18 | OMV New Zealand Ltd T T Richard Loader OMV a major player in energy sector OMV New Zealand provides around 40% of New Zealand’s gas supply. “OMV places a strong emphasis on career development and skills training, offering employees opportunities to grow through internal programmes, global secondments, and leadership development initiatives.” T T to page 20 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Celebrating its 25th year operating in New Zealand, OMV New Zealand is a hydrocarbon producer providing natural gas to New Zealand as part of the energy transition. OMV New Zealand is part of the global OMV Group, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and is one of the largest listed industrial companies in Austria. Over the last 25 years, OMV New Zealand has evolved from a newcomer in the region’s energy sector to a major player in oil and gas production, and is one of New Zealand’s largest providers of natural gas. OMV New Zealand provides around 40% of New Zealand’s gas supply, with the New Zealand gas market being isolated with no imports and exports. OMV’s main New Zealand customer is methanol producer, Methanex. Condensate (the liquid phase produced by gas) and oil are exported. In 2023, the daily average production was more than 34,400boe/ day (barrels of oil equivalent) and comprised of 71% gas, 29% condensate and oil. Over the decades, the company has invested in advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency and safety of its operations including a number of emission-reduction initiatives, and safety campaigns. Since 2019, it has reduced operational emissions by 55%. OMV New Zealand’s operations are centred in Taranaki, the hub of the country’s oil and gas industry. “Taranaki is a strategic location for OMV’s main office, because of its closer proximity to production facilities,” says OMV New Zealand’s general manager Kevin Goulet. “The region also has a well-established infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and contractor base, which supports ongoing operations and projects. OMV also has a small office in Wellington, where some of the corporate team are located. This allows closer relationships with regulators, government and other key businesses and stakeholders.” OMV New Zealand employs a team of around 250 skilled professionals, with additional contractors engaged during peak periods. Roles encompass a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, geoscience, safety, and environmental management. “OMV places a strong emphasis on career development and skills training, offering employees opportunities to grow through internal programmes, global secondments, and leadership development initiatives,” says Kevin. “This has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the company. Being a global company also has its advantages when it comes to knowledge and skill-sharing across divisions and countries. Something our local workforce benefits from, and vice-versa.” OMV’s journey in New Zealand began in 1999 with the acquisition of a 30% share in the undeveloped Maari oil field, a field that was discovered in 1983 and is currently New Zealand’s largest oil-producing asset, and situated 80km off the South Taranaki coast in 100m of water. OMV then went on to acquire shares in Pohokura (26%) and Māui (10%) as it expanded its New Zealand portfolio. At the time, Māui was one of New Zealand’s largest and most important natural gas resources, and its shareholding was a strategic move that positioned the Austrian-based oil and gas giant as a key player in New Zealand’s energy sector. The early 2000s were marked by significant investments in exploration and production activities, particularly in the Taranaki Basin. By 2003, OMV had increased its stake in the Pohokura gas field, setting the stage for one of New Zealand’s most important natural gas projects – the development of the state-of- the-art Pohokura gas field, which commenced production in 2006, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s natural gas supply and New Zealand’s first, and only, remotely operated gas field. PIRTEK TARANAKI SPECIALISTS IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY Proudly supporting OMV New Zealand Ltd with all their hose & fitting requirements WE’LL KEEP YOU OPERATING 0800 747 835 | 24/7 MOBILE HYDRAULIC HOSE SERVICE
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