Penny Simmonds Delighted With Election Win

National MP Penny Simmonds can literally sit on the right side of the room in Parliament, after a landslide win for the Invercargill electorate at the weekend.

Moving off the Opposition bench to now be with the rest of the National Government, she beat Labour MP Liz Craig by 9000 votes on Saturday night.

Last time there were only 224 votes between them. Her position in the National Party has also moved from 63rd place three years ago right up to 16th place this year, as her increased popularity grows.

“I’m excited to get this region back on track and to create the change that people have been asking for,” she said today.

Back in Wellington this week, Penny says she’s eager to get to work.  “I want to continue to be a strong voice for the Southland people.

“I want to ensure that the issues that matter to this region, including the economy, education, health and law and order, are made a top priority.

“In the past three years, I have prided myself on spending time in the Invercargill electorate, particularly supporting local constituents, and I want to continue that attention because it’s very important to me.

Instrumental at kicking off Te Pukenga’s ( Southern Institute of Technology – SIT), Zero Fees Scheme back in 2001, making sure this hugely successful initiative remains in Southland will be one of her goals for the city.

Penny confirmed before the election a governing National Party will let the SIT make its own decision on whether to retain its zero fees scheme.

“My focus on tertiary education and the Southern Institute of Technology will be ongoing. I’m delighted with the election result and so very thankful for the wonderful encouragement and support that so many people have shown me.

“I do not take this mandate lightly and I intend to do my very best for this province and its people.”

Media consultant Mary Whitsey, who has supported Penny for the past two and a half years, said she was someone who responds to every single invitation she’s given.

“Whether it’s the opening of a local coffee shop or just meeting with two or three people.  She’s done a lot with immigrants and new Southlanders.  She just gets in and backs people.”