(EnergyAsia, April 9 2010, Friday) — Australia-based Origin Energy said it and joint venture partners Genesis Energy, New Zealand Oil and Gas (NZOG) and Mitsui E&P Australia, have officially launched the NZ$1.3 billion Kupe gas project in Taranaki, New Zealand. (US$1=NZ$1.41). The project was inaugurated by Prime Minister John Key who highlighted the importance of…