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Dear John Welcome to my Christmas newsletter. 2022 is nearly over and it’s a good time to reflect on the year that’s been. It’s been a tough time for many Southlanders, with the rising cost of living and massive food price increases, and it’s disappointing that the Government has failed to act.
There was a festive atmosphere in the air at the Southland Santa Parade. I had the pleasure of joining new Southland District Council mayor Rob Scott on the day. Health concerns continue unabated Not one thing has changed for Southland health services this year. There’s still a drastic shortage of nurses and doctors, a GP crisis, unacceptable emergency department wait times, a shortage of hospital and theatre space, long waiting lists and people in desperate need of life changing surgeries. I have been campaigning hard about the need for a bigger hospital for Southland, but Health Minister Andrew Little continues to fail us.
I’m very concerned about the future of our hospital, particularly if the Government continues to stall on essential redevelopment plans. SIT future uncertain I have also been outspoken about the Southern Institute Technology, in the wake of the Government’s Te Pūkenga polytechnic mega-merger. SIT’s budget has been cut twice in the past six months, with staff redundancies now likely in the new year and the zero fees scheme set to be cut by 2024. The demise of SIT would be a huge disappointment to me and a tremendous loss to the people of Southland. National will disestablish Te Pūkenga and ensure SIT can continue with zero fees and its own initiatives.
My reusable Penny Simmonds bags have been a hit with supporters in the South. I took them along to the Wyndham A&P show recently. Polytechnic mega-merger fails Te Pukenga is currently forecasting a budget deficit of $63 million for 2022, while in excess of $200 million has been spent on set-up costs and a head office of over 200 staff. Going forward, another 487 staff are likely to lose their jobs, while a whopping $422 million in funding has been requested over the next four years. This extravagance must be stopped.
A busy year in Parliament has drawn to a close. We’re now policy planning over the summer – as we look to election 2023. Worker shortage hurts South The Government’s flawed immigration settings have done little to address our chronic worker shortage. Labour has stubbornly pursued its agenda of restricting workers entering the country and despite calls from National, has only recently made attempts to solve the problem.
Thank you to the dedicated health workers in the South – who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and health services in the South. Here I am with some of these staff at the Invercargill Medical Centre. More chefs needed Local restaurant and hospitality businesses are desperate for more staff, especially qualified chefs, as we head into summer. The Government has known about these problems for months but has done nothing to support the South.
It was a pleasure to celebrate Diwali with the Indian Community in October. Farming Emissions Tax The Government’s farm emissions pricing proposal has hit a nerve with Southland farmers. Farming contributes 20 percent of this country’s Gross Domestic Product, one out of 10 jobs and 75 percent of exports and yet this Government is determined to push this sector to the brink of collapse.
Listening to local farmers during a Glenham, Quarry Hills, Fortrose and Edendale visit last month. Community drop-in clinics successful One of the best parts of my job is getting out and about and meeting local people around the Invercargill electorate. This is how I get to understand local issues and work out what I can do to help Southlanders in need. This year I’ve had drop-in clinics at Clifton, Fortrose, Blackmount, Bluff, West Invercargill, Queens Park, Monowai and Waikawa.
Southern hospitality – I so enjoyed my drop-in clinic at the Brunnel Peak’s café in Waikawa recently. Check with penny Constituent Support There’ve been lots of local people approaching my office this year for support and advice. This is important work and something that I am proud to be involved with. Of the 200 constituent cases, the biggest concerns were around health, immigration, Central Government, transport and education.
A wonderful day spent at the Edendale and Wyndham Primary School’s combined pet day. Merry Christmas Thank you all for your warm and wonderful support this year. I feel privileged to represent you and to work hard to promote the needs of the people of the South. Christmas is almost upon us. It’s often a busy time of year. However, I hope you get a chance to enjoy some time off to relax and recharge, spending time with the people you love, in the Southland places that bring you joy. Merry Christmas Penny Simmonds |
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