Life out of Death

Most New Zealanders say they would like to be an organ donor. But only very few of us will donate. Our donor rate trails Australia, the United Kingdom and others.

Life out of Death explores why and what we can do about it. Learn more by answering the questions below, watching the video and reading the stories. Most importantly, talk to your family about your own feelings on organ donation.

I would like to donate an organ.
Yes
No
I'm years old.
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You’re like 62% of New Zealanders in your age group and 53% of New Zealanders overall, who have also indicated yes on their driver licences.
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A New Zealander’s actual chances of donating an organ are low. Last year, there were 1,850,297 people who had indicated 'yes' to being an organ donor on their driver licences. Only 61 people donated.
READ: You should discuss with family your wishes about organ donation, doctors say
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What if you needed an organ?
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Let's say you needed
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You’d have to join the 463 other people already on the waitlist. The average waiting time is 3 years.

Unfortunately, many die while waiting for a kidney.

READ: Giving, taking and waiting - three organ donation stories
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Organ donation stories
Life out of death
It's an act that can transform lives. But getting people to talk about organ donation is proving challenging.
Giving, taking and waiting
Meet three New Zealanders whose lives have been changed by three different experiences with organ donation.
The hardest talk
How ICU staff talk to family members about donating loved ones organs.
'Tradition took a back step'
Lovey Ahomiro's father stormed out of the hospital in anger when he learned of a plan to donate his grand-daughter's organs.
Organs in a box
Watching organs function outside the human body is no longer the stuff of science fiction.
Donating for life
Rates of organ donation are improving but could still be a lot higher.
Accepting organs from 'risky donors'
Some think organ transplants should be allowed from people who had treatable conditions like hepatitis C or HIV.
Credits: Designer and illustrator — Katrina Berry Developer — John Harford Reporter — Aaron Leaman Interactive designer — Suyeon Son Animated video — Aaron Wood