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.<\/p>\n
Lyell said his decision to enter politics comes from growing concern about New Zealand\u2019s direction and a determination to speak up for the principles he believes have made the country successful.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Zealand is an amazing country and I\u2019m proud to call it home. But I\u2019m very concerned about the direction our nation is currently going in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 65 years of age, I have something to compare it with. I\u2019ve seen what works and what doesn\u2019t. I believe we need a return to the traditional values that served New Zealand so well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lyell said the principles of free speech, unity, liberty, strong families, objective truth and justice must not be taken for granted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are values that can be easily lost if we don\u2019t conserve them. That\u2019s why I\u2019m standing for the Conservative Party in Northland \u2013 to raise the alarm and to make sure these fundamental values are defended.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a background in farming, emergency services, leadership, training and small business, he believes Northland deserves a strong, experienced voice in Parliament.<\/p>\n
Conservative Party leader Helen Houghton said Lyell brings extensive leadership experience, practical knowledge and a lifetime of service to his candidacy.<\/p>\n
Houghton welcomed Lyell\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoug has spent four decades serving New Zealanders. He understands leadership, responsibility and what it means to stand alongside people when they need help most.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 65, he also brings something that cannot be taught in Parliament \u2013 decades of experience seeing what works, what doesn\u2019t, and what happens when we lose sight of the values that hold a society together,\u2019\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n