The Kidney Foundation is reporting a marked increase in inquiries about becoming a live kidney donor, prompted by publicity about Jonah Lomu's transplant.

The former All Black is recovering at home after being given a kidney by a live donor, radio personality Grant Kereama, at the end of last month.

The Kidney Foundation says it normally gets up to a dozen enquiries a month from potential donors, but in the past week alone they've had about 15 calls.

Its education manager, Carmel Gregan-Ford, says Lomu's transplant seems to have inspired people to think about what they too have to offer.

There are currently 350 people on the kidney transplant waiting list.