A group promoting organ donation says the number being donated in New Zealand is so low that doctors are having to use organs from diseased people.

Figures for last year show 29 people's organs were donated, the lowest number for at least four years. Eighteen were people with diseases including hepatitis, diabetes and cancer.

The organ donor lobby group Give Life New Zealand says rules which require family permission to be given before organs can be taken, even if the person agreed before dying, need to change.

It is encouraging the public to make submissions on a member's bill which would make an organ donor's wishes legally binding.

courtesy of TVNZ - www.tvnz.co.nz