Penny Simmonds MP

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

Positive business indicators for Southland, reflect well on the Government’s economic policies. A recent Southland Business Chamber business confidence survey, for the first quarter of 2024, showed 93 percent of respondents were confident in the plan for the region, while 44 percent expected to see

Opinion: Penny Simmonds Invercargill MP We’ve had our fair share of issues around youth crime in Invercargill this year. So it’s heartening to see the Government stepping up and supporting a community like ours, which have asked for help. A new declaration for young offenders has recently been intro

I’ve been involved in education for many decades, and I am passionate about its impact. I believe that the results we get from our education system is the single most important thing that we can do to improve the future economic prosperity of our province. Related: New Budget to Shift Fees Free to F

We all know how distracting our cell phones can be – and when phones are within easy reach it’s very tempting to check our messages or scroll through Instagram. As adults, it’s hard enough to be disciplined, so imagine how children must be affected when they have easy access to their phones. Phones

There’s concern in the South regarding youth crime in our city. Young people are our future and it worries me that there are some who have fallen off the rails and are getting involved in serious criminal activity. I understand that it’s a small number of youths who are responsible, but local police

It’s back to school and back to basics for Southland students returning to the classroom for 2024, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says.  “Southland primary and intermediate students, in years 0 – 8, who are returning to school this week will be taught reading, writing and maths for an average of one