Parliament is to debate changing the law so that people who want to donate their organs can not be over-ruled after they die.

A bill, sponsored by the National MP Jackie Blue, which would over-haul organ donation rules has been drawn from a ballot of non-Government legislation for debate.

It proposes that a database be set-up, where donors could nominate which organs they wish to donate. It would also change the law so that a registered donor's wishes can not be overturned.

Blue says her bill would be a step towards increasing the low donation rates.

The man who spearheaded a campaign to change the organ donation rules is hoping for cross-party support on the issue. 

Andy Tookey from the lobby group Give Life New Zealand has been working on the bill and says he is pleased the issue will be debated so soon. But he says he has a lot of work ahead to ensure the bill receives as much support as possible.

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.