Architect Ian Athfield has been appointed as to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust Board, Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage Christopher Finlayson announced today.

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust exercises statutory powers to protect archaeological sites, administer a national register of historic places, advocates for heritage protection through the resource management process, and manages a portfolio of heritage properties.

Ian Athfield founded Athfield Architects in 1968. He has won international competitions and been a teaching fellow at Victoria University Wellington. His main area of interest is in protecting and enhancing the urban fabric of New Zealand. One of his particular interests is the preservation and reuse of historic buildings.

His three year term began on 1 October 2009.