There is a plea to families to talk more about the issue of organ donation and the wishes of loved ones.
 
It follows the revelation that last year just 29 people donated their organs for medical use after their death.

When Kerry McIvor died from a brain aneurysm six years ago, her family had no idea whether or not she wanted to be an organ donor. They decided it is what she would have wanted.

Her brother, paramedic Kelvin McIvor, is among those pushing for more discussion on the issue.

"It's something I think all families should sit down and do it's a not a particularly easy task to do but when something like this happens it's nice to know what everyone else wants," says McIvor.

One point three million New Zealanders have ticked the box on their drivers license, offering their heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and even tissue.

But less than 100 New Zealanders each year actually get the chance to donate their organs..

You must be declared brain dead in an intensive care unit for body parts to be taken, and last year just 29 kiwis were in the position to do that.

Andy Tookey from Give Life NZ says the low figure means there is no hope for a lot of people out there who are going to need a transplant.  "The year before we had 40 donors and we were still the lowest in the western world."

Organ Donation New Zealand has told One News the drop off in donor rates is actually due to New Zealand's medical advances in neurosurgery with fewer people being pronounced brain dead.

What annoys campaigners is that even if you wanted to be a donor, your family more often than not, has the last word. 

"I'd like to see a law change so if you have said you want to be a donor people cannot come along and override that wish," says Tookey.  Intensive care specialists say while some families override those wishes, it is rare.

Issues surrounding consent are being reviewed by the government which hopes to have a register of consenting donors within six months.

McIvor doubts that will increase donor rates.  He says sharing your wishes with your loved ones is the key.

courtesy of NZOOM - www.tvnz.co.nz