Mr Barber said he was also fortunate to have spent time working under Mr Yule in both council and the Rural Community Board.
"Lawrence has been a good mayor for the Hastings District and has proven this by being re-elected five times. I've learnt a lot from his leadership style."
Mr Barber felt the time was right for him to go for mayor with the opportunity not coming around often.
"In my lifetime Hastings mayors such as Jim O'Connor, Jeremy Dwyer and Lawrence Yule enjoyed the support of voters for many terms. The opportunity to run for mayor without an incumbent may not present itself again for some time."
With regards to his opposition Mr Barber said deputy mayor Sandra Hazlehurst was a formidable candidate.
Mrs Hazlehurst was the only other candidate who had openly declared interest to date.
"I think she's got an inside advantage but then there will be others who will be thinking about it and a number of candidates will come out between now and the by-election."
Mrs Hazlehurst said it was great Mr Barber put his name forward, but at the moment was focused on working on the transitional plan to get council through the next five months.
When asked if his short time on council would have an affect she said he had a lot to learn but he was a committed councillor who was committed to undertaking responsibilities and duties to better the district.
"It is good to have committed people who are prepared to work hard for the people of Hastings, which is what he is doing."
Mr Barber said it was important that the next mayor continued the work of past mayors, while at the same time addressing the pressing issues the district faces today.
He hoped to secure the water supply, free up land to keep housing affordable, and run an efficient and effective council that served ratepayers needs.
"If elected mayor I would prioritise these issues, which is Council's core business, and look to forge strong links with the Napier City Council and the Hawke's Bay Regional Council."
Mr Barber said council played an important role in creating economic growth and he hoped to provide an environment where it was easy for business to thrive, by making consenting simple, predictable and fair.
"Rather than attempting to bring business in from outside Hawke's Bay, Hastings District Council should concentrate on making our district the easiest place in the country to deal with council, so all businesses benefit."
Mr Barber said the Hastings District was the best place to live in New Zealand and hoped to work with the community to keep it this way.
"Hastings District needs a strong leader who is pragmatic and able to relate to people from all walks of life."
Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule was unable to be contacted last night.
