World Blood Donor Day

New Zealanders are being encouraged to donate blood to mark World Blood Donor Day today. Every 18 minutes in New Zealand someone needs blood or plasma and 110,000 New Zealanders donate their blood for them. NZ Blood Service spokesperson Asuka Burge said blood donors made up fewer than four per cent of those who are eligible to give blood. ‘‘(They) provide an essential service that plays a vital role in the health of our nation,'' she said.