Media Release

Solid Energy offers Tertiary Scholarships to students from mine communities

20 September 2007

Solid Energy is again offering tertiary scholarships to students attending schools in its local mining communities as part of its community support programme. This year Solid Energy is offering four scholarships in the West Coast and the Buller, three in Southland, and two in the Waikato.

Each is worth $2000 per annum, for up to four years of tertiary study. The scholarships will be distributed between the schools listed below.

West Coast and Buller: Buller High School, Karamea High School, John Paul II High School, Reefton Area School, Grey High School, Westland High School and South Westland High School.

Southland: Central Southland College, Aparima College, Tuatapere Community College, Verdon College, James Hargest College, Southland Boys High School, Southland Girls High School, Te Wharekura O Arowhenua, Aurora College, Gore High School, St Peters College and Menzies College.

Waikato: Huntly College, Te Wharekura O Rakumangamanga, Te Kauwhata College and Ngaruawahia High School.

Applicants are required to write two essays, one about Solid Energy's research and development into new energy solutions and why they think this is important to New Zealand's energy future. With the second essay, applicants explain their study and career aspirations and how winning a Solid Energy scholarship would help them.

Solid Energy Chief Operating Officer, Barry Bragg, comments: "We are extremely pleased to once again contribute to our local mining communities through our scholarship programme. Since it began in 2001, 31 students have received scholarship support from Solid Energy, and we look forward to continuing this programme annually."

Applications for Solid Energy's tertiary scholarships can be made until 26 October 2007. A complete list of scholarship criteria can be found here.