Organ And Tissue Donation Helped Save And Improve The Lives Of Hundreds Of People In 2024

The lifechanging impact of organ and tissues donors has been recognised in Organ Donation New Zealand’s Annual Activity Report, released today.

The report summarises deceased organ and tissue donations facilitated by Organ Donation New Zealand (ODNZ) in 2024, and shares insights on how donation can have a powerful and lasting impact on individuals, whānau and communities.

Last year, 70 people, with the support of their whānau, donated organs following death in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Their generous donations made it possible for 213 people to receive lifesaving kidney, liver, lung, heart and pancreas transplants.

A further 72 people donated tissue only, meaning that many more people also received tissue transplants such as cornea, sclera, heart valves and skin, from these donors.

“We report these figures with heartfelt gratitude to all whānau who considered donation for their loved one at a time of immense grief, and to the donors whose gift of life, out of personal tragedy, has changed the lives of others,” says Dr Jo Ritchie, Medical Specialist Clinical Director for ODNZ.

“Organ and tissue donation is an incredibly generous gift that can be lifesaving for recipients, and have so many positive ripple effects through the lives their whānau and the wider community.”

Sharing donation statistics and stories each year also helps raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and the importance of having conversations about it, says Sue Garland, Donor Coordinator Team Leader, who leads the organisation’s 24/7 team of 10 Donor Coordinators.

The possibility of donation after death occurs only in specific circumstances, and only with the support of a donor’s whānau, she explains.

“It’s so important to consider what your own wishes are around organ and tissue donation, and have conversations with your whānau.

“For people needing to make a decision about organ donation for a loved one, already knowing that person’s wishes can be extremely helpful and meaningful at what is an extremely sad and challenging time.”

The report also covers broader statistics and infographics on the general circumstances of donations that occurred in 2024, as well as personal stories.

This includes the story of one of New Zealand’s first deceased organ donations from a person following assisted death.

“Our ability to honour the wishes of people in this programme is the culmination of extensive consultation, research and preparation to develop a national program for Assisted Dying Donation,” says Dr Ritchie.

“We thank everyone who contributed to this work over recent years, and to this donor and their whānau for sharing their very personal experience.”

2024 also included work to grow ODNZ team capacity and capabilities, collaborate with professional across the medical sector in New Zealand and Australia, and build the foundations for a new strategic plan that will guide the organisation into the next five years.

“In 2025 and beyond, we will continue to work to ensure every opportunity for donation is recognised, and to facilitate the best outcomes for donors, whānau, recipients and all staff involved.”

More information about organ donation and about having conversations about organ donation can be found at www.donor.co.nz

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