January 19, 2015
Maori architects mourn Athfield
Architect Ian Athfield is being remembered as a man who helped in the move to bring Maori values into New Zealand architecture.
Sir Ian died on Friday after a long illness. He was 74.
Sir Ian had been on the Heritage New Zealand’s board and Maori Heritage Council since 2009.
Designer Jacob Scott, son of the late Maori architect John Scott, says during his term as president of the Institute of Architects Sir Ian got his fellow architects to buy the Futuna Chapel, widely considered John Scott's masterpiece, which was under threat of demolition.
The building now serves as the institute's headquarters.
Mr Scott, who worked recently with Sir Ian on a project to bring a Maori dimension to Massey University's Wellington campus, says he understood that Te ao Maori can be manifested in multiple ways, and his work has enriched the whole country.
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