Comvita New Zealand Ltd. has opted for Auckland University for its scientific research in the future. Waikato University used to conduct the researches for Comvita.  Comvita is a listed Company for honey products. This switch by Comvita is led by an argument over a complicated research for the 'mystery molecule' key to Manuka honey. Manuka honey is biologically active.

Comvita expected Waikato University to conduct research over this issue, as Waikato is the world's best university in the researches related to Manuka honey, but scientists in the university could not recognize the bioactive composite.

Waikatolink, a commercial division of Waikato, settled a relief of worth $1 million from a $3.5 m contract to Comvita. This grant came after the High Court ruling at Tauranga, the ruling said that the University's commercial division was indulged in the deceptive conduct on three different basis.

"We no longer have a working relationship with Waikatolink or the University of Waikato", said Comvita Chief Executive, Brett Hewlett, yesterday.

Comvita and waikatolink had signed an agreement of comprehensive intellectual property and research in December 2006. The agreement was about uses of medical honey in various medical aspects, such as woundcare and skincare.

According to this agreement, $3.5 million had to be paid in the installment mode and an extra amount of $ 500,000 was also to be paid, if certain landmarks could be established by this.