Student magazine under fire for 'Lange's leg' auction

Otago University magazine Critic is facing fresh criticism after it tried to auction off a "replica" of David Lange's amputated leg online.

It is not the first time the magazine has caused offence or challenged standards of good taste and decency. Earlier this year, the student magazine published an article slated as a "how-to" guide for rapists.

However, this time the stunt backfired when the Trade Me website got wind of the auction and removed it from its website after only one day.

Trade Me business manager Mike O'Donnell said the site's online community must have considered the gag offensive.

"The community has standards and something like that ... which takes the piss out of a great New Zealander ... is not something they considered contributed to the community," he said.

Critic editor Holly Walker said the posting - which was actually a doll's leg - was intended as a joke.

Mr Lange had his lower right leg removed under local anaesthetic two weeks before he died, in August.

Surgeon Peter Vann said at the time that just as the limb had nearly been taken off, Mr Lange had groggily asked: "Have you got the right leg?"

Ms Walker said she did not understand the fuss, given that Mr Lange had been joking himself about the amputation.

Margaret Pope, Mr Lange's wife, was not too concerned.

She said that when Mr Lange's leg was removed, she was asked whether she wanted it.

"I said 'No, please dispose of it.' So I can assure you I don't know what became of it."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY