This knowledge was kept alive and passed down by the older men and women of the tribes who continue to use their old remedies today. 
Manuka was used extensively by the Maori and later by the early European settlers as a medicinal plant -alone and in combination with other native plants.
The local community trusts at Te Araroa on the East Cape of New Zealand’s North Island began investigating economic development opportunities to combat unemployment and poverty in the area. It sought assistance from the Cawthron Science Institute to evaluate the scientific basis of Manuka’s healing properties. With help form the Cawthron and the New Zealand Crown research Institute Crop and food Research the scientific reasons for Manuka’s effectiveness were established and a factory built at Te Araroa on the East Cape to produce Manuka Oil in commercial quantities.