'Liquid gold': East Cape's mānuka oil and the company driving research into it

Oil from manuka trees grown in East Cape is being used to develop treatments for skin infections that are usually only cured by antibiotics. Manuka was used as a traditional medicine by Maori, and in the last few decades numerous studies have been done into its anti-microbial, antifungal and antibacterial benefits. One company driving the research is Manuka Bioscience, which manages six manuka plantations in partnership with Iwi landowners, some of whom are shareholders in the company. It produces a range of products, including its ManukaRX skincare brand, while the outcome of trials into manuka oil's efficacy in treating mild to severe eczema and impetigo - or school sores - is expected later in the year. Kathryn is joined by Stuart Cairns, co-founder and CEO of Manuka Bioscience.