Consultations led by the Ministry of Health on ways to increase New Zealand's deceased organ donation rate are now underway.

Donated organs can come from both deceased and live donors (in the case of kidneys and livers), while one deceased donor can provide up to seven organs – potentially saving seven lives.

The Ministry of Health has begun consultations on ways to increase New Zealand's deceased organ donation rate. Video by Daniel Hines.

In 2015, there were 53 deceased donors in New Zealand – 11.8 donors per million population – which is up from 46 in 2014 and 36 in 2013.

But by comparison, Australia's organ donation rate last year was 18.3 donors per million population, while Spain had the highest organ donation rate at 39.7 donors per million.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says demand for transplants in New Zealand, particularly kidneys, continues to rise but the rate of deceased organ donation remains comparatively low.

'Organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment and for people with organ failure it's often the only option available.

'While we already have many of the elements of an effective organ donation and transplantation service in New Zealand, we can do better.”

This week the ministry released a consultation document on organ donation which sets out a number of changes and initiative which may help increase donation rates.

The consultation document follows the Ministry's review of deceased organ donation rates and the proposals are based on international best practice, local evidence and advice from an expert advisory group.

These proposals include raising awareness, standardising the way hospitals identify potential donors and how donation is discussed with families.

'A suggestion as to how we could better support the hospital team is to improve the driver licence system so medical staff are informed if someone has indicated they would like to become a donor.”

The driver licence donor information is not routinely used by clinicians, due to concerns about the lack of information about organ donation provided to people at the time they apply for a driver licence.

The Government has also invested $8 million in a variety of initiatives aimed at increasing organ donation and transplantation. This includes support and education for hospital staff, work to help overcome cultural barriers and donor liaison co-ordinators.

To view the consultation document visit the Ministry of Health website at: www.health.govt.nz or for more information about organ donation visit www.donor.co.nz