Noel Peterson in his garden, embracing the sun and welcoming its warmth. Photo: LDR / Matthew Rosenberg
Noel Peterson is the "green wizard" of Bluff, a man with a reputation of championing environmental causes and bringing good cheer to community events.
But in recent years, Peterson has taken a step back from his wizardly duties following a bitter local election defeat.
In 2022, Peterson tried his hand for Invercargill City Council and finished a disappointing 33rd of 34 candidates.
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He garnered just 91 votes in his mayoral bid, less than half of one percent of total votes.
"Well, after the election . . . I actually became quite disappointed and whakamā and reclusive for quite some time," Peterson says of the experience.
"And then about three, four months ago, I'd been going out a lot more. But I thought 'you know, the community doesn't really deserve a wizard'."
Peterson feels Invercargill has rejected his message of taking care of the planet and fears the region is being run by people who only pay lip service to environmental issues.
One of his main disappointments was a feeling his message about the climate crisis had been overlooked.
"I do wish and hope that more people in the community realise that we need to change. That the world is changing and we need to change with it," he says.
"We can't just keep our sloven ways and carry on business as usual."
Bluff wizard Noel Peterson unsuccessfully stood for both council and mayoralty in Invercargill at the 2022 election. He has previously held a position on the Bluff Community Board. Photo: LDR / Matthew Rosenberg
Good news for those fearing Peterson may have hung up the robes for good though: the man who has called Southland home for about a decade reassures he will "always be a wizard".
The garb is worn less these days, he admits, as wizard-wear is both impractical and hot, and heatstroke has proven an issue in the past.
Peterson also hasn't ruled out standing in the next election, saying it's something he would like to do again.
One of the main barriers is the cost, with the last campaign totaling about $3500 including new clothes and a haircut.
Some of those expenses would be transferable, however.
"I've still got the clothes, so I don't have to buy them again a second time," he says.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
