New Minister Penny Simmonds Excited To Move Southland Forward

Penny Simmonds’ new ministerial portfolios have particular synergies with Southland, and she feels extremely privileged to be awarded those.

“I want to ensure that the issues that matter to this region, including the economy, health and law and order, are put under the spotlight. I want to see Southland farmers’ confidence restored, small business operators enjoying more positivity and the Southern Institute of Technology given a more certain future,” she said.

The National MP was awarded Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Disability Issues and Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment this week.

An ardent critic of the Te Pūkenga mega polytechnic merger, she said after three years as National’s spokesperson for Tertiary Education and Skills, she was eager to begin work supporting and promoting the change that the sector had called for.

“The Southern Institute of Technology is a tremendously important asset for our city. It’s important for this institute to be able to make its own decisions regarding the future of the zero fees scheme and I support this,” she said.

She did not believe that the Te Pūkenga model was fit for purpose, and said in the weeks to come she wants to work with the polytechnic sector in reshaping its direction, while also exploring the challenges faced by the university sector.

She also intends to use her position to promote Southern interests and enhance the regional economic development of the province.

“I acknowledge that I am here by virtue of the tremendous support of the people of the Invercargill electorate. Southlanders have put their trust in me and I intend to repay that by continuing to champion the needs of our province in Wellington. I am excited to move this region forward with the new vigour and direction that people have been calling for.”