Why are we still in Level two? That's the question Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds and her eight other South Island National Party colleagues are asking the Prime Minister.

“In a letter to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern the MPs have questioned the current South Island Alert Level status and asked the Prime Minister for the rationale behind the decision.

"We believe for the South Island to remain at Alert Level 2 will have a deep and irrevocable impact on South Islanders and inevitably force more businesses to close.

“I know that the continuation of Level 2 is placing a huge strain on many Southland businesses, with some reaching breaking point and at least three in Invercargill closing down.

“Fifteen thousand jobs across Southland claimed the wage subsidy during the August lockdown, according to the Ministry of Social Development, an indication of how widespread the pain in this area was.

“Southlanders tell me that they feel let down by the Government who has continued to focus on Auckland, giving little consideration to communities and businesses in the South who have been doing it hard.

“One city business, which is in the process of shutting its doors with three staff losing jobs, has blamed this latest lockdown for their demise.

“They are devastated to close their business, and upset for their staff, but just can’t continue to operate in the current climate in Southland.

“Another business owner, in the hospitality sector, said even with this week’s increase in dining numbers to 100 people were keeping their wallets shut because of the economic uncertainty that level two created.

“People want to know why the South Island continues to be restrained in this way – and that’s why my colleagues and I have asked the Prime Minister to release the rationale behind her decision.

“Until we are free of Level two – I believe very little will change for small businesses owners in Southland."