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:
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]
Thank you for your support
Penny Simmonds http://pennysimmonds.national.org.nz/
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