An evangelical church is marketing olive oil as a part of a religious cure-all treatment for everything from tumours and schizophrenia to relationship problems.
The event this Sunday, promoted through a mass mail drop in Auckland, is pitched as "the unique opportunity for those of you in need of a miracle".
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God says its "holy oil" - olive oil purported to have been blessed at the sites of biblical miracles in Israel - has helped to cure tumours, mental illness, stomach and bladder problems, marriage difficulties, strokes and heart defects.
When pushed by the Herald for evidence, Bishop Victor Silva said the oil could not cure illness. Using it was an act of faith, he said, and faith could help in the restorative process.
However, the eight-page newsletter distributed in the mail drop claimed the oil had helped to fix people in situations where doctors had been unsuccessful.
"The Holy Oil was chosen by God as an instrument of faith to heal the sick," the newsletter said.
"Learn how to use it to anoint the sick, the emotionally depressed, your loved ones and family, your workplace and objects that represent difficulties or challenges in your life."
A "generous amount of oil", in cross-shaped bottles, would be free to whoever attended the Sunday event at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, the church said. No oil would be sold.