PM mindful of Dotcom spying

John Key has admitted he was briefed over the Kim Dotcom case in February but insists he can't remember the conversation surrounding the spy agency's role in the case.

The news comes over a week after the Prime Minister slammed government spies, ordering a full inquiry into the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB).

But as the story reaches fever pitch across New Zealand, Key was forced to acknowledge visiting GCSB offices on February 29 for a briefing on cooperation between the agency and the police.

''The presentation was an electronic slide presentation," says Key, confirming Dotcom's arrest the month prior was used as an example.

"The cover slide was a montage of 11 small images, one of which was of Mr Dotcom.

"I have been clear from the outset that I received no briefing on the operation from GCSB prior to 17 September, and this review confirms that.

"While neither the GCSB Director nor I can recall the reference to the Dotcom matter being made during my visit to the bureau back in February, I accept that it may well have been made.''

While Key plays down his knowledge of the controversy, police advised the GCSB that spying on Dotcom may have been illegal on February 16, with their concerns dismissed by the agency.

Last week the Prime Minister Key admitted he did not approve of any actions towards the interception of Dotcom’s communications, stating the law is clear for all to see.

“What I would say is that I’m very disappointed in the agency, I’ve made that quite clear,” he said at the time.

Dotcom responded to the revelations last week, tweeting:

“I’m now a real life James Bond villain in a real life political copyright thriller scripted by Hollywood and the White House.”

While calling the GCSB “the NZ equivalent of the CIA”.

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