A New Zealand man is under investigation in connection with a Canadian probe into child exploitation.

The 35-year-old is alleged to have tried to blackmail a 16-year-old girl into performing sexually explicit acts online in November.

The girl complained to police in Ontario, who've been talking to detectives here.

The man has since been arrested and charged with blackmail.

New Zealand police have confirmed the charge was laid in November and he is due to reappear in the Palmerston North District Court in February.