Penny Simmonds MP

Southland’s voice in Parliament just got a little stronger today, as Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds moves up the party ranks. “National leader Christopher Luxon announced the party’s refreshed caucus line-up ahead of election 2023 today, with Simmonds gaining a new ranking in the 20th spot. “Elected

Southlanders could pay dearly for cuts at Dunedin’s new Hospital, National’s Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says. “We’re already living with the devastating consequences of a hospital in Invercargill that’s far too small for the Southland population – now Dunedin has lost 23 beds, two operating thea

Southland farmers should be applauded for the great work they’re doing around environmental management. Too often the focus goes on the negative and farmers are given a bad rap, but I think they should be commended for the way that they have improved farming practices to meet new environmental rules

It’s not likely to be a very happy Christmas for Southern Institute of Technology staff and students, as uncertainty looms over the future of the organisation, jobs and courses. It’s appalling that staff and students are living in this information vacuum, but it’s even worse that Te Pūkenga manageme

Some prices at the checkout these days are getting ridiculous and Southland families are feeling it, with the cost of a trolley full of groceries going through the roof. I can’t imagine how large families are coping and the increased demand at local food banks is an indication that people are really

The failure by the Ministry of Education to make regular checks on early childhood education centres, once they are licensed, leaves children and their families in a vulnerable position, Invercargill MP and National’s Early Childhood spokesperson Penny Simmonds says. “According to the Office of Earl

Despite much fanfare, and a $486 million spend from the Government, Health NZ has yet to deliver any real results for Southland. As part of the restructure, the Southern District Health Board was disestablished on July 1 and our local voice, and much of the scrutiny of our health services, was lost.

Polytechnics in the South are being forced to cut millions from their budgets because the Government’s mega-merger polytechnic entity Te Pūkenga is in such a mess, National’s Tertiary Education spokesperson and Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says. “The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) will be