A New Zealand soldier has admitted to attempted espionage, marking the country’s first-ever spying conviction.

Believing he was communicating with a foreign agent in 2019, he instead dealt with an undercover police officer investigating extremist groups after the Christchurch mosque attacks.

He attempted to share military information, including security assessments and login details, and was also found with banned material linked to the Christchurch gunman.

The soldier pleaded guilty to three charges, including dishonest access to a military system, and faces up to 10 years in prison, the Associated Press has reported.

Sentencing will be decided by a military panel.