Official Wizard shown the door after 23 years in role

The official Wizard of New Zealand, perhaps the only state-appointed wizard, has been cast from the public payroll, spelling the end to his 23-year legacy.

Ian Brackenbury Channell, 88, had been contracted to Christchurch city council for the past two decades to promote the city through “acts of wizardry and other wizard-like services” for NZ$16,000 (US$11,300) a year. He has been paid a total of $368,000.

The council had sent a letter thanking him for his services to the city and informing him his contract was severed, a spokesperson said.

The Wizard, who was born in England, began performing in public spaces shortly after arriving in New Zealand in 1976.