Christchurch Arts Centre director critically ill

The director of Christchurch's Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is critically ill and will not return to work.

Arts Centre chair Stella Ward confirmed Philip Aldridge's ill health in a statement on Friday.

"Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre has been advised that director Philip Aldridge is critically unwell and cannot return to work. This is devastating news for everyone who knows and has worked with Philip," she said.

Ward said the board was working through leadership transition arrangements to ensure continuity for the organisation.

An interim arrangement would be announced once it was confirmed.

Ward said the centre would not provide further comment on Aldridge's health out of respect for him and his family.

"We ask that the family's privacy be respected during this difficult time," she said.