The blood deferral period for men who have had sex with other men has been reduced from 12 months to just three, reports the NZ Herald.
Sex workers and those who have lived in a country with widespread HIV infection have also had their deferral periods reduced to three months.
The New Zealand Blood Service says the changes are in line with other countries such as the UK, Canada, and the US.
Auckland Pride director Max Tweedie says the changes are long overdue.
