdhasnoage - World IBD Day 2022
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the world (known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or “IBD”). World IBD Day, observed in over fifty countries, commemorates the five million people worldwide who live with these diseases every day of their lives. 20,000 of these people are our neighbours, friends, and family.
IBD does not discriminate by age or sex. It impacts the lives of children, teens, young adults, and the elderly. And it brings to each stage of life its own unique set of challenges.
From work to school, travelling, starting a job, becoming a new parent or grandparent, we hope that these series of films will give insight into what it is like to live with IBD.
The people in this film are not actors they are real New Zealanders who live with IBD. Thank you so much to Pete, Hannah and Charlotte for opening up and sharing their journey's with IBD.
Click here to watch the video>>
Can't Wait? Don't Wait!
The CCNZ toilet card clearly states that the holder has a medical condition and needs to use a toilet quickly. Although it does not guarantee you access to a toilet, most places you visit will be willing to help you. The card is a small, credit sized card, designed to fit easily into your purse, wallet or pocket. You can show the card when you're out shopping and socialising and it may help you gain access to a toilet.
If you would like a “I Cant Wait" toilet card please email us and we will send out an application form for your medical provider to complete or download your application here.
Do you want to support "I Can't Wait!" cardholders?
Placing a CCNZ sticker in the window of your business that you recognise the "I Can't Wait" card can truly change lives.
Honouring the card allows people with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and other medical condition to use your facilities in the event a cardholder needs one urgently.
This simple act of kindness gives people with medical conditions the confidence to leave home without the fear of having an accident in public. It gives them the opportunity to do what most of us take for granted: the opportunity to leave home, to shop, to meets friends, and to live a normal life.
Holders of the "I Can't Wait" card have gone through the process of applying for the card which requires their doctor's documentation that they have a condition for which the card is necessary.
CCNZ recognises and publicises participating business on our webpage and social media platforms. Let people know that your business is making a difference in the lives of members of your community. Click here to find out who they are.
For more information pleaseemail us
Want to know what to do if someone presents this card to you? Download our educational sheet here.
'I'm constantly active' – Wicklow woman redefines life with Crohn's disease and stoma bag.. 16 May 2025