A man who is facing arson and firearms charges following a series of attacks on cellphone towers in Wānaka has refused to answer questions from a judge.

Daniel Miller represented himself at a hearing at the Queenstown District Court on Monday.

The 41-year-old declined to say if he understood the proceedings, instead demanding to know if Judge Catriona Doyle was using her full and legal name.

Judge Doyle said Miller appeared to be taking a sovereign citizen approach.

He has been remanded in custody while he awaits a trial later this year.

The attacks had been on numerous cell towers in Wānaka including Spark and OneNZ towers.

Contractors removing a destroyed One NZ cellphone communications tower in Wānaka on Friday 10 October, 2025, after it was vandalised. Photo: RNZ/ Katie Todd

Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher had previously said the "mindless" attacks were not only frustrating for the police but posed a serious risk to the public.

"They can disrupt vital connectivity, including access to emergency services such as 111. The last thing we want, and I would also hope the persons responsible want, is for someone to be hurt because they couldn't call for help," he said.

Main image: One of several cell towers allegedly destroyed by Daniel Miller in the Wānaka region. Photo: RNZ/ Katie Todd