About organ donation and transplantation

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:

Live organ donation - Health Information and Services
Kidney disease - Health Information and Services