The unofficial soundtrack of every basketball, squash or hard-court tennis match is the constant high-pitched squeak or shriek of the players’ shoes. But can this squeak be designed out of them while retaining the grip?
That’s the question an international team of engineers and applied physicists, including me, have been investigating. It sounds like a small design tweak. In fact, it cuts to a deep physics problem: how a soft body slides against a rigid one.
Perhaps surprisingly, the mechanism that produces sound when a soft solid slides against a stiffer one has long been the subject of scientific debate. Most theories are linked to the concept of “stick-slip”: when, instead of sliding smoothly, the sliding object rapidly alternates between sticking and slipping.
Your shoes may be fly, but are they also quiet?
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But the subsidy she gets to help pay for fuel has not changed since 2022.
She is paid $2.35 for travel between clients, based on a calculation that a typical support worker travels 3.7 kilometres between clients. That works out at 63.5c per kilometre, compared to an Inland Revenue mileage rate for petrol cars of $1.17 per kilometre.
The same $2.35 rate is paid for travel up to 15km, after which it is paid at a rate of 64c.
“I’ve got a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, it’s currently got 258,000 kilometres on it,” Laura said.
It needed repairs and maintenance, she said, but she could not afford it and was also not able to purchase a new vehicle.
She said she had started to try not to look at what she was spending on petrol.
“I managed to pick up a little second-hand moped and I’m trying to do as much as possible on that and just praying that it doesn’t rain.”
She said there were some more rural areas where no one wanted to work because there could be 11km from one client to the next, then 14km to another.
“You end up just paying to be able to work those days.”
Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said it was something that deserved more attention.
“We need to see direct intervention for home support workers. They are among our lowest-paid workers. They use their own car and the government subsidy for their petrol hasn’t increased in four years,” Fitzsimons said.
“They are bearing the brunt of the fuel crisis. They’ve had their pay equity claim cancelled and they’re being forced into poverty because of these actions. We’re calling on the government to show leadership for these workers.”
Deborah Woodley, acting director for funding, community and mental health at Health New Zealand, said the care workers were employed by third-party providers.
“We are currently looking at 2026/27 funding for third-party providers. As part of this work, we consider cost pressures for providers and their workforce and this includes fuel costs.”
Long range, premium comfort, and five-star safety—the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 delivers a high-tech electric driving experience.
Cutting-edge EV technology that brings together global design, engineering, and manufacturing.
BIRMINGHAM, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 March 2026 – Changan UK has launched the all-electric CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, a compact C-SUV blending premium design, intelligent technology, and everyday practicality.
“The CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 is designed for people who want an electric SUV that fits effortlessly into everyday life,” Nic Thomas, Managing Director of Changan UK, said, “It delivers reassuring performance, thoughtful comfort, and technology that simply works—all without the premium price tag. “
The CHANGAN DEEPAL S05: Range, Comfort, Safety
Powered by a 68.8kWh LFP battery, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 delivers WLTP ranges of up to 303 miles (RWD) and 278 miles (AWD). Inside, the aircraft-inspired cockpit features vegan leather heated and ventilated front seats, including a full-recline zero gravity passenger seat. A 15.4-inch rotating touchscreen, AR-HUD, 14-speaker audio system, and wireless smartphone connectivity complete the high-tech cabin.
Safety is central to the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, earning it a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It comes standard with 17 intelligent driver assistance systems, enabling L2 autonomous driving through a network of cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors—including a 540-degree surround-view camera system.
More Than a Model: How the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 Embodies a Global Vision
Changan is now present in 16 European markets, with launches in Italy, Spain, and Poland coming soon. The UK anchors this footprint as a strategic hub for local development. Leading this momentum is the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, a model built on a truly global foundation. Designed at Changan Design Center Europe in Turin and calibrated at the Changan UK R&D Centre in Birmingham, it has been meticulously tuned for local roads.
For the UK market, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 is produced at Changan Rayong Factory in Thailand—established in 2023 as a dedicated hub for global right-hand drive markets. With approximately 60% local sourcing, the facility ensures consistent quality, testing, and supply, while its strategic location enables worldwide logistics. More than a new model, the S05 stands as a testament to Changan’s global ambitions—integrating design, engineering, and production across continents to deliver a truly international electric vehicle.
Hashtag: #Changan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Lex Revell-Lewis has reduced his own national record at Adelaide.Kerry Marshall/Photosport
Auckland sprinter Lex Revell-Lewis has shaved one-hundredth of a second off his own national 400 metres record at the Adelaide Invitational.
Ideally drawn in lane six, with two faster opponents outside him, he was paced around the lap of the track in a time of 45.87s, finishing second behind Australian Luke van Ratingen (45.21s).
Last year, Revell-Lewis became the first Kiwi man to break 46 seconds for 400 metres, when he ran 45.88s in Melbourne.
Last week, he dipped under that barrier again, when he defended his national at Auckland in 45.97s, winning by more than a second. That performance earnt him a ticket to this months world indoor championships in Poland.
Earlier in the Adelaide meet, NZ javelin exponent Tori Moorby won her specialist event in 58.69m. Nick Southgate equalled his season best with 5.35m for second in the pole vault.
Sprinter Tommy Te Puni won the ‘B’ 100 metres final in 10.43s with a slight tailwind, before finishing third over 200 metres in 20.68s.
James Preston clocked 1m 45.07s to finish third over 800 metres and qualify for the world indoors, but New Zealand has already filled its quota of two in that event, with James Harding and Thomas Cowan both competing for US colleges.
Representing University of Oregon, Harding will contest the NCAA championship final this weekend.
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Sam Cosgrove has scored another goal for Auckland FC. File pic.AAP / Photosport
Auckland FC have moved to one point behind A-League men’s leaders the Jets with a 2-1 victory over them in Newcastle.
It was a victory of strength as the Aucklanders bid to not only retain the Premier’s Plate they won last year but also take the title crown in just their second year of operation.
It was the first time the Jets have been beaten this year, ending their 10-win run, while Auckland FC have turned it on after a diffident January to be unbeaten in their last six matches.
Sam Cosgrove has turned into a goal-scoring machine for the Aucklanders, with the Englishman nailing opportunities in the 15th and 52nd minutes to give him 10 goals for the season, while Clayton Taylor scored for the Jets in the 28th minute.
Cosgrove latched on to a cross from Jesse Randell for Auckland’s first goal, while he headed in a cross from Francis de Vries for his second.
Randell, who has been one of their stars in their current run of form, said it was a frantic match.
“I genuinely don’t think I have played a game like that in my life, I am absolutely knackered,” he told Sky Sport.
“It’s going to give so much confidence this win.”
The Aucklanders have five matches left in the regular season, with Macarthur the next opponents in Auckland on Saturday.
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The Wellington women controlled their match, creating far more scoring opportunities than the Queensland side, as they started their drive towards the premiership and playoffs after a three-week break.
Manaia Elliott soared over two rivals to head in a superb Brooke Nunn cross in the 10th minute, while Emma Pijnenburg tapped in a half-volley, after some messy Brisbane defence six minutes later.
The Phoenix led 2-0 at halftime and Makala Woods, who blew two golden opportunities for goal in the first half, finally found the scoreboard in the 73rd minute, with the decisive shot, after a melee near the Roar net.
Brisbane’s best three chances were thwarted by brilliant saves from ‘Nix keeper Victoria Esson.
The Phoenix are now two points behind competition leaders Melbourne City, with Adelaide United separating them.
They welcomed back Macey Fraser in the second half and play Sydney FC in Sydney next weekend.
Phoenix captain Mackenzie Barry said third was an amazing place on the ladder, but they still needed more consistency in their approach.
“We need to keep sharp through the whole 90 minutes leading into the finals,” she said on Sky Sport.
“Three-nil is a really good score and we are feeling really positive.”
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Tanielu Tele’a of the Highlanders scores a try against Crusaders.Photosport
The Crusaders have overcome three yellow cards and a plucky Highlanders side 29-18 to win their southern Super Rugby Pacific derby in Christchurch.
The defending champions avenged their season-opening 25-23 loss to their southern rivals last month, a big boost, after entering the match with only one win from four outings.
The Highlanders led 15-12 at halftime, after both teams scored two tries apiece, and the Crusaders temporarily lost front-rowers Codie Taylor and Finlay Brewis for yellow-card infringements in the first half.
They looked in danger of a red card, when Chay Fihaka cannoned high into the Highlanders first-five Cam Millar halfway through the second half, but it stayed yellow, as officials ruled a late dip at the contact. Millar stayed off the field, after failing a head injury assessment
In between, debutant flanker Johnny Lee scored two tries to give them the edge.
While they had another try disallowed for obstruction, the Crusaders had enough defensive smarts to hold onto their lead.
The Highlanders tried hard for a bonus point late in the match, but were held out.
