At least 32 people take advantage of New Zealand assisted dying laws in first three months

Euthanasia was legalised in November, following years of campaigning by advocates and a referendum

At least 32 people have taken up New Zealand's euthanasia services since the country legalised the practice three months ago, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country's End of Life Choice Act came into force in November, after years of activism by euthanasia campaigners and being ratified by referendum. Sixty-five per cent of voting-age New Zealanders voted in favour of legalising assisted dying, joining just a handful of countries that allow it.

This story has been updated to reflect the most recent data from New Zealand's Ministry of Health, as of 7 February. A previous version stated at least 28 people had taken advantage of the assisted dying laws - the lower number was due to a lag in ministry reporting.