"The council might have to conduct a poll on including Maori wards, and we might want to package it all up - we want to make sure we do the most sensible thing."
Another consideration in terms of timing was the possibility of his taking leave without pay and resigning closer to the general election, leaving him free to campaign.
That possibility was currently being investigated with agencies such as the council and remuneration authority, Mr Yule said.
"What a lot of people do rather than take leave without pay, is they donate their salary to a charity - there's all sorts of ways to do it."
He said he intended to talk to the councillors next week to give a clearer picture of his intentions.
What he was emphatic about was that he would not be placing a bob each way if he did not succeed in his parliamentary ambitions.
"If I do not win an electorate party seat or am not put on the party list I will be finding another job."
Meanwhile the mayoral race for the top seat has begun with current deputy mayor Sandra Hazlehurst announcing her intention to stand, and councillor Bayden Barber confirming he was seriously considering it.
As a third-term councillor, Mrs Hazlehurst said she had worked hard to make a meaningful contribution to the district.
"It is a great privilege to work for the people of the Hastings district. I was born and raised here, and my sole focus has always been to make our district an even better place to live.
"I have decided to stand for the Hastings mayoralty.
"I am extremely grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from the community, which has assisted me to make my decision.
"I look forward to the challenge and the exciting opportunities I can see ahead for our people."
Mr Barber was still weighing up whether to stand. However he wasn't sure about holding a referendum on Maori wards alongside a by-election.
He said it was a complex issue that could sometimes divide the community and cause friction.
"It is a controversial issue and some strongly disagree with it so I think holding it alongside the race for mayoralty could place a cloud over the core issues in Hawke's Bay like housing, water, costs of living."
Mr Barber said if the referendum does go through it will be interesting to see what people's views are.
"Personally I have always said the best way to have a voice is to get out and vote through the democratic process. It is important Maori have a voice but at the end of the day informing them of the issues and encouraging them to exercise their democratic rights is a challenge."
"Although it would be great to have Maori views represented at the table by design," Mr Barber said.
