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:

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)