New Zealand has admitted putting pressure on small Pacific island states to oppose all commercial whaling at the same time that it is increasing regional aid spending.

Last month, directly after New Zealand’s Foreign Minster, Phil Goff, announced a substantial increase in educational support for the Solomon Islands during a regional tour, he raised the question about that nation’s support for the sustainable utilization of whale resources. A few days earlier, Mr. Goff was arm-twisting in Palau, telling that country’s Vice President to oppose whaling at the IWC. Palau also relies heavily on financial aid from New Zealand.

New Zealand has no economic or commercial interest in whaling and in the past has not publicly linked its regional overseas aid budget to the way countries vote at the IWC.