Nadine Rarity gives blood for the first time. Photo: William Woodworth
For the first time since 2016, Marlburians have contributed locally to the New Zealand medical system’s collective need for blood.
New Zealand Blood Service’s mobile clinic collected 230 donations over three days, with many new donors stepping up alongside dedicated returnees.
NZ Blood’s Southern Donor Relations Team Leader Boyd Warren says the mobile clinic will be returning to Marlborough, now the safe transport of blood products had improved.
“The safety of blood products are paramount, so we haven’t felt comfortable over the past few years confirming the safety of the donations post the 2016 earthquake,” Boyd says.
“But, by working with NZ Post to courier donations regularly, Sounds Air flying up our nine nurses, and volunteers from the Marlborough Women’s Club as support staff, it’s great to be able to come back.
“We’ve been really happy with the support especially from the 60/40 ration of new donors to returnees.”
Two collections a day were sent to Christchurch from the collection site at Lansdowne Park between 28 January and 30 January.
This ensured the blood was processed into its three elements - plasma, platelets and red blood cells - in time to be processed for South Island blood banks.
Two donors the Marlborough Weekly spoke to said donating was a small way they can support fellow Kiwis in need.
“It’s my first time donating and I’ve always wanted to in Blenheim, and I always think to do it when I’m in Christchurch but just never have,” Nadine Rarity says.
“People that are using the donated blood really do need it, and donating has been good, easy, and great to see lots of people getting involved.”
“It’s my 49th donation I’ve just done,” Peter Richardson says while sipping on a juice.
“I was in the Air Force for 35 years, and when medics would ask for volunteers to donate everyone put their hands up.
“I give regularly when I can ever since, because it’s just a little good thing to do, isn’t it?”
Marlborough Women’s Club members and volunteers Sue Cooke and Judith Fisher loved being a part of the donation efforts.
“We’ve been able to meet so many new people serving them hot drinks, juice, cookies, cheese and crackers, and having a chat to make sure they’re alright before leaving,” Judith says.
“I take my hat off to the donation team and the donors, everyone’s been so lovely, fun and relaxed and it’s been lovely to be involved in something so worthwhile,” Sue adds
The blood donation mobile clinic’s return is planned from September 30 to October 2, 2025, with bookings opening closer to the time.