Story: Canterbury region

The Wizard of Christchurch

The Wizard of Christchurch

Among the nonconformists and eccentrics to be found in Christchurch, the best known was the city’s self-styled ‘wizard’ – Ian Brackenbury Channell. For many years he regularly addressed crowds in Cathedral Square on his favourite topics, including a crusade to have the world map inverted so that New Zealand would appear in its rightful place – at the top. Here he talks to children on a Harry Potter Treasure Hunt at the Canterbury Provincial Council Chamber in 2003.

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Heritage New Zealand – Pouhere Taonga
Photograph by Melanie Lovell-Smith

Permission of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'Canterbury region - Christchurch', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10375/the-wizard-of-christchurch (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by John Wilson, reviewed & revised 6 Jul 2015