The New Zealand Blood Service is looking for 40,000 new donors to meet the current demand for blood products.

They currently have 117,000 donors who help save the lives of 30,000 people every year, but with a growing and ageing population, we need more blood and plasma for patients .

If they don't find new donors, they'll be forced to compete on the global blood market for the first time.

New Zealand Blood Service National Communications Manager Asuka Burge joined Kerre Woodham to chat about the situation.

LISTEN ABOVE