Lyall was first elected to the Selwyn District Council in 1992 for one term, then returned in 2005.
He has been deputy to Mayor Sam Broughton since 2016.
Lyall is the sixth Selwyn district councillor to choose not to seek re-election for the next term. Springs Ward councillor Debra Hasson, a councillor for 30 years, was the fifth, along with fellow Springs Ward councillor Grant Miller, Bob Mugford (Malvern), Shane Epiha (Ellesmere) and Phil Dean (Rolleston).
Said Lyall: "Since 1992, I have been actively involved in local government within the Selwyn district. At the start of this term, I reflected on my past achievements and planned what I wanted to accomplish for Selwyn over this term and promised my wife that this would be the last.
"I have decided that it is the right time for me to not seek re-election to the Selwyn District Council. It has been a privilege to represent my community, and I am proud of my achievements, particularly encouraging the provision of infrastructure and strategic development for Selwyn.
"One example of this was in 2008 when I promoted the council borrowing $90m to expand the sewerage plant in Rolleston. The evidence showed that Rolleston was set to grow immensely over the coming years and we needed to make sure that the infrastructure was there to support this growth.
"While there is always more to do, it is time for change and I am looking forward to a new councillor joining the team representing the Springs ward and working for the whole of Selwyn.
"When I say team, it is important that future candidates realise that governance requires councillors who will make the best decisions, not just the most popular ones. To do that, they need a mayor who can lead, build teams, has experience and fosters debate, to equip elected members with the tools and information they need to make the best decisions for their communities. In my opinion our present mayor is that person.
"Diversity of opinion and robust debate strengthen democracy. Personal attacks, disruption, and petty squabbling weaken it, eroding the credibility of councils, fostering distrust, and undermining public confidence."
Lyall said he has been disappointed by some of the social media campaigns being run.
"When I look at some of the prospective candidates’ campaigns on social media, I am concerned.
"There is no room for aggressive, dishonest, conspiracy theorist, or disrespectful behaviour in public office. You deserve leaders who will show up having read their briefs and are prepared do the work, and independently engage with the community. We do not need party hacks running a narrative from Wellington. This is local government.:
He also had a warning for voters in the upcoming elections.
"I ask that when you vote - and please do - that you choose wisely. Be wary of the person who makes promises that they cannot keep. It is always important to remember that each councillor, including the mayor, only has one vote. Councils can only be successful if they build a consensus.
"Question carefully the person who claims that they will not increase rates. Short-term gain leads to long term pain. There was only a 1.6% rate increase during COVID as it was a unique time, and we are now playing catch up at 14.2%. As costs rise, rates must keep up or we go backwards. If cutting and capping rates is being promoted, it is very likely that of the council services you rely on will be reduced. It is only right that you are aware of what services they will need to cut before you give them your vote.
"I support the sentiments of Neil Holdom Mayor of New Plymouth (Sunday Star Times: “Why it is not feasible to promise rate freezes or cuts)
“So, when you hear candidates claim that they will single-handedly slash rate increases and transform the organisations they are vying to lead, first ask, how? Then consider the following. Can they prove their policies are achievable financially and reflect community expectations? Can they work constructively with a diverse group of people to make challenging decisions? Do they have the depth of capability to understand a complex operating environment and focus management on improving performance?"
"The reality is rate increases can be managed down, but only through effective leadership, clear price and quality trade-offs and a shared commitment to progressively improving productivity over time.
"When making decisions as an elected representative, I have always asked myself the fundamental question: To whom is the benefit and at what cost? Please consider this when choosing your candidate later this year."
Lyall thanked the people of Selwyn for their support over the years.
"I have enjoyed my time in local government. I would like to sincerely thank all those who have supported me in that time."
