New Zealand Blood Service is reporting record growth in plasma donations, but says rising demand for blood and plasma products is continuing to strain supply.

As National Blood Donor Week begins, NZBS says it must recruit another 4000 donors over the next year to keep up with increasing need.

More than 25,000 New Zealanders donated plasma in the past 12 months – the highest number recorded – NZBS chief executive Sam Cliffe said in a media release this week. However, he said the milestone highlighted only part of the picture.

“While this increase is encouraging and reflects growing awareness of plasma donation, the reality is we still need more donors,” Cliffe said.

Plasma was used to produce up to 11 lifesaving medicines, treating around 50 conditions, including cancer, kidney disease, blood clotting disorders and liver failure. Demand for these medicines is expected to rise by more than 25% over the next three years.

At the same time, whole blood donor numbers have declined, placing additional pressure on supply and increasing reliance on existing donors who are giving more frequently.

NZBS said someone in New Zealand requires blood or blood products every 18 minutes, and about 30,000 people each year have their lives saved or improved through donations.

The organisation was seeing changes in donor behaviour, as more people chose to give blood and plasma alongside friends, family or colleagues.

Cliffe said donor centres were increasingly social spaces, where people connect while contributing to a shared cause.

Research commissioned by NZBS between October 2025 and March 2026 found 88% of New Zealanders believe donating blood and plasma benefits society, and 76% see it as easy to do.

Despite this, only around 4% of eligible people donate.

Cliffe said National Blood Donor Week was an opportunity to thank existing donors and encourage others to take part.

“We know many people are interested but haven’t yet taken the next step. For some, bringing a friend along for their first donation can make the difference.”

People can check eligibility and book appointments online, through the NZ Blood app or by calling NZBS.