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 March 2026 – To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (hereafter “the HKIE”) has organised “The HKIE ‘Together we RISE’ Carnival” (hereafter “the Carnival”) at High Lawn, Art Park, WestK. The opening ceremony took place today, officiated by Ms Bernadette LINN Hon Ho, JP, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government; Mr YE Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Ir Ricky LAU Chun Kit, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works); and Ir The Hon Aaron BOK Kwok Ming, Legislative Council Member (Functional Constituency – Engineering) cum Past President of the HKIE. They were joined by Ir Alice CHOW, President of the HKIE; Ir Prof Frank CHAN Fan, GBS, JP, Senior Vice President of the HKIE; Ir Rupert LEUNG Kwok Yiu, Vice President of the HKIE; Ir William LUK Wai Lam, Vice President of the HKIE and Ir Prof Alfred SIT Wing Hang, GBS, JP, Chief Executive and Secretary of the HKIE to kick off this two-day event.
Group Photo of officiating guests at the Opening Ceremony, including Ms Bernadette LINN Hon Ho, JP, Secretary for Development(4th right); Mr YE Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(4th left); Ir Ricky LAU Chun Kit, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) (3rd left); Ir The Hon Aaron BOK Kwok Ming, Legislative Council Member (Functional Constituency – Engineering) cum Past President of the HKIE(3rd right); Ir Alice CHOW, President of the HKIE(middle); Ir Prof Frank CHAN Fan, GBS, JP, Senior Vice President of the HKIE (2nd left); Ir Rupert LEUNG Kwok Yiu, Vice President of the HKIE(2nd right); Ir William LUK Wai Lam, Vice President of the HKIE(1st right); and Ir Prof Alfred SIT Wing Hang, GBS, JP, Chief Executive and Secretary of the HKIE(1st left).
With the theme “Together we RISE”, the Carnival aims to highlight the engineering profession’s outstanding contributions to social progress, technological innovation, and sustainable development. Running from 14-15 March, the Carnival features over 40 interactive booths and game zones designed by various organisations and HKIE divisions. The booths showcase exciting innovations including robot and robot dog demonstrations, model displays, VR experiences, UAV flight simulators, a water pumping robot, and more, offering enjoyable, hands-on exploration of the diversity and fun of engineering for the whole family over the weekend.
The Carnival also features a travelling exhibition, “Engineering Legacy: 50 Years of Excellence”, celebrating 19 excellent engineering projects honoured with The HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award. The exhibition highlights the remarkable achievements and milestones that have shaped Hong Kong’s engineering landscape over the past five decades. In addition, the winning entries from the “Together we RISE” school competition held by the HKIE earlier will be showcased, reflecting the creativity and imagination of the younger generation in building sustainable and innovative cities.
Ir Alice CHOW, President of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, remarked, “The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers has grown alongside Hong Kong over the past 50 years, witnessing and contributing to many of the city’s landmark infrastructure and urban development projects. Through the Carnival, we hope the public can gain a deeper understanding of the vital role engineers play in society, while inspiring the younger generation’s interest and creativity in the engineering profession. ‘Together we RISE’ is not just a theme; it also expresses our commitment to fostering innovation, uniting the industry, and building the future, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being ‘backed by our motherland and connected to the world’!”
The HKIE 50th Anniversary “Together we RISE” Carnival
Date and time:
14 March 2026 (Sat) 10am-6pm
15 March 2026 (Sun) 10am-6pm
Location:
High Lawn, Art Park, WestK
Fee:
Free of charge
Hashtag: #HKIE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Elevating the High-Net-Worth and Ultra-High Net-Worth Experience through Orchestrated Wealth and Legacy Advisory
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 March 2026 – AIA Hong Kong announced the opening of the AIA Alta Prestige Wealth Centre at AIA Central, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of AIA Alta, its exclusive proposition for High‑Net‑Worth (HNW)1 and Ultra‑High‑Net‑Worth (UHNW) customers2. Purpose‑built in Central, the Centre is housed within AIA Central—a landmark commercial building wholly owned by AIA Group—at the heart of the city’s financial district. The Centre is designed to serve customers with increasingly complex, multi‑market wealth, health and legacy planning needs through a highly integrated and personalised advisory experience.
Mr Lee Yuan Siong, AIA Group Chief Executive and President (fourth from left); Mr Jacky Chan, AIA Regional Chief Executive and Group Chief Distribution Officer (fourth from right); Mr Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau (third from left); Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau (third from right); Ms Amy Chan, Chief Agency Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau (second from left); Ms Myra Lee, Chief Financial Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau (second from right); Ms Melissa Wong, Chief Customer & Marketing Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau (first from left); and Ms Carol Li, Chief Life Officer (first from right), AIA Hong Kong & Macau, celebrated the opening of the AIA Alta Prestige Wealth Centre.
Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said: “Since 2023, we have continued to strengthen our HNW proposition and see strong growth potential in this segment. In an increasingly dynamic global environment, enduring wealth, health and legacy planning have become more critical than ever.
Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said that AIA Alta is extending its proposition to the UHNW segment, with the opening of the AIA Alta Prestige Wealth Centre marking a pivotal step in this journey.
We are elevating the HNW experience and expanding into the UHNW market as these customers seek more than insurance—looking for coordinated wealth and legacy advisory from a long-term partner who can guide them through complexity with clarity and confidence. The opening of the AIA Alta Prestige Wealth Centre is a pivotal step, supported by our HNW Dedicated Team and international partners, to help customers achieve an optimal balance of health and wealth.”
At the Heart of Hong Kong’s Financial District
Formerly known as the AIA Alta Wealth Management Centre in Causeway Bay, the Centre was established as the first# of its kind within Hong Kong’s insurance industry to provide professional wealth management services. Now housed within AIA Central, the AIA Alta Prestige Wealth Centre& offers unparalleled proximity to the city’s financial ecosystem. This strategic location enables seamless connection with private banks, professional firms and international institutions that play a critical role in multi‑market wealth structuring and legacy planning.
The AIA Alta Prestige Wealth Centre is designed to serve HNW and UHNW customers with increasingly complex, multi market wealth, health and legacy planning needs through a highly integrated and personalised advisory experience.
A Refined Advisory Experience
The Centre has been purpose‑designed to deliver a more orchestrated and holistic advisory experience. Supported by AIA’s HNW Dedicated Team and a network of international organisations, HNW customers can access advisory services on trust, legacy, tax, legal and family office matters within a single private setting. By bringing these capabilities together across every stage of the wealth and legacy planning journey, the Centre reduces fragmentation and empowers customers to make more confident, informed decisions.
A distinctive feature of the Centre is its bespoke hospitality offering, with dining prepared by AIA’s own corporate dining team. Thoughtfully curated food and beverage selections complement advisory engagements within a calm and private environment. Visitors may also explore the History Wall, which traces AIA Group’s century‑long legacy in Asia and its enduring commitment to customers across generations, while enjoying panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, taking in Hong Kong’s iconic skyline and landmarks such as the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.
Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, taking in Hong Kong’s iconic skyline and landmarks.
Purpose‑Led Design
Guided by AIA’s commitment to sustainability, the Centre’s design reflects ESG‑informed principles through material storytelling. Reclaimed elements—from ocean‑recovered fragments to repurposed glass, metal and wood—are thoughtfully re‑crafted to symbolise restoration, renewal and continuity, expressing AIA Alta’s belief that sustainability is a lived philosophy that preserves value, honours origins and supports enduring legacies across generations.
The Centre’s design reflects ESG informed principles through material storytelling.
A Trusted Proposition for HNW Families
The strength of the AIA Alta proposition is underpinned by strong customer recognition. For years, AIA has been recognised as Hong Kong’s most popular insurance brand among HNW individuals%, reflecting sustained trust in its ability to support HNW families. Looking ahead, AIA Alta will continue to support customers through its integrated pillars of Wealth and Health, complemented by meaningful experiences and curated privileges offered through AIA Alta Club—empowering customers to truly live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.
Visitors may also explore the History Wall, which traces AIA Group’s century long legacy in Asia and its enduring commitment to customers across generations.
Remarks:
1 High‑Net‑Worth customer means a customer with investable wealth of US$1 million to US$30 million.
2 Ultra‑High‑Net‑Worth customer means a customer with investable wealth of more than US$30 million.
# As of 1 March 2023, compared with similar services offered by major Hong Kong insurance companies.
& AIA Alta Prestige Wealth Centre is available by invitation only.
% According to YouGov, an international research and data analytics company, Hong Kong BrandIndex 2022-2025, AIA has been the Most Considered Insurance Brand and is Most Likely to Be Purchased among the High-Net-Worth customers in Hong Kong (individuals with total investable assets exceeding US$ 1 million) for four consecutive years (from 2022 to 2025).
Important Information:
The above information provided herein shall not be construed as providing, selling, or soliciting the purchase of any insurance products or services outside Hong Kong and/or Macau, nor does it constitute any sales advice, product recommendation, or any form of service offer. Where the offering or sale of insurance products is prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction outside Hong Kong and/or Macau, AIA shall not engage in such activities within that jurisdiction. AIA does not provide or sell insurance products or services in any territory other than Hong Kong and/or Macau. The above information is for reference purposes only and does not include detailed terms, conditions, or risk disclosures associated with the relevant products.
AIA reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Services, any part thereof, service provider(s) or change any terms and conditions relating thereto at any time without prior notice at its absolute discretion.
Hashtag: #AIA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Atonia Waqa scores a try for Fijian Drua against ACT Brumbies.Getty Images
Fijian Drua have created history in Ba, with a tough 42-27 win over ACT Brumbies at the Four R Stadium in round five of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
It was their first victory over the Brumbies in seven matches so far, since 2022, handing the former competition leaders their second consecutive loss this year.
Drua flyhalf Isaiah Washington-Ravula also claimed a milestone of his own, becoming the first of his club to score 200 points in the competition.
Backed by more than 13,000 fans, led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the side played their first Super Rugby game at the stadium, which is now their third home ground.
Local media reports said fans were at the gates at 9am to purchase tickets for the game, following excitement during the week.
Despite giving away more penalties than their Australian opponents and being reduced to 13 players in the first half, because of yellow cards to Mesake Doge and Elia Canakaivata, the locals led 20-12 at halftime and built on that to claim their second win in the competition this season.
The game started with the temperature at 31 degrees, but a light drizzle at the break cooled off things for a while, before the rain came thundering down during the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Referee Paul Williams allowed the game to play and kept a a tight rein on discipline.
Drua debutant Sairusi Ravudi, who took over at hooker in a quick change before the game started, scored his first try of the series in the second half.
The Drua scored five tries – two by fullback Ilaisa Droasese – while Brumbies matched them, with lock forward Toby Macpherson claiming two of his own.
Brumbies featured two players of Fijian heritage – prop Lington Ieli and centurion Rob Valetini.
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The defending champion Crusaders are looking to avenge their round one defeat against the Highlanders, as the sides rematch in Christchurch.
Since then, they have won just one match, while the Highlanders only boast one more to their name, as the seventh and eighth-placed sides lock horns again.
Kickoff is at 7.05pm.
Crusaders: 1. Finlay Brewis. 2. Codie Taylor. 3. Fletcher Newell. 4. Antonio Shalfoon. 5. Tahlor Cahill. 6. Ethan Blackadder. 7. Johnny Lee, on debut. 8. Christian Lio-Willie. 9. Noah Hotham. 10. Rivez Reihana. 11. Sevu Reece. 12. David Havili (c). 13. Braydon Ennor. 14. Chay Fihaki. 15. Will Jordan.
Bench: 16. George Bell. 17. George Bower. 18. Seb Calder. 19. Will Tucker. 20. Xavier Saifoloi. 21. Kyle Preston. 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku. 23. Dallas McLeod.
Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot. 2. Jack Taylor. 3. Angus Ta’avao. 4. Tomás Lavanini. 5. Mitch Dunshea. 6. Te Kamaka Howden. 7. Sean Withy. (cc) 8. Lucas Casey. 9. Folau Fakatava. 10. Cameron Millar. 11. Jona Nareki. 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc). 13. Tanielu Tele’a. 14. Caleb Tangitau. 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Bench: 16. Soane Vikena. 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown. 18. Rohan Wingham. 19. Oliver Haig. 20. Nikora Broughton. 21. Veveni Lasaqa. 22. Adam Lennox. 23. Reesjan Pasitoa.
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Interim replacement Chris Greenacre enjoyed his first win in charge against Perth, with skipper Alex Rufer making a big difference to their attack in his return after suspension.
Locked at 0-0 at halftime, the Phoenix looking the more dominant team, but did not show it on the scoreboard.
Defender Corban Piper put them in the lead, when he headed in from a corner in the 55th minute.
They went further ahead with six minutes of regular time left, when Perth midfielder Nicholas Pennington scored an own goal, ending any hopes of victory for the visitors.
“We grinded and I think today was a very, very good performance, solid,” Rufer told Sky Sport.
The team had had a tough few weeks, but had adapted well to Greenacre’s approach, he said.
“Everyone put in a great shift tonight and [it’s] a massive three points.”
Wellington hadn’t won since 18 January against Sydney FC and they visit eighth-placed Brisbane Roar – ahead only on goal difference – next Saturday.
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