Dear John,



It’s already been a busy start to the political year – and it’s only an indication of what’s in store now that we’re just eight months out from the General Election on October 14.



National will be sharing more of its vision for the country and the policies needed to underpin this in the coming months and you will be first to know.



I’ve enjoyed the summer break getting out and about around the electorate, in this wonderful weather, catching-up with lots of you.



Meanwhile, thoughts are with those in the North Island who are being affected by the recent weather events.







National Caucus Reshuffle



I am delighted to have been promoted to 20th position in the National Party caucus reshuffle. It’s a privilege to have been given new responsibilities and portfolios, including the new ‘Workforce Planning’ portfolio, while retaining Tertiary Education. I think the pairing of these two portfolios shows National is focused on ensuring Tertiary Education works closely with industry to ensure businesses get graduates with the right skills to support the growth of our economy. 







Christopher Luxon comes to Invercargill 



It was great to have National Leader Christopher Luxon in the city and wonderful to see so many of you at the public meeting at Bill Richardson Transport World. Over 300 people attended, with the economy and cost of living crisis dominating the discussion. National believes people deserve a Government with an economic plan. We would rein in wasteful spending, address worker shortages and let Kiwis keep more of what they earn.



Loss of zero fees



Under the Government’s current polytechnic mega-merger regime, this could be the last year of zero fees at the Southern Institute of Technology. If National is privileged enough to become the Government, we will get rid of Te Pukenga and ensure zero fees continue for the benefit of all Southland.







I had a fantastic time at the Edendale Crank Up Day, over two days. From vintage machinery, to car displays, a craft pavilion and shearing display – it was a great event for the province.



Dunedin Hospital cutbacks



The Government is intent on cutbacks to the new Dunedin hospital. This will have a huge impact on Southlanders because we need a decent tertiary hospital. We’re already living with the devastating consequences of a hospital in Invercargill that’s far too small for the population. In response, our leader Christopher Luxon has said Dunedin Hospital will be future proofed - if we win this year’s election.



Violent crime hits the South



The Government has sat on its hands for too long, allowing violent crime to get out of control. Earlier this month Collingwood Foodcentre was targeted and in the past six months there have been three ram-raids in Invercargill and three aggravated robberies. Unlike Labour, National will get tough on crime, backing police, tackling gangs and combatting youth offending.







The sun was shining on Tuatapere for the Waiau A&P Show. I purchased a gorgeous plant from  Rose Cottage Perennials owner Sue Coleman, of Ohai, and enjoyed watching some excellent equestrian events and meeting lots of great local people.



Polytechnic mega-merger concerns on-going



Late last year I uncovered that Te Pukenga, the organisation that now runs the country’s polytechnics, wants a further $422.6 million in taxpayer money, over four years from 2023. There are also plans to cut over 487 staff. This mega-merger is out of control, but I can assure you that I will be watching developments like a hawk and holding Labour’s new Education Minister Jan Tinetti to account. 







Big thanks to the Tuatapere Volunteer Fire Brigade who came to my rescue at the Waiau A&P show, providing us with a flash gazebo to keep out the sun. They also did an amazing job serving up hotdogs and chips to the crowd, as a fundraiser for their brigade. Nice work guys.



In the news:



<[link removed]>What's On Invers - Simmonds Gains New Caucus Ranking <[link removed]>



<[link removed]>Stuff - Simmonds warns this may be SIT's last zero-fees intake <[link removed]>



<[link removed]>What's On Invers - Simmonds: Violent crime in Invercargill happening far too often <[link removed]>



My diary:



20 Feb: SIT Orientation Week Stall



21 Feb: Otago University 0-Week



24 Feb: Heart Foundation Big Heart Appeal Volunteering



25 Feb: Esk-plore Street fest



2-3 March: Paul Goldsmith visit



4 March: Invercargill A&P Show  



Don’t forget, I’m always here to help. Please contact me at my Invercargill office on Ph- 03 218 5060, or email me at: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>



Thank you for your support



Penny Simmonds

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National Party Invercargill - New Zealand

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