The man arrested and charged over a series of cellphone tower arsons in the Wānaka area over the past few months will go to trial next year.

Forty-one-year-old plasterer Daniel Miller of Albert Town appeared in the Queenstown District Court on Monday (November 17), charged with intentionally damaging a cellphone tower or telecommunications infrastructure by fire, unlawfully possessing a rifle bolt, unlawfully possessing ammunition, and possessing cannabis.

The Otago Daily Times (ODT) reported that Miller was described by police prosecutor Dan Andrew as a "sovereign citizen”.

Miller appeared by audiovisual link from prison and told the judge he was “not Mr Miller”, saying “I am a living man standing in my natural state”, the ODT reported.

Miller was deemed to plead not guilty of all charges and was scheduled for a two-day judge-alone trial from April 21, and further remanded him in custody for a case review hearing on January 26.

Police said the arsons were not only frustrating for police, but posed a serious risk to the community.

“The team have worked tirelessly investigating, and we are thankful that no one was hurt as a result of the actions of this individual,” Acting Detective Sergeant Julie Bowman said following Miller’s arrest.

“This is a good result for our community and they should feel confident we will always work to hold those to account to carry out such mindless attacks.

“Police take these matters seriously, as they have – and continue to have – a significant impact on our community.”

PHOTO: Supplied