Cyclone Gabrielle update: Northland mobile drives cancelled – Aucklanders asked to step up

New Zealand Blood Service’s scheduled mobile drives in Kaitaia, Kaikohe and Kerikeri have been cancelled in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Extra mobile drives have been added to ensure collection targets can be met, and eligible donors in Auckland are being asked to book in to help ensure lifesaving blood is there when needed.

Blood drives will be at:

• Monday, February 20 – Life Church, 25 Arrenway Dr, Albany, 10am to 4pm.
• Tuesday, February 21 – LDS Church, 9 Taniwha St, Wai O Taiki Bay, 1pm to 7pm.
• Wednesday, February 22 – Cosmopolitan Club, Waiuku, 12pm to 6pm.
• Thursday, February 23 – Netball, Te Pai Centre, 31-35 Te Pai Place, Lincoln Rd, Henderson, 1pm to 7pm
• Friday, February 24 – Barfoot & Thomson, 5/62 Highbrook Dr, East Tamaki, 9am to 2pm.

NZBS needs to collect 900 blood donations in the Auckland region every week to keep pace with demand.

With the cyclone impacting collections, donors across New Zealand are being asked to keep their appointments, provided it is safe for them to travel.

If you’re eligible to donate, please book an appointment during the remainder of February at a donor centre or mobile drive near you.