The president of the a student club which is using symbols also used by white supremacist groups says it has been misunderstood.
The man, who won’t give his name for safety reasons, is the head of the European Students Association established at Auckland University which some fear is a white nationalist group.
“We aren’t Nazis, white supremacists, racists, fascists,” he told NZME.
“We completely condemn all of that. We aren’t any of that.”
AUT says a new AUT New Zealand European Association isn't sanctioned by the university and hasn't applied to become an official club.
The group set up a Facebook page on Saturday, a day after Auckland University's European Students Association announced it would shut down.
Its founder, who doesn't want tobe named, says the group will celebrate European culture and is open to everybody.
He says it is not related to the previous Auckland University group, but it is "taking advantage of the backlash" by using a similar name.
However, posts from his now deleted account include a joke about "burning Jews", a suggestion that feminists should "f*** off into the kitchen", and pro-Trump statements.
An AUT spokesperson says the group has not been approved or applied for approval from the student union, AuSM.
"AUT is diverse. We have more than 140 nationalities and strive to be a place that welcomes people from all walks of life, from all ethnic backgrounds, and with all religious beliefs, types of ability and sexual orientation.
"We work hard to get the balance right between protecting freedom of speech, and ensuring all of our students and staff have a safe and positive place to learn and work.
"AUT's student movement, AuSM has a rigorous process for establishing clubs and associations and would use this to understand the motives and intention of this group, should they apply."
