Waikato University is surprised it has been threatened with legal action over a well-regarded thesis exploring a neo-Nazi group.
Roel Van Leeuwen is the author of the study titled Dreamers of the Dark: Kerry Bolton and the Order of the Left Hand Path.
It was being displayed in the university's library until its subject, Mr Bolton, former secretary of extreme-right organisation National Front, complained to the vice-chancellor. He called the thesis libellious and "little more than a malicious personal smear", according to the Dominion Post.
Mr Van Leeuwan denies the accusation, saying his work is accurate, but that "it's hard not being critical when you're writing about (neo-Nazi and satanic topics). There is some good work in my thesis and I would like to see it back on the shelves."
Thesis supervisor Professor Dov Bing thinks Mr Bolton's threat to sue is hypocritical. He expects the book to be back on display before long.
RadioLIVE / 3 News