Dunedin remains the preferred destination for the anti-whaling vessel Steve Irwin, but pressure from the Japanese authorities on the New Zealand Government may prevent its arrival, the captain says.
Speaking via satellite phone from the vessel's position in the Antarctic, the captain Paul Watson said: "We were planning on heading to Dunedin".
Despite Japanese whaling vessels being banned from New Zealand ports, it was the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society vessel which was not being made welcome, he said.
Pressure from Japanese pro-whaling lobbyists was the reason for the lukewarm reception from the New Zealand Government, Capt Watson said.
"They should not be making demands."
Low on fuel after pursuing the Japanese whaling fleet for more than 3000km on the Antarctic High Seas, Dunedin was the vessel's closest port, but any delays might cause the volunteer crew of 48 to head to Hobart or Chile.
"Everyday we wait, they are killing more whales," he said.
James Funnell, a spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully, confirmed a request from the vessel Steve Irwin was received several weeks ago to be allowed to refuel at Dunedin.
"They were told they would be allowed to refuel in Dunedin as long as their behaviour was not such that we would have reason to change our minds."
That position on giving permission to refuel had not changed, Mr Funnell said.
"It is welcome to refuel and it is welcome to leave."
Mr Funnell said he would not respond to "what the skipper of the Steve Irwin is saying" until the final port of call was known.
A decision on where the vessel would refuel was likely to made by the end of the week.
