Christchurch accountant and businesswoman Tracy Summerfield has been selected again as National’s candidate for Wigram in the 2026 General Election.
Local party members confirmed her selection on Tuesday.
Summerfield previously stood for National in the electorate in 2023 and will return to contest the seat for a second time.
She said she was looking forward to continuing the work she began during the last campaign.
“I am excited to get back to work as National’s candidate for Wigram to help re elect a National Government that is rebuilding the economy to create jobs, lift wages and ensure we can build the schools, hospitals and roads that Kiwis rely on,” she said.
Summerfield grew up in Hornby, attended Hornby High School and worked in local businesses before completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canterbury and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
She said her long connection to the area shaped her decision to stand again.
“I grew up in this electorate and I am standing as the candidate because I care deeply about its communities and people.”
With a background in accounting and business ownership, Summerfield said economic management would remain a key focus.
“Having owned businesses, I know how important careful economic management is. The National Government has reduced inflation from Labour’s high of 7.3 percent to 3 percent resulting in eight interest rate cuts. That is real relief for families and businesses across the electorate.”
She pointed to current Government investment in Christchurch and Prebbleton, including the Brougham Street upgrade, the fast tracking of more than 500 homes, and funding for 19 new classrooms, including a new primary school in Prebbleton.
The Wigram electorate boundaries have changed significantly following this year’s review, and Summerfield said she would spend the coming months meeting voters ahead of next year’s election.
Summerfield, 52, previously owned and operated early childhood education centres for more than 15 years. She has 28 years of experience in accounting and finance and has worked across both public and private sectors.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Canterbury, along with a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching. She is also a fully registered teacher.
Outside of her professional career, she volunteers with several charities including the SPCA, the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation and the Wigram Lions. She is also a trustee of the Hornby Community Trust.
Summerfield lives in Christchurch with her husband Gavin. They have four adult children.
