A leaked, classified document says New Zealand helped the United States spy on Japan during an International Whaling Commission meeting in 2007.
A whale and calf are hauled aboard a Japanese ship in Antarctic waters. Photo: AAP / Australian Customs Service
The US-based website The Intercept has published the document marked "top secret" saying New Zealand collected valuable intelligence on Japanese attempts to convince countries to back whaling.
Ryan Gallagher from The Intercept details how New Zealand's Government Communications Security Bureau helped US spy agencies eavesdrop on Japanese officials at a 2007 Whaling conference.
He has been working with Japanese broadcaster NHK and says the Japanese feel a bit betrayed.
