Are local characters still a thing in New Zealand?

When I was in NZ 15 years ago it seemed like being a local celebrity was a big thing. Auckland had the window washer wearing only speedos and a cowboy hat, the guy wearing glasses with eyes painted on them who always seemed to be sitting in that one cafe, and the old busker who stacked things while dancing on Queen street. Wellington had Blanket Man, Christchurch had a wizard, and I feel like there were more all over the country.

Maybe my recent trip was too short to spot people like that but I feel like it isn't a thing the way it used to be. Have they all gone away now that you can be internet famous, or are people just not going outside since covid and smartphones changed everything?