Roller derby players often have a reputation for creating a blood bath on the track but Tauranga’s local league is giving this a whole new meaning.

Moana Roller Derby has joined Team Red with the NZ Blood Service to donate blood, and is encouraging other leagues around the country to do the same.

In lieu of their usual Thursday night training last week, the local players met for their first group blood donation, with some members even donating for the first time.

League chairperson Jessica Stewart, aka Her Madjessty, is a long-time donor.

“One of our newer skaters is a nurse with the New Zealand Blood Service and knew that a couple of us were already regular donors. She suggested a group donation and we thought it was a great way to give back to the community and raise awareness about donating blood.’”

With previous donations counting towards the group tally, Moana’s blood and plasma donations have topped 50 - or approximately 174 lives saved.

Jessica says they have now set the challenge to their friends at Rotorua’s Sulphur City Steamrollers, but just like on the track, it will be competitive.

“We’ll be back again to donate in three months.”

Moana Roller Derby skaters try out their Team Red socks from NZ Blood Service. Photo: Supplied.

The NZ Blood Service says that fewer than 4 per cent of eligible people donate in New Zealand.

“We require 5000 donations a week nationally to meet demand from hospitals,” says a NZ Blood Service spokesperson.

The service says one blood donation can save up to three lives. Blood only lasts 35 days, and the NZ Blood Service is the sole provider of blood products to hospitals in New Zealand.

“You can get tea, coffee, juice and chocolate biscuits after every donation.”

About Moana Roller Derby

Moana Roller Derby offers a variety of rollerskating classes and events. They have two obligation-free Have a Go nights on March 14 and 28 as well as a roller disco on April 11.

This year’s learn to skate course starts on April 29 and can lead on to a learn to derby course. They also run a popular Skate Fit class in Terms 1 and 4. Find more information on their Facebook page.