Offshore staff

CANBERRA, Australia -- Origin Energy Resources (Kupe) Ltd. today said the arrival of Ensco 107 rig for the Kupe Gas Project is delayed to June 2007 from the planned date of March 2007 but the New Zealand project would remain on scheduled for first gas in the first half of 2009.

"This delay does not affect our critical path and the project remains on schedule for first gas in the first half of the 2009 calendar year," said Peter Ashford, project director for the Kupe Gas Project.

Meanwhile, roadworks and site preparation work started for the onshore production station after the project was blessed by local Maori.

Origin Energy is the project operator with 50% stake. Its partners are: Genesis Energy, 31%; New Zealand Oil & Gas Ltd., 15%; and Mitsui E&P New Zealand Ltd., 4%.

10/27/06