ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on August 12, 2026.
Pacific media figures pay tribute to Solomons legend George Atkin
RNZ Pacific reporters Tributes have flowed in for the renowned Solomon Islands journalist George Atkin, who has died. As well as being a former correspondent for the then-RNZ International and ABC Pacific, Atkin was a leading figure in journalism in Solomon Islands and in the Pacific Islands region. He was the first president of the
The experience of tickling and ticklishness is the same across cultures: new research
More than 98% of people have been tickled. But scientists still don’t understand why we do it
Massive Attack deliver history lesson on K-pop’s roots in political protest
The lyrics of a famous Korean pop song, covered by Massive Attack during recent shows, express frustration with the establishment and with political hypocrisy.
Luxon survives. But why do National and Labour both struggle with effective leadership?
Both major parties have had a revolving door of leaders. What is it about modern politics that makes the job so challenging – and are others doing any better?
Trump’s net approval is near record low, with Democrats favoured to gain control of Congress at midterms
The US president’s approval rating is well below other past presidents at this point in their terms.
People with psychosocial disability from mental illness will lose out from tightened NDIS eligibility
Symptoms and impacts may fluctuate and it can be difficult to show you’ve tried other treatments.
Would you throw away brand new clothes? Retailers in Europe are now banned from destroying unsold stock
Every year, thousands of tonnes of unsold clothing go to landfill. Australia could learn from the EU model.
High school students are planning to protest tomorrow. This is how they can stay safe
If this is your first protest, it is normal to feel nervous, excited, proud, or uncertain – sometimes all at once.
Palestinian Kiwis, Māori doctor file claim against NZ govt over Gaza spy satellites
Asia Pacific Report Lawyers for two Palestinian advocates with strong family ties to the Nakba in Gaza and a Māori medical doctor critical of the “colonial violence” in the occupied territories have filed a lawsuit today against New Zealand government support for BlackSky spy satellite launchings from the Rocket Lab site in Māhia. Their lawsuit
From Monday, food delivery workers will get minimum hourly pay. Here’s why it matters
Will prices rise to cover better pay and standards? Yes, almost certainly. But it also means your next food delivery can come with a side of a little less guilt.
Soursob weed is a persistent curse – but it can be beaten. Here’s how
When it comes to a battle of persistence between a weed and a human, the weed will win most of the time. That is one of the things that makes a weed a weed.
‘I don’t even know what things are going to look like in the next five years’: young Australians on growing up in a world in crisis
In this study, interviewees saw clear connections between the psychological, economic, social and political aspects of their lives.
Cost of living, water tariffs, mining on Cook Islanders’ minds ahead of election
By Tiana Haxton of RNZ Pacific The Cook Islands goes to the polls this week for its four-yearly general election. Like all countries in the region, the Cooks has had its fair share of challenges due to global shocks in recent years, and there’s a sense that voters are looking for some stability, particularly around
Flesh-eating bacteria are devouring limbs in warming waters worldwide − here’s how to protect yourself
Warmer ocean waters are fueling the spread of the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Infections can lead to a rare but fatal condition called necrotizing fasciitis.
The NAPLAN fine print we missed: the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students is growing
This gap was already a problem before the latest data. But the most recent results show how things are getting worse.
‘Climate whiplash’ is not simply a buzzword, but a symptom of a warming planet
This term describes dramatic swings between different kinds of extreme weather.
These 5 charts show how far rooftop solar and home batteries can take us – and why we still need the grid
Home batteries and rooftop solar have become enormously popular. But while powerful, these technologies won’t let us get rid of the grid.
Kids are being detained in police custody, in facilities never designed for them
When children are denied bail, they’re often taken to police watch houses. But these don’t have the staff or facilities to keep children safe and well.
Why the Aussie dollar is climbing back towards a 36-year high against the yen
Japan and the US both want the yen to strengthen, but for quite different reasons. But succeeding in this task has risks of its own.
Testimony as a target: how witnesses at the antisemitism royal commission are being abused online
New research looking at more than 1,300 posts directed toward witnesses reveals vitriolic abuse. Royal commissions need updating for the digital age.