Locals flock to donate a pint of 'red gold'

The NZ Blood service is back in Whangarei and donors have been lining up to give up their red gold.

Team leader Isobell Griffiths - originally from South Africa - said the drive had pulled in more than 60 donors in its first three hours, with 147 donors booked in on Monday.

Ms Griffiths says each donor gives one pint (or 470ml) of blood which is kept at room temperature while it is processed to be used within 35 days.

"We will easily get 100 units," she said. "We always get our quota."

Michal Lelen, a student originally from Poland, arrived at the Forum North building planning on giving blood for the first time.

"It's good to help other people," said Mr Lelen.

"It's a simple and direct thing to do. It's not like a charity where you don't know where your money's going."

The biggest use of blood products is for the treatment of cancer at 22 per cent, with the next biggest being accidents at 8 per cent. Blood required for mothers and babies makes up 7 per cent.

Jeff Maurice, who works for the Marsden Point oil refinery, says he just likes to do it.

"I just like to help other people whenever I can."

Julie Wood, a nurse from North Haven Hospice, said it was the twentieth time she had given blood.

The NZ Blood mobile collection team will be at the Northland Cricket Association from 9am to 3pm today and at the St John Ambulance building in Ruakaka from 8.30am to 1pm tomorrow.