Whaling

It might shine a light on a slice of New Zealand's past, but a Stewart Island archaeological project could also make history, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd and Japanese whalers are again colliding in the Southern Ocean south of Australia, with the conservation group accusing the Japanese of illegally bringing in a military-style ship to the conflict.

Japan could suspend its annual Antarctic whale hunt because the ageing flagship of its fleet needs urgent repair work.

The leader of a University of Otago expedition to the Auckland Islands has called for greater protection of a part of the archipelago densely populated by southern right whales.

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr says he is confident South Korea's assurances that they will not proceed with a "scientific" whaling programme have been made in good faith.

Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd says it will expand its fleet to South Korea's coastal waters to prevent whaling in the region.

South Korea says it plans to begin scientific whaling, a move which has been roundly condemned by New Zealand and Australian officials.

A federal judge in Seattle has declined to immediately restrain the activities of a Washington state-based anti-whaling group.

The federal government has reminded Japan that its whaling vessels are not welcome in Australia's territorial waters amid claims one strayed close to Macquarie Island.

Australia is stepping up diplomatic pressure on Japan in a bid to stop this year's whale catch in the Southern Ocean.