Penny Simmonds MP

Editors Note: The original article was published in complete and has been updated. Retail crime continues to be an issue in the South, as it is in many other parts of the country, with Government moves to clamp down on crime an important boost. Last year I attended a public

The eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in Wellington this year, allowing young people from across the country – including Southland – to make their voices heard. This is a wonderful opportunity for a young person living in the Invercargill electorate to learn first-hand how democracy works and to represent their

OPINION: Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds Minister for the Environment and Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills. As we approach the end of the year, I’d like to take the time to thank you all for your support. I value your contribution and appreciate your ongoing commitment to me, to

Opinion: Aquaculture has the potential to transform Southland’s economy, and I am a keen advocate of this new and exciting sector. It’s important for this province’s economic future that we boost export industries and create new jobs, and aquaculture has the potential to achieve this. In the

The work that some frontline volunteer service organisations in Southland do is quite literally life-saving. What’s more incredible is that these services are often provided by local volunteers, who give their time and energy to help and support others in their community. In fact, if it weren’t for

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Southland farmers through a new trade agreement with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says. “This landmark agreement is set to bring substantial benefits to Southland exporters by removing tariffs on 99 percent of New Zealand's trade

There has been considerable discussion in the South about the proposed revisions to the new Dunedin hospital plans. I want local people to know that I am very aware of health issues in the South and understand the community’s concerns about securing a positive future for the region’s

I regularly hear from local people concerned about their bank’s performance. Now is the time to give the banking sector a bit of a shake-up and the Government is ready to deliver this.  In the South, elderly people have been particularly affected by changes in the banking sector. The switch from che