The Greens claim the Government is undermining public opinion with its new stance on whaling.

At the latest meeting of the International Whaling Commission in America, nations considered a proposal that would allow Japan, Norway and Iceland to openly hunt whales despite a 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling, but the total catch would be reduced over the next decade. New Zealand's representative endorsed the plan, but the delegates could not reach a compromise deal.

Prime Minister John Key says the proposal might be acceptable if it was supported by other nations and led to an end to whaling.

Greenpeace spokeswoman Karli Thomas says New Zealand's sit on the fence approach will be seen as the country endorsing and legitimising whaling.

"At the moment the New Zealand position simply doesn't reflect the public opinion in this country. New Zealanders are adamantly opposed to whaling and want to see the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary fully protected."

Ms Thomas says the Government will make the whaling countries very happy but the public of New Zealand and Australia very unhappy.

Japan currently exploits a loophole which results in it killing whales for so-called scientific research.

Australia wants whaling to be phased out in five years and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is again threatening to take Japan to the International Court of Justice.