Gandalf and Saruman are n’t the only wizardsNew Zealandcan title . The city of Christchurch has employed its own prescribed wizard for more than 20 years , and asCNN Travelreports , he ’s prepare to pass off his staff to a wizarding apprentice .
Ian Brackenbury Channell has been dressing up as a wizard for decades . Though in the beginning from the UK , his vocation in academia bring him to the Universities of New South Wales and Melbourne in Australia . He simulate his magical role , simply titled " The Wizard , " at both mental institution . Responses to the lineament vary , but he finally found a lasting rest home for the act in Christchurch , New Zealand .
Brackenbury Channell had been living in Christchurch for 24 years when the city offered him an prescribed wizarding contract in 1998 . His young theatrical role would require him to " supply enactment of wizardry and other wizard - like - service as part of promotional work for the city of Christchurch . " Every class since , The Wizard has collect an yearly pay of 16,000 New Zealand dollar , or $ 10,400 USD , from the political science .
At years 87 , Brackenbury Channell is spending less time in the limelight and depend for an aim wizard to take over the occupation . Musician Ari Freeman , 39 , threw his pointed chapeau in the gang several days ago when he introduced himself as a young wizard . He ’s been training as his apprentice ever since .
Freeman already lark a long beard that would make Merlin proud , but the role of official champion goes beyond bet the part . Other duties admit promoting local events , welcome foreign VIP , and rambling in Cathedral Square . The Christchurch City Council for " wizardry , " which manages the status , has n’t stated whether it plans to extend the contract to Freeman .
[ h / tCNN Travel ]
