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Former Wallaby Joins Fijian Drua as Oceania Football League Gears Up

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Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, a former player for the Wallabies, is set to join the Fijian Drua for the upcoming 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. The 29-year-old has played for the Western Force over the last three years and recently expressed his desire to represent Fiji, with his eligibility restored after a three-year international stand-down period concluding in October 2026. Fines-Leleiwasa made his debut for the Wallabies against France in 2023 and qualifies to play for Fiji through his Fijian-born father.

In the realm of football, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is preparing to announce the first eight teams that will participate in the new OFC Professional League, set to commence in January 2026. The club licensing committee is currently assessing applications from 13 clubs, including four from New Zealand and two each from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Additionally, one club each from the Solomon Islands, Tahiti, and Vanuatu is also in contention. Stuart Larman, the OFC professional league manager, confirmed that all clubs are working diligently to meet the licensing requirements.

Tonga National Rugby League is on the lookout for a new women’s coach to lead the team in the upcoming Pacific Championships. The selected coach will oversee Tonga’s fixtures against the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea, scheduled for October and November. Applications for the position will close on August 1. Meanwhile, Ryan Hinchcliffe, an assistant coach for the Melbourne Storm, will join Ben Gardiner, head coach for Toa Samoa, as an assistant for the men’s Pacific Cup, where Toa Samoa is set to face Tonga and New Zealand.

In an exciting development for youth rugby, Fiji’s under-20 men’s rugby team has been invited to participate in the expanded World Rugby Under-20 Championship in 2026, which will take place in Georgia. This prestigious tournament is increasing from 12 to 16 teams next year. As the Oceania champion, Fiji will compete alongside host nation Georgia, as well as teams from the USA, Japan, and Uruguay. Nigel Cass from World Rugby highlighted that this expansion is vital for enhancing global competitiveness and offering more young athletes a chance to shine on the international stage.

In Vanuatu, the Vanuatu Judo Federation is calling for government support to advance judo development, specifically in securing adequate training facilities. Vice President Nazario stated that the federation could achieve greater success with proper facilities, known as dojos. The Vanuatu judo team, despite lacking proper training conditions, returned from the Pacific Mini Games in Palau with an impressive medal haul, including two gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Nazario noted that as more young athletes take up judo, the need for improved training facilities becomes increasingly critical.

Lastly, Fiji is set to host two major futsal tournaments later this year. The OFC Futsal Men’s Cup will take place in Suva in September, following a decision to relocate the tournament from the Solomon Islands due to logistical considerations. Fiji will also host the Futsal Men’s Champions League in late November, further solidifying its position as a hub for futsal in the region.

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Man Arrested After Armed Robbery at Whangārei Tavern

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Police have arrested a man in connection with an armed robbery at the Kensington Tavern in Whangārei, where a shot was discharged and a patron sustained injuries. The incident occurred around 22:00 on Friday, March 15, 2024, when the suspect entered the bar, fired a weapon into the ceiling, and demanded money from the patrons.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris of the Whangārei Criminal Investigation Branch reported that the police launched an extensive investigation immediately following the robbery. She noted that officers worked diligently throughout the weekend to locate the suspect, leading to a significant police operation outside a business on Okara Drive on the afternoon of Monday, March 18, 2024.

During this operation, a 35-year-old man was apprehended. He is expected to face serious charges related to the robbery when he appears in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The police have not disclosed the identity of the suspect but emphasized the importance of community safety in the wake of such incidents.

Officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the robbery, including the motive behind the suspect’s actions and any potential connections to other crimes in the area. The police have encouraged anyone with information related to this case to come forward, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring the safety of local residents and businesses.

The incident has raised concerns about safety in the community, prompting discussions among local residents and officials about measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As the investigation progresses, authorities remain focused on providing updates and ensuring justice for those affected by the robbery.

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Test Your Knowledge with the Herald’s July 28 Quiz Challenge

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The New Zealand Herald invites readers to engage their minds with its afternoon quiz on July 28. This interactive challenge tests general knowledge across various topics and encourages participants to score a perfect ten.

