Auckland lawyer Andrew Caisley has been appointed a member of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa.

Announcing the appointment, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry said Mr Caisley has longstanding experience in governance of theatre and arts organisations and will make a valuable contribution.

Mr Caisley has served as a member of the Creative New Zealand council, on the New Zealand Book Council, and is currently a member of the New Zealand Film and Literature Board of Review.

He was chairman of Silo Theatre from 2000 to 2003, and as founding chairman of the New Theatre Initiative Inc. from 2000 was closely involved in the development of the Q-Theatre on Queen St in Auckland.

He was a founding partner of legal firm Kiely Thompson Caisley and will replace Jimmy Wallace of Geraldine who has completed his term on the 13-person council.