For immediate release

June 9, 2011

ENEX

Opening the inaugural EnergyNZ ENEX event for the oil and natural gas industry, currently on in Taranaki, New Plymouth mayor Harry Duynhoven congratulated the organisers for staging an event that brings together the collective industry sector of the region.

“I am very proud indeed to be given the opportunity to be in a room with companies in a sector which provides $1.9 billion to the New Zealand economy and directly employs 3730 full time equivalents,” he said.

“The oil and gas industry attracts a talented, international workforce. This global
experience and expertise develops systems and processes that are truly world class,
and this, in turn, drives innovation and quality through its supply chain.

“The support and service industry to the oil and gas sector needs to be internationally capable and to this end the cluster of companies in Taranaki supporting the oil and gas sector continually raise their performance and partner with other international players.”

Duynhoven pointed to a number of major projects Taranaki has benefited from in recent years, including Pohokura (2006), Tui (2007), Marri (2009), and Kupe.

“We also have other projects such as the McKee LPG plant, Motonui recommissioning Methanex, Ahuroa gas storage and others in the pipeline.”

Negative press as a result of global issues such as the Gulf spillage can overshadow the day to day activities, commitment and achievements of sector firms in the region, he adds.

“If we are to maximize the opportunities for the oil and gas sector and its supporting industries then a strong partnership approach including local government, central government and the private sector needs to be established to ensure we in Taranaki grow the potential of New Zealand's economy and position the industry as an important contributor to the wealth of our nation.”

ENEX opened today [June 9] at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth, with 60 stands and some 550 participants, including those from the engineering, educational and health and safety sectors.

Kiwi-owned ENEX is a joint venture between EnergyNZ magazine publisher Contrafed Publishing and event specialist Conferenz.

Further information:
Visit the ENEX website www.enex.co.nz for more information.

ENDS

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