More diplomatic cables released by the WikiLeaks website reveal how frustrated American diplomats were with New Zealand taking an independent foreign policy line.
In the cables, Wellington-based American diplomats express their frustration over what they call the then Labour Government's anti-American attacks during the 2005 general election campaign.
One goes as far as criticising former New Zealand Ambassador to Washington John Wood for not publicly criticising his own Government's policy while still an ambassador.
It says some blame Mr Wood for what it terms "sub-optimal ties" with Washington because he overplayed the idea of a free trade agreement with Prime Minister Helen Clark and underplayed American displeasure with Labour's campaign antics and continued concerns over this country's anti-nuclear policy.
United Future Party leader Peter Dunne says there's nothing surprising about the American view.
He says he does not believe the cables are embarrassing for New Zealand.
White House visit wanted
Radio New Zealand's political editor says the documents also show that Prime Minister John Key was desperate to get a visit to the White House earlier this year.
One of the cables recounts a meeting Mr Key had with US Ambassador David Huebner, in which he apparently sought a White House visit on the basis he had already indicated to journalists such a visit would take place.
Green Party co-leader Russel Norman says Mr Key's request was craven and embarrassing.
