Media Release

Holiday work helps local student

30 August 2006

The 2006 Huntly Solid Energy Tertiary Scholarship has had two benefits for local student David Mutton. Not only did he receive the first $2000 towards his tuition fees in January this year, but he also has paid holiday work at the coal producer's local operations.

David, who is studying electronic engineering at the University of Auckland, sees being able to work at Solid Energy's Rotowaro Office during the semester break as "a real bonus since finding holiday work in the Huntly area is really difficult."

"Working at Solid Energy gives me quite a variety of work and experience, as well as an insight into industry. For example, I've been assisting geologists prepare drill logs." David, who wants eventually to work in machinery design or similar, feels an understanding of other roles will assist him professionally in the future when he is fully qualified.

"Another advantage of working locally is that it cuts down on my expenses since I can live at home during the break. I'm really enjoying studying at Auckland and meeting new people, but it is expensive living there. The degree has a heavy workload and it can't be done anywhere else, so being able to work full-time during the holidays means I can focus during semester without affecting my study pattern. The scholarship and the job at Solid Energy are great advantages that I really appreciate."

Notes:

Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd offers two tertiary scholarships valued at $2000 per year for up to four years of study to secondary students local to its Huntly, West Coast and Southland mining operations annually.
Students of Huntly College, Te Wharekura of Rakaumanga, Te Kauwhata College and Ngaruawahia High School are eligible to apply for the local scholarship.
Previous winners have studied at universities throughout New Zealand.
2006 winners were David Mutton (ex Huntly College) and Ben Yardley (ex Te Kauwhata College). Ben is studying a science and business degree at the University of Waikato.
Application forms are available on the Careers Page at www.coalnz.com
Applications close on: 13 October 2006A complete list of scholarship criteria can be found at Solid Energy's website,www.coalnz.com.

For further information contact:
Vicki Blyth
Communications Director
Solid Energy New Zealand Limited
Phone 03 345 6078
Mobile 021 670 250

Links referenced

www.coalnz.com: http://www.coalnz.com/index.cfm/1,162,0,-1,html/Scholarships

Location http://www.coalnz.com/index.cfm/1,208,605,0,html