In New Zealand, there are many more people waiting for an organ transplant than there are organs available. Organ transplantation saves lives for people in organ failure. Donation is a very special gift that makes a difference. It offers valuable second chances and dramatically changes lives.
If there were more donors, many more people could benefit from life-saving transplants. New Zealand’s rate of deceased organ donation is increasing but is still relatively low compared with rates in other countries. New Zealand has a unique cultural make-up and provides geographical challenges to organ retrieval and transplant, but some countries have achieved significant improvements in their rate of organ donation after introducing comprehensive strategies.
Donation may be from a deceased organ donor: someone who dies in an intensive care unit, whose family/whānau will be approached to consider donation.
Donation of kidneys (and in some cases livers) may be from a living donor.
Further information can be found:
Related Publications
Increasing Deceased Organ Donation and Transplantation: A National Strategy (Published online: 29 June 2017)
Increasing Deceased Organ Donation and Transplantation: A National Strategy (Published online: 29 June 2017)
Increased Deceased Organ Donation and Transplantation: Towards a national strategy (Published online: 05 September 2017)
Increased Deceased Organ Donation and Transplantation: Towards a national strategy (Published online: 05 September 2017)
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ANZDATA – Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (goes to another website)
Learn more about the ANZDATA -
Organ Donation New Zealand (goes to another website)
New Zealand's official donor agency -
Live Organ Donation Aotearoa (goes to another website)
Find out about kidney donation in New Zealand -
Organ and Tissue Authority Australia (goes to another website)
Australian organ and tissue donation -
IRODAT (goes to another website)
Find out more from International registry in organ donation and transplantation -
New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit – Healthpoint (goes to another website)
Information about the NZ Liver Transplant Unit -
Kidney Health New Zealand (goes to another website)
Information on how to support kidney patients for Health professionals and the public -
Kidney Society (goes to another website)
Information about support for people with Kidney disease in New Zealand -
New Zealand Transport Agency: Organ and tissue donation (goes to another website)
Information about having donation status on NZ drivers licenses