He and his wife have called Northland home since 2013, apart from two years living in Christchurch. He is semi-retired and self-employed, operating a contracting business specialising in truck and digger hire.
Lyell said his decision to enter politics comes from growing concern about New Zealand’s direction and a determination to speak up for the principles he believes have made the country successful.
“New Zealand is an amazing country and I’m proud to call it home. But I’m very concerned about the direction our nation is currently going in,” he said.
“At 65 years of age, I have something to compare it with. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I believe we need a return to the traditional values that served New Zealand so well.”
Lyell said the principles of free speech, unity, liberty, strong families, objective truth and justice must not be taken for granted.
“These are values that can be easily lost if we don’t conserve them. That’s why I’m standing for the Conservative Party in Northland – to raise the alarm and to make sure these fundamental values are defended.”
With a background in farming, emergency services, leadership, training and small business, he believes Northland deserves a strong, experienced voice in Parliament.
Conservative Party leader Helen Houghton said Lyell brings extensive leadership experience, practical knowledge and a lifetime of service to his candidacy.
Houghton welcomed Lyell’s decision to stand for Parliament, saying his commitment to community, family, freedom and service reflects the values the Conservative Party believes New Zealand urgently needs to restore.
“Doug has spent four decades serving New Zealanders. He understands leadership, responsibility and what it means to stand alongside people when they need help most.
“At 65, he also brings something that cannot be taught in Parliament – decades of experience seeing what works, what doesn’t, and what happens when we lose sight of the values that hold a society together,’’ she said.
The Northland seat is held by National Party MP Grant McCallum.