Also, New Zealand has an official wizard.
Wandering Wizard
Ian Brackenbury Channell, now 88 years old, has been the official wizard of New Zealand for 21 years.
The Guardian reports that the Christchurch city council has taken the decision to remove him from their payroll. This is despite the fact that it runs the risk of drawing the wrath of the sorcerers. However, The Wizard as he's known, said that he plans to continue to display his face in the centre of town and rail against the notion that he has become a tourist attraction.
It was a good thing.
According to The Guardian, the city will celebrate The Wizards tenure by hosting a free exhibit at Christchurchs Arts Centre about his life. The government seems to want to project a more modern, contemporary vibe than the historic, enchanted atmosphere.
Lynn McClelland, spokesperson for the council, told The Guardian that it wants to show a vibrant, diverse and modern city that is appealing to residents, international visitors, new businesses and skilled migrant workers.
Advertisement
Advertisement
According to The Wizard, however, he claims that the council has stopped paying him because of his provocation and inability to keep up with the city's vibes.
He explained to The Guardian that it implies that I am old and boring. However, there are no other people in Christchurch who look like me. They don't like me because I am boring and old bureaucrats. Everyone likes me, and no one likes me.
Channell is also the subject of troubling allegations. According to The Guardian, he was joking about hitting women in April.
Although it is not clear if he was being paid less by the city, it would not be surprising.
Advertisement
Advertisement
READ MORE: New Zealand's council terminates contract with wizard after 20 years of service [The Guardian]
Further on wizardry: Scientists stored The Wizard of Oz on an Array of DNA
Do you care about clean energy adoption? Learn how much money and planet you could save by switching to solar power at UnderstandSolar.com. UnderstandSolar.com can show you how much money and planet you could save by switching over to solar power. Futurism.com might earn a small commission if you sign up via this link.
