Crown Minerals says Westpac Institutional Bank has joined Todd Energy and OMV New Zealand as newcomer major sponsors of the 2004 conference, which will be held in Auckland during March 7-10.
Conference organiser Roger Gregg says the first-time sponsorship from the financial sector will help keep costs down for delegates, who will receive a substantial discount if they register by this Friday, December 19.
Westech Energy, Swift Energy New Zealand, Shell Petroleum Mining, NGC Holdings, Genesis Power and Contact Energy continue their support as major sponsors.
The conference also continues to enjoy the support of the Petroleum Exploration Association of New Zealand, Methanex New Zealand, Schlumberger and TGS-Nopec Geophysical Company.
It is known Westpac Institutional Bank has already been involved in arranging project finance for New Zealand ventures and companies, including Todd Energy.
Gregg said the conference was perfectly timed for those who wished to be better informed about New Zealand's petroleum industry, with energy supplies being a critical issue, increasing exploration and planning underway for the development of three offshore fields - Pohokura, Kupe and Maari.
