ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on August 14, 2026.
Crocodiles can’t fly. Birds can. Scientists have finally figured out why
New research suggests crocodiles used to have hot blood and fast metabolisms, but gave it all up to lurk underwater waiting for prey.
‘A costly mistake’: new review finds giving WA billions in extra GST was unfair to other states
The 2018 “reforms” were bad policy. The sooner they are unwound the better.
Worried your toddler isn’t getting enough iron? Here’s what parents need to know
Drinking a lot of cow’s milk can increase your child’s risk of low iron. Here’s what to look out for.
ABBA’s Dancing Queen at 50: why we’ve spent half a century having the time of our lives
The Swedish pop song came out at a time when ABBA was trying to break into the American market. But it would go on to become a global anthem.
From Count Binface to AI Steve: why are we voting for joke candidates?
While their antics might make us pay attention to election campaigns, how did we end up with joke candidates as part of our political culture?
Russia is cutting off Ukraine’s grain exports again, threatening a critical harvest and global food security
Ukraine has proposed a deal to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea – an effort to allow grain shipments to resume from both countries.
Play-fighting or just fighting? New study suggests a rethink on how we play with cats
What many people think of as ‘play’ may not be play at all. In fact, these interactions could cause cats stress.
Church owning historic Carlile House talks with Auckland Council about demolishing it
By Luka Forman of RNZ Leaders of a church that owns a historic abandoned building in central Auckland have been in talks with Auckland Council about the possibility of demolishing it. The once-grand, two-storey Carlile House in Auckland’s Grey Lynn was built in 1886 and has had many uses over its long life — including
Indigenous people want violence out of their communities. Here’s a new approach
Elders say there are many drivers of community violence and unrest that go unaddressed by typical law and order responses. Here’s what they’re doing instead.
Fiji’s HIV outbreak is a public health emergency. Pacific neighbours must step up
This week’s Pacific HIV Symposium in Fiji is a response to a highly complex regional crisis, not one that stops at the island nation’s border.
From sportswear to protest attire: the surprisingly political history of the hoodie
Hooded garments are nothing new – we’ve even got hoodies that date back to the Iron Age. But how did the modern garment come to be everywhere?
As home loan applications drop, the big four banks face a growing challenge from Macquarie
Macquarie is among dozens of smaller lenders – but not yet the biggest four – to start offering slightly lower interest rates, as banks compete for fewer customers.
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre turns 42 – reflections on a milestone
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Today, we mark an extraordinary milestone: 42 years of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC). As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the countless lives that have intersected with our work since 1984. Over the past four decades, 168,145 survivors have accessed the services of FWCC and its
Samoa opposition leader arrested over comments about PM
RNZ Pacific reporters Samoa’s opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has been arrested and charged with defamation towards Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt. Local media is reporting that the charges relate to allegations made by Tuilaepa during a media conference last week. During the conference he called the prime minister a liar and also alleged he
I lived through the first Taliban girls’ school ban — watching it happen again is heartbreaking
The author was banned from school by the Taliban as a girl in 1996. Years after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, she asks why the international community’s response has fallen so short.
Two subsea cables off Perth suffer ‘concerning’ damage. Lasers could help protect them
Australia’s access to the global internet depends on a surprisingly small number of undersea cables.
Trauma can trigger psychosis – and talk therapy can help treat both
Psychosis is not a diagnosis. It’s a cluster of symptoms that affect how you think and perceive reality.
The Coalition wants to see more Indigenous students go to private schools. Is this a smart idea?
The Coalition wants to looks at ‘what works’ in Indigenous education and ‘roll it out more broadly’ .
Storms of dust and sand are another sign our climate is changing. Two experts explain
These fine particles can do significant harm to transport networks, farming and even human health.
Could saunas and ice baths affect male fertility? Here’s what the evidence says
Online wellness trends claim saunas and cold plunges can boost male fertility. The evidence tells a more nuanced story – and some claims don’t stack up.