New Zealand is set to introduce a major overhaul of its blood donation rules, with all donors to be assessed under the same criteria for the first time.
The New Zealand Blood Service has confirmed that from 4 May 2026, every donor will be asked identical questions about recent sexual activity — replacing previous rules that focused on men who have sex with men.
Under the new approach, donors will be asked whether they have had new or multiple sexual partners in the past three months, and whether they have had anal sex with those partners. Those who have will need to wait three months before donating, while others may be eligible if they meet all other criteria.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Sarah Morley described the shift as a significant step forward.
“This is a landmark decision, and one the service has been working towards for many years alongside community partners and patient groups,” she said.
“Safety will always be our priority. These changes allow us to assess everyone’s eligibility in the same way, based on individual behaviour, while ensuring we continue to have one of the safest blood supplies in the world.”
The change moves New Zealand toward a behaviour-based system already adopted in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, and is backed by international and local research, including the University of Auckland-led SPOTS study.
Alongside the rule change, the Government has also launched a new public campaign aimed at tackling lingering HIV stigma.
Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said attitudes rooted in the 1980s still persist.
“Nearly three-quarters of New Zealanders still hold some level of HIV stigma. That’s often driven by myths and a lack of credible information,” he said.
“There are still too many people stuck in outdated thinking. Campaigns like The 80s Calling are about calling that out and reminding New Zealanders that those views belong in the past.”
The campaign, developed with organisations including the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, will run nationwide over the next four months.
Officials say both the campaign and the updated donor rules are part of a broader push to eliminate HIV transmission by 2030, while ensuring fairness and maintaining the safety of the country’s blood supply.
