Rawshark emails reveal details of 'hit' jobs

The hacker known as Rawshark has released copies of emails apparently intended to back up claims in the Dirty Politics book that the Whale Oil blog was used for commercial "hit" jobs on behalf of a National MP-turned-lobbyist.

The release of information comes amid claims by former Cabinet minister Judith Collins that previously released social media conversations, apparently between her and Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater are "forgeries".

The information released today purports to show the Whale Oil blog attacking those causing problems for the Food & Grocery Council lobby group, which is led by former National MP Katherine Rich and represents the country's largest food and alcohol companies.

They apparently aim to support allegations made in Dirty Politics - that public relations man Carrick Graham acted as the nexus between Mrs Rich and Slater, and paid the blogger for running attack articles.

In emails attributed to Mr Graham, he is purported to have written articles for the Whale Oil blog which were posted under Slater's name. The release today also shows Mr Graham instructing Slater: "KR hit for today."

A spokesman for the Food & Grocery Council said yesterday, after Rawshark forecast today's document release in a tweet, that it was "business as usual".

They were not immediately available for comment on the latest documents.