Community consultation

Our commitment

Origin respects the rights and interest of the communities in which we operate by working safely and being mindful of, and attentive to, the environmental and social impact of the resources, products and services we use or provide to others.

Employment

At the peak of construction, almost 1,000 people worked on the production station site in Taranaki, providing a significant boost to the local economy. More than six million hours of labour were expended on the project, while maintaining a strong commitment to the safety of everyone involved.

Most of the people employed on the project were New Zealanders, gaining valuable new skills and experience through their involvement with an internationally recognised project.

During the project phase New Zealand companies were awarded nearly three quarters of the overall project capital expenditure that the nation had the capability to tender for. This led to expenditure in New Zealand of approximately $600 million. This achievement was recognised by an award given by the Industry Capability Network of New Zealand.

Kupe continues to directly employ about 35 people at the production station and tank farm. Approximately 80 more employees work in contract roles, such as trucking and maintenance.

Investing in the community

Kupe enjoys exceptional support from the Taranaki community and reciprocated through community grants and initiatives. During construction the community were awarded with The Kupe Community Grants Program that ran for four consecutive years during the project's planning and construction. It provided funding to a wide range of community groups, voluntary organisations and schools for activities and projects that benefited the people of South Taranaki.

Origin Energy, on behalf of the Kupe Joint Venture, also formed a partnership with the Bishop’s Action Foundation donating NZ$100,000 towards the establishment of a social services house in Hawera. The donation will be used to convert the local Methodist Church Hall into a facility for local community groups and government-funded agencies working with youth.

In addition, Kupe supported grass route rugby and youth well being through a partnership with the Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU). Under the arrangement with the TRFU, Origin gave the organisation the opportunity to lease and operate a dairy farm next to the Kupe production station, with all the proceeds from the farm going towards rugby development.