[2] At the end of World War II, Simmonds moved to Kaitaia, in the north of New Zealand, and developed an interest in painting.
Over several years she developed her artistic techniques at Adult Education Summer Schools in Auckland, New Zealand.
[3] Many of Simmonds's works are landscapes and her painting style is abstract, often using "curvi-linear forms" and gradations of colour.
[4] Notable works include Rimu (1958),[5] Northern Landscape,[6] Northland Harbour: Houhora Black Swan,[4] and Torea – Pied Oyster Catcher sold at International Art Centre, 'The John Leech Collection'.
She contributed works to multiple exhibitions by The Group including in: 1957;[14] 1963;[15] 1964;[16] 1965;[17] 1966 (as Alfreda Simmonds);[18] 1967;[19] 1968;[20] 1969;[21] 1970;[22] 1971; 1973;[23] 1974;[24] and 1977.