A new group is being launched to press for greater attention to the needs of about 15,000 people with chronic and incurable inflammatory bowel diseases.
Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand is being launched at Parliament with the help of some unusual promotions including art installations, known as Art-a-loos, which are being displayed around Wellington.
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, leads to inflammation of the gut, causing abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding and weight loss.
It's commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 - 35 and New Zealand has one of the highest rates in the world.
Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand says the costs are huge and greater recognition of the disease is needed.
