Council chief executive Ross McLeod said that in the 10 years he had worked with Mr Yule he had seen him in dealings with a wide variety of people, and how he had been driven by a desire to help people, both as individuals and at large, underwritten by common sense, intelligence, hard work and good ethics.
"I have been impressed with how you always seem to do what's right - in my 25 years in local government you have set a gold standard in governance and community leadership."
He also noted that during his tenure the Hastings District had become a more tolerant place, accepting of difference.
Current Deputy Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst, who was chairwoman of the Hastings Business Association before being elected to council, will step in as acting mayor. She said Mr Yule had made bold decisions in his time, including the sale of Nelson Park for commercial retail development.
"That was so significant, and now that area is thriving with 100 per cent occupancy - it's also protected and strengthened the CBD for the long term."
Rather than talking about his council achievements, councillor Henare O'Keefe focused on Mr Yule's humanity and compassion at the same time as his being a "consummate politician".
Councillor Tania Kerr said she was proud to have spent the past 16 years working alongside Mr Yule and thanked him for his understanding of the rural sector.
Mr Yule also spoke about his time in the role, and praised the current council.
"This is a great group of people and I am sad to be leaving, this is the best council I have been on for some time - it's united, knows what it wants to do, is respectful of others' opinions and gets things done."
While he would always be there for the council, he said he did not intend to interfere with its business.
"I will always be supportive, grateful and respectful of what this council does - you will never find me criticising it, whatever role I have.
"I leave this role today after 15 and a half years in a job I have thoroughly enjoyed."
Also at the meeting, Hastings District Councillor Simon Nixon was elected acting deputy mayor, one of four to offer their services.
The vote was conducted by secret ballot, something acting mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said was a council decision.
She said all councillors were stepping up for extra responsibilities, but not extra pay, with the departure of Mr Yule and councillor Adrienne Pierce.
"We're down two people now, and my intention is to share the workload - everybody is stepping up."
Mr Nixon said he was pleased to be selected and that he was sure he and Mrs Hazlehurst could work well together.
"I've always been seen as a bit difficult but I do not think I am - I just have a more penetrative approach."
He said his selection indicated how different this council was to previous ones.
"This would not have happened in the last couple of terms - there's been a significant change," he said.
A by-election is scheduled to be held on November 24.
* A interview with Mr Yule about his time as mayor, the highs, the lows, and what he sees as the ongoing challenges for the district, will be run tomorrow in Hawke's Bay Today's Weekend edition.
