Christchurch businesswoman and accountant Tracy Summerfield has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in Wigram for the 2026 General Election.

Mrs Summerfield grew up in a working-class family in Hornby – attending Hornby High School and working in local businesses before putting herself through university, gaining a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury and becoming a Chartered Accountant. Tracy was National’s candidate for Wigram in 2023.

“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,” says Mrs Summerfield.

“I grew up in this electorate and I am standing as the candidate because I care deeply about its communities and people.

“Having owned businesses, I know how important careful economic management is. The National Government has reduced inflation from Labour’s high of 7.3 per cent to 3 per cent resulting in eight interest rate cuts. That is real relief for families and businesses across the electorate.

“National is investing in the infrastructure that Christchurch and Prebbleton need. Work is underway on the much-needed Brougham St upgrades, more than 500 homes have been fast-tracked, and 19 new classrooms have been funded, including a new primary school in Prebbleton.

“The Wigram electorate’s boundaries have undergone significant change following the review earlier this year. I am looking forward to meeting as many people as I can in the lead up to the 2026 election."

Biographical Notes:

Tracy Summerfield, 52, owned and operated early childhood education centres for over 15 years before selling them in 2021. With over 28 years’ experience in accounting and finance she has worked across the public and private sectors.

Graduating from the University of Canterbury, Tracy holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master of Business Administration, and a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching, becoming a fully registered teacher over a decade ago.

In her free time, Tracy volunteers for local charities including the SPCA, NZ Breast Cancer Foundation and the Wigram Lions as well as serving as a trustee on the Hornby Community Trust.

Tracy and her husband Gavin live in Christchurch and have four children who are in their twenties.

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