Bizarre reason an angry volunteer, 78, cut the PENIS off Maori carving – as he’s charged for damage

‘I’ve gone from hero to zero’: Bizarre reason an angry volunteer, 78, ‘cut the PENIS off a Maori carving’

• A 78-year-old man to front court over chopping the phallus off Maori statue 
•  Milton Wainwright from New Zealand is charged with wilful damage 
• Local Maori community members are furious over the act of vandalism 

By Brett Lackey For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 08:22 BST, 15 June 2019 | Updated: 09:12 BST, 15 June 2019

A 78-year-old volunteer has been charged with chopping off the phallus of a Maori carving with a chainsaw after the devout Christian deemed it immoral. 

Milton Wainwright who runs the Woodville Organ Museum in New Zealand has been a volunteer caretaker of the Manawatū Gorge Reserve. 

The carving has welcomed hikers at the popular tourist spot since December 2018. 

A 78-year-old volunteer has been charged with chopping off the phallus of a Maori carving with a chainsaw after the devout Christian deemed it immoral 

He has previously earned praise for his volunteer work but now says the community has turned against him over the act of alleged vandalism. 

‘I never dreamt the Māori would be so offended… As one commenter said, I’ve gone from hero to zero,’ he told Stuff. 

Wainwright had complained previously to the local council about the immoral nature of the statue then allegedly took matters into his own hands by trying to cut off the phallus with a handsaw earlier this year and returned with a chainsaw the next day when it proved difficult, according to Stuff. 

He has been charged with wilful damage over the alleged act of vandalism. 

Local Rangitāne carver, Craig Kawana, who created the set of statues called Te Hononga Maunga was upset but did not wish to talk about the matter as it was before the court. 

Massey University professor of Māori visual arts and culture Bob Jahnke told the publication the carving had cultural significance and the alleged vandalism was an insult to the Maori. 

Wainwright has been banned from the nature site for two years by the Department of Conservation and is due in court in July. 

Milton Wainwright who runs the Woodville Organ Museum in New Zealand has been charged over the incident 

 

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