ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on August 3, 2026.
Can you really buy friendship? Behind the rise of paid social clubs
Paid social clubs promise connection with new people, with a lot of the complicated legwork handled. But here’s why they’re unlikely to fix our loneliness epidemic.
Chores or no chores? The economic psychology of giving kids pocket money
If we do pay our kids for their chores, do we risk creating kids who care more about money than doing good deeds for their own sake?
Australia dominated as usual, but were the new-look Commonwealth Games the way of the future?
Many believe the Glasgow Commonwealth Games saved the event from extinction. But did the scaled-down version really work?
Will a new ‘Good Samaritan’ law really reduce drug overdose fatalities?
On its own, the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill is no magic bullet. But it would add to an existing range of effective harm-reduction tools.
New museum find shows nature can’t stop inventing seahorses
No one has ever seen one of these fish alive. But they are most likely still swimming in a part of the sea we hardly ever visit.
Cook Islands election: ‘The political party system is facing extinction’
Cook Island News Independent candidates are replacing traditional political parties in the Cook Islands, argues a veteran former politician — a claim rejected by a party leader who dismisses independents as a significant election threat. Former Cook Islands Parliament speaker, deputy prime minister and cabinet minister Norman George weighs in on the political landscape as
Families say they are struggling to pay school fees – why are so many still choosing private schools?
We know more students are going to private schools, even though fees can be steep and families might need outside help to afford them.
Change or die: how the Liberal Party’s long resistance to reform has left it fighting for life
The Liberals never gave members the same scope to be involved and influence policy as Labor did. Now, they are paying the price for it.
For the first time, the census will ask your sexual orientation. My new study shows why it matters
Are you straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual or another sexual orientation? The census wants to know. Here’s why.
Why the census won’t ask about intersex variations, and the reason it should
After backlash from the LGBTQIA+ community, the government agreed to include gender and sexual orientation questions in the new census. So why not intersex?
Good things take time – but new research suggests mindfulness can make the wait easier
Mindfulness can change how we experience time, making it easier to wait for future rewards without relying on greater willpower.
How many packs of Pokémon cards do you have to buy to catch ’em all? Probably hundreds, and most will be quite boring
A mathematical simulation shows why it can take so long to collect a full set of Pokémon cards.
From flushing our toilets to building new schools, this is why filling in your census form matters
Here are ten practical things to know about the 2026 census, including fines if you lie or ignore it, what happens to your data and how to ask for help.
Birds messing up your garden mulch? Why I’d think twice before reaching for the mulch glue
Mulch glue allows water and air to penetrate the soil, but there are concerns it may limit birds turning over and foraging in mulch.
Rocketman Gosling, a porn star documentary and creepypasta nightmares: what to stream in August
Our experts have rounded up the top films and shows new to streaming, including some recent blockbusters.
Al Jazeera abruptly terminates contracts of Palestinian journalists in Gaza in ongoing Israeli genocide
COMMENTARY: By Eva Karene Bartlett During the ongoing Israeli genocide of Gaza, Palestinian journalists have been courageously reporting under Israel’s bombs, drones and snipers. More than 260 journalists have been killed by Israel in Gaza since October 2023 alone. Reporting on Israeli bombardments and firing continues to be extremely dangerous for Palestinian journalists, who are completely
Africa shaped the global 2030 development agenda. How it can influence what comes next
African countries should start early to develop an agreed position before the next set of global priorities is discussed.
Election misinformation spreads faster than facts can be checked: 3 insights from Kenya’s experience
Fact-checking only helps if it reaches people before they have made up their minds.
South Africa’s privacy laws are evolving, but vulnerable people are being left behind
Privacy protection must also be a conversation that reflects the lived realities of vulnerable communities.
When Trump’s Iran ‘deal’ isn’t a deal – it’s the third retreat in four months
COMMENTARY: By Lim Tean Trump’s Iran “deal” isn’t a deal. It’s hos third retreat in four months. April 2026: 48-hour ultimatum, then a two-week delay. July: “13 straight days of strikes,” then a pause “to give peace talks some space.” August 1: a fresh wave of attacks cancelled — the one he’d just threatened —