Earlier this month the government rejected a proposal from the United States for a marine reserve that would have offered greater protection than New Zealand wanted for the Antarctic toothfish in the Ross Sea.
"My legacy is the last intact marine ecosystem in the world - a treasure I had hoped the New Zealand government would protect for its invaluable source of information to help scientists understand and sustain our ecosystem for future generations," the Herald quoted her as saying.
"To say I'm disappointed with their efforts is an understatement.
"They're a disgrace. A bunch of hypocritical two-face puppets who only appear to be interested in preserving the lining of their pockets."
New Zealand companies take a large proportion of the annual Ross Sea toothfish catch and last year they landed 730 tonnes with an export value of 20 million NZ dollars (16.52 million U.S. dollars).
The New Zealand and U.S. governments have submitted separate protection plans for the Ross Sea to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which is part of the Antarctic Treaty System and manages the marine living resources in the waters around Antarctica.
The plans will be discussed at this year's CCAMLR meeting, being held from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1, in Hobart, Australia.