Midday Report Essentials for Monday 2 February 2026

New Zealand is in talks with the US about the supply of rare and critical minerals, as Donald Trump seeks to reduce America's reliance on China for materials it sees as pivotal for tech innovation and national security: So, what does NZ have to offer? We talk to the CEO of Minerals New Zealand; The clean-up is underway after a tourist boat ran aground outside Akaroa Heads on Banks Peninsula on Saturday. We speak to DOC about how much diesel is in the water and what the implications could be for the environment; Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny. They are among the top nominees for the biggest night in music. We cross to the red carpet for the 68th Grammy Awards.