Kupe Gas Project supports South Taranaki

Media statement

11 October 2006

Kupe Gas Project supports South Taranaki through community grants
Six South Taranaki community groups have benefited from the 2006 Kupe Community Grants.

The grants will this year support Alzheimer’s Taranaki ($100), South Taranaki Volunteer Coastguard ($10,000), Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust ($7,500), Stage Inc ($7,500), South Taranaki Parents Centre ($1,100) and On Higher Ground ($5,000).

The Community Grants Programme is a partnership between the Kupe Gas Project and the South Taranaki District Council. Each year about $30,000 is available to support community groups and individuals.

Kupe Gas Project Director Peter Ashford said at today’s presentation that the Kupe Gas Project wanted to support projects that provide as much benefit as possible to people in South Taranaki.

“The awards are one of the ways that Origin Energy and its partners on the Kupe Gas Project aim to support the South Taranaki region. We are grateful for the way the community has embraced us and it is important to us to reciprocate that support.”

The Kupe Gas Project received 32 applications for funding, which were assessed by a panel of judges in August. Panel members included local residents, local council representatives and Origin Energy.

Formal approval to proceed with the Kupe Gas Project was given in June and work since then has focused on preparing for construction. Work to upgrade Lower Inaha Road will be the first sign of construction getting underway, and is due to begin this month.

Participants are:
Origin Energy Resources (Kupe) Limited* 50% (Operator)
Genesis Energy 31%
New Zealand Oil & Gas Limited 15%
Mitsui E&P (New Zealand) Limited 4%
*a wholly owned subsidiary of Origin Energy Limited

About Origin Energy: With a history dating back 140 years, Origin Energy is a major Australian integrated energy company focused on gas and oil exploration and production, energy retailing, power generation and utility network management. Origin seeks to find, develop and produce gas and oil reserves strategically located close to energy markets and existing infrastructure. Its exploration portfolio in New Zealand includes both offshore and onshore acreage in the Taranaki Basin. Origin’s interest and operatorship of the Kupe Field is an example of the company’s efforts to secure and develop new producing assets in the region.

2006 Kupe Community Grants recipients
Recipient: Alzheimer’s Taranaki
Amount: $100
Purpose: To provide “The Dementia Book” to 20 South Taranaki clients who are affected by dementia.

Recipient: South Taranaki Coastguard
Amount: $10,000
Purpose: For support with operations, training, administration, repairs and maintenance for their marine search and rescue services.

Recipient: Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust
Amount: $7,500
Purpose: To fund 33 metres of fencing to establish an accessible pest free zone to enable endangered birds like the kiwi, kokako and saddlebacks to be reintroduced and kept safe.

Recipient: Stage
Amount: $7,500
Purpose: To assist in upgrading their premises to enable local artists to exhibit their work at affordable rates and to promote and support arts in South Taranaki.

Recipient: South Taranaki Parents Centre
Amount: $1,100
Purpose: To fund their two monthly newsletter. This newsletter keeps the community informed of all their services, updates and contacts.

Recipient: On Higher Ground
Amount: $5,000
Purpose: To support their work in assisting clients with budgeting, court support and mediation.

ENDS

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