New Zealand catches flak for ‘secret’ US critical minerals talks
Opposition parties accuse the ruling coalition of keeping voters in the dark, fearing a fast track to environmental damage

Analysts say Wellington is reluctant to promote any formal agreement with Washington or invite public debate on the issue, even as both governments have confirmed that they are “exploring further opportunities” on critical minerals cooperation.
In a joint statement released after a meeting in Washington on February 2, the two sides said they would deepen collaboration on critical minerals, energy, emerging technologies and the digital economy “to ensure economic resilience and mutual prosperity”.
That commitment followed the pair’s annual “strategic dialogue”, which this year featured US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and New Zealand’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Bede Corry.
