There is still no word on the reported planned expulsion of Acting New Zealand High Commissioner Caroline McDonald.

Stuff.co.nz has reported that talks between New Zealand and Fiji have failed to defuse tensions as the threat of expulsion continues to hang over the New Zealand High Commission.

It reported that a phone conversation between Fiji's self appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully is expected to be followed by talks today in an effort to end the standoff in a visa row.

Key yesterday told Newstalk ZB that it appears there is still a standoff with the interim government, making it clear that the NZ government will not amend its travel sanction policy against Fiji to suit the interim government.

Key also said NZ has taken a reasonable and pragmatic approach to Fiji and he hopes the outstanding issues would be resolved.

But if they are not, it could affect the ability of NZ to run its high commission in Suva.

Stuff.co.nz reported the war of words intensified yesterday after TVNZ reporter Barbara Dreaver was detained on her arrival in Fiji on Monday and authorities refused to let New Zealand diplomatic staff see her before returning to New Zealand.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the refusal to allow Dreaver into the country was totally unacceptable.

It is expected that Bainimarama will take the step after the refusal of the visa applications of the son of the President's Secretary Rupeni Nacewa, the daughter of the Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor Lepani Waqatakirewa and Fiji Under 20 soccer player Jone Nailogi as his father is in the military.

Bainimarama is expected to comment later.