The Waiting List

Television (Full Length) – 2005

In 2005, over 400 Kiwis were waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. With Aotearoa having one of the worst donation rates in the Western world, The Waiting List asks medical professionals and everyday Kiwis why we, as a nation, would rather not donate our organs — even if it means saving someone else. Cultural beliefs, timing issues, hospital resources and family conflicts are the biggest contributors to New Zealand's lack of organ donations. The full-length documentary features parents and partners of organ donors —plus doctors and specialists offer their perspectives, from the other end of the operating table.

I will not donate. I've spelled it out quite clearly with my tamariki that no matter what the circumstances, that all of me will go.
– Bella Morrell on refusing to donate her organs