Kupe Gas Project supports South Taranaki through Community Grants
Eleven South Taranaki community groups have benefited from the 2007 Kupe Community Grants.
The grants will this year support Bishop's Action Foundation($3,200), Cape Egmont Lighthouse Trust ($2,000), Hawera
Intermediate School ($7,500), Hawera Volunteer Ambulance Group ($7,500), Kiwi Clubhouse Learning Centre($5,200), Manaia
and Districts Lions Club ($700), Manaia Volunteer Fire Brigade ($7,500), Ngaruahine iwi Maatua Whangai ($5,000),
Rangitaawhi o te Taihauauru ($1,600), South Taranaki District Museum Trust ($2,300) and Surf Life Saving Taranaki
($7,500).
The Kupe Gas Project is now well on track and is poised to play an important role in New Zealand's future energy supply.
Kupe Gas Project Director Peter Ashford said at today's presentation that the Project had had exceptional community
support. It wanted to give back by supporting projects that provide as much benefit as possible to people in South
Taranaki.
"The awards are one of the ways that the Kupe Gas Project aims 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 50 applications for funding, which were assessed by a panel of judges in August. Panel
members included local residents, local council representatives and Origin Energy.
Once on-line in 2009, the South Taranaki field is expected to produce 15% of New Zealand's current annual gas demand, as
well as producing LPG and light oil (condensate).
ENDS