Catherine Somerville-Ryan

Catherine Somerville-Ryan will stand for New Zealand First in Pakuranga in the 2026 general election.

An experienced educator, with nearly 20 years experience teaching in East Auckland secondary schools, Catherine holds a Bachelor or Arts degree in English Literature and Political Studies from the University of Auckland. Prior to teaching, she spent a number of years working in public relations.

Catherine is a passionate believer in the role of education in improving life outcomes. Having raised her own family to adulthood, she now wishes to commit to a greater role in public service.

Catherine is running for New Zealand First because it is the party that represents her values around self-sufficiency, self-determination and community pride; values she sees demonstrated every day in the citizens of East Auckland.  She is passionate about New Zealand First's vision to recapture our former prosperity as a nation, and maintain our proud - and distinctly Kiwi - cultural identity.