Australian Lindsey Wright put herself in prime position to take out the New Zealand Women’s Open after shooting a four-under par 68 on Saturday to have a share of the lead after the second round.

Wright’s 68 goes with her opening round 70 to have her level with five other players including local superstar amateur Lydia Ko (69).

Columbian Mariajo Uribe (68), South Korean Haeji Kang (69) American Alison Walshe (70) and Spaniard Carlota Ciganda (69) are also at six-under par.

The 32-year old, who has had two average LPGA seasons by her own admission, is back in Christchurch to show her support to the local community after the devastation that occurred less than 24 hours after she left last year on February 22.

“I really wanted to come back and show my support for the local people,” the former world No.12 said.

“When I heard the news last year, it really affected me.

“It would be a very special win if I could do it.”

The Victorian’s round included three birdies and an eagle on the par four sixth and one lone bogey on the par three eighth, which was her 17th hole of the day, after starting on the 10th tee.

Wright will have to contend with 26 players who are within four shots of the lead, including her co-leaders.

Wright will be looking to turn the tables on Uribe and Ko.

She went head-to-head with Ko in the final round of the NSW Women’s Open three weeks ago and last year battled it out in the final round in an unofficial money event on the LPGA tour with Uribe, where Uribe came out on top.

Just one shot adrift is fellow Australians Julia Boland (68) and Stephanie Na (69), Americans Cindy LaCrosse (67) and Gerina Piller (71) and Canadian Lorie Kane (67).

Americans Cara Freeman (70) and Danielle Kang (72) share 12th position at four-under par.

Another 13 players are sitting at either two or three under par.

Defending champion Kristie Smith (72) is at one-under par and shares 27th position.

AAP str/jb/bh