Controversy over free car parking for Wizard

Some shop owners in New Regent Street, Christchurch, New Zealand, say the Wizard is "rude" and "arrogant" and want him to go elsewhere. Yet Christchurch City Council is about to let him park his car there for free. The Wizard has become a fixture in New Regent Street since the end of 2013. Tensions emerged when he illegally parked his Volkswagen Beetle in the street, netting him a few fines. Some shop owners helped to pay the fines, but others did not want his car in the street.



The council said this week it would allow the Wizard to park for three hours daily, free of charge. While many shopkeepers supported the Wizard, others found it unfair he should get a free parking spot. "He just sits around and drinks coffee all day. He should just have to pay like everyone else," one said. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said the Wizard was "annoying". "He drives his car up and down the street at a ridiculous speed. His car makes a hell of a noise, too."

Another shop owner said he was "arrogant and a bit of a bully". Others felt the same, including one who argued with him when he parked near her shop window. "You can't talk to him, he's just too rude," she said. But Clockwork Emporium & Cafe co-owner Mike Lester said the Wizard brought colour and fun to the street. "We've got to have him here." And the owner of Polished Diamonds, Dan Joines agreed. "We don't really have an Eiffel Tower, but we do have a Wizard."



The Wizard was surprised by the "awful" comments, but unapologetic. "I sit and talk to everybody all the time. I can't believe they'd say that I'm rude or arrogant." He would not change his behaviour "to accomodate neurotic people". Some did not understand the Volkswagen was an "art car" rather than a personal vehicle, he said. Council unit manager inspections and enforcement Anne Columbus said he would get a reserved parking spot between 11.30am and 2.30pm, starting in the next fortnight.