Dunedin man Chris Handley (72) has given blood for the past 54 years.
Originally from South Africa, he said donating was a highlight of his time at university.
"Some of the breweries did a pint for a pint,'' he laughed.
Fifty years on and half a world away from where he started, he now donates blood every two weeks.
"I will have to stop when I'm 75, which makes me a bit sad,'' he said.
Mr Handley was speaking after giving blood during World Blood Donor Day yesterday.
New Zealand Blood Service donor recruiter Lynn Rodeka said less than 4% of New Zealanders donated blood.
"A lot of people don't understand how important it is.
"So we just want to say thank you to the donors and the nurses and everyone involved in helping to save lives because at the end of the day that is what it is about, and it starts with the donors.''
Fifth year University of Otago medical student Chelsea Harris said donating blood for the first time yesterday was about overcoming a fear.
"I used to be scared of needles but when you take blood in class you have to practise on each other, so you get used to it.''
Five minutes after starting the donation process, Miss Harris said she would "definitely'' give again.
"I've seen the benefits of it, so of course I will.''
First year University of Otago student John Frengley (18) said he started giving blood when he was 16. He planned to give for as long as he could because it was something that could "seriously help people'' - and the free food afterwards was also nice.