Researchers in Canada believe they have come up with a way to turn donated Type A blood, into Type O.

The blood type O-negative is the universally usable blood type, which means anybody can receive it, regardless of their own blood type.

However only nine-percent of New Zealanders are O-negative - and not all of them donate blood.

Chemistry Professor at the University of British Columbia, Stephen Withers, told Kate Hawkesby they have been able to find enzymes from nature to help transform red blood cells.

LISTEN ABOVE AS STEPHEN WITHERS SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY