New Zealand Negotiates Minerals Access With United States

On February 2, 2026, New Zealand's government is negotiating with the United States to provide access to critical minerals, according to media reports and a memo presented to the Waitangi Tribunal. The memo and critics say talks may bypass Cabinet and violate obligations to Māori, while Resources Minister Shane Jones is criticised for donor links and fast-tracking mining proposals, raising environmental and reputational risks for New Zealand.