The iconic Christchurch Wizard is doing a disappearing act from his beloved city for good following Tuesday's devastating 6.3 magnitude quake.
Ian Brackenbury Channell planned to take his 91-year-old mother to Oamaru after nearly four decades entertaining crowds in Cathedral Square as the pointy hat-wearing Wizard, The Marlborough Express reported.
''`I'm very unhappy about what has happened to my lovely Christchurch,'' he said.
``I'm heartbroken. I love the buildings and the place, but so much of it has gone.''
He said repairs to the city were beyond his ``wildest powers''.
The 78-year-old, who moved to Christchurch from Australia in 1974, said the quake was the last straw and it was time to retire and leave town.
``It's probably the end of an era for me. The town I love so much is gone.'''
Mr Brackenbury Channell said an arson attack on his home in 2003 and a lack of support from the council and tourism operators were also factors in his decision to leave.
Christchurch Earthquake: Wizard to disappear from Christchurch
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