Lyall Evans is a highly respected business leader and Fellow Chartered Accountant with over 40 years of experience in financial advisory, agribusiness, and governance. A former Director at BDO Gisborne Ltd, Lyall helped build one of the region’s most trusted accounting firms, advising clients across the agricultural, commercial, and not-for-profit sectors.

Specialising in succession planning, business restructuring, and rural sector leadership, Lyall was instrumental in establishing BDO’s national Agribusiness Sector Group. He has worked alongside farmers and government agencies to support communities through major events, and has delivered expert training across New Zealand and Australia on rural tax reform and trust governance.

Lyall’s deep commitment to community service is evident in his longstanding involvement with Surf Life Saving, Coastguard, and education. He is a life member of both Wainui Surf Life Saving Club and the Gisborne Volunteer Coastguard, and has served in governance roles with Trust Tairāwhiti, Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti, and the Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust.

Grounded in integrity and dedicated to regional wellbeing, Lyall brings to Mātai a strong voice for rural New Zealand and a lifetime of service and leadership. Based in Gisborne, he is passionate about supporting innovation that uplifts the health and future of his community.