Challenge Your Friends and Family

Participants are encouraged to share their scores with friends, family, and colleagues, sparking friendly competition to determine who possesses the sharpest mind. This quiz serves not only as a fun activity but also as a way to promote learning and intellectual engagement.

For those looking for more challenges, the Herald offers daily quizzes, including a morning edition. Readers can visit nzherald.co.nz to access these quizzes and further test their knowledge.

Stay Engaged with Daily Quizzes

The Herald’s quizzes are designed to be both entertaining and educational, appealing to a broad audience. By participating, individuals can enhance their general knowledge while enjoying a lighthearted challenge. This initiative reflects the Herald’s commitment to providing engaging content that resonates with readers across New Zealand and beyond.

Be sure to check back regularly for new quizzes, as the Herald continues to foster a community of knowledge-seekers. Whether you aim to challenge yourself or enjoy a fun moment with loved ones, the afternoon quiz offers an exciting opportunity for all.

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Excessive Sleep: New Research Links Long Hours to Health Risks

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The debate surrounding sleep has taken a new turn, with recent research suggesting that sleeping too much may be just as harmful as not sleeping enough. According to a review of data from 79 studies, those who sleep more than nine hours a night face a significantly increased risk of mortality compared to those who sleep between seven and eight hours. This information raises important questions about our understanding of sleep and its impact on health.

Sleep is widely recognized as a crucial component of overall well-being. The Sleep Health Foundation, Australia’s leading organization focused on sleep-related health issues, recommends that adults aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep has long been linked to various health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health disorders. While it’s clear that not getting enough sleep is detrimental, the implications of excessive sleep are becoming increasingly evident.

In the recent study, researchers discovered that individuals who sleep less than seven hours a night had a 14% higher risk of dying during the study period. Conversely, those who exceeded nine hours of sleep had a staggering 34% increased risk of mortality. This trend aligns with findings from previous research conducted in 2018, which indicated that sleep durations over nine hours are associated with a 14% increase in mortality risk.

The relationship between excessive sleep and health complications, such as depression, chronic pain, and metabolic disorders, has also been highlighted. However, it is crucial to understand that these studies identify a correlation rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Many individuals who experience chronic health issues may require more sleep as their bodies attempt to recover. Their extended sleep patterns could be a symptom rather than a cause of poor health.

Various factors may contribute to the observed relationship between excessive sleep and health risks. People suffering from chronic conditions may find themselves sleeping longer due to fatigue or medication side effects. Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking, which are known to impact health, can also influence sleep patterns. Therefore, it is essential to consider that excessive sleep might reflect underlying health issues, rather than being the root cause of those issues.

Another aspect to consider is the variability in sleep needs based on age and individual differences. Teenagers, for instance, may require more sleep, with recommendations suggesting eight to ten hours for optimal functioning. In contrast, while older adults may spend more time in bed, their sleep requirements generally remain the same as when they were younger. Most adults should aim for the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep to promote better health.

Quality of sleep is equally important as quantity. Consistent sleep patterns, along with high-quality sleep, play a critical role in maintaining health. Many adults in Australia struggle to meet the recommended sleep duration, prompting a need for strategies to improve sleep hygiene rather than worrying about excessive sleep.

To enhance sleep quality, individuals are encouraged to spend time outdoors during the day, maintain an active lifestyle, and establish a regular sleep schedule. Prior to bedtime, limiting screen time and engaging in relaxing activities can also contribute to a more restful night’s sleep. If individuals find themselves sleeping significantly longer than usual, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide further guidance on sleep concerns.

In summary, while the notion of excess sleep being harmful is gaining attention, it is essential to approach this subject with an understanding of the complexities involved. The ongoing research underscores the necessity of balanced sleep patterns and the importance of addressing any health issues that may disrupt sleep quality.

For more information on sleep health, resources are available through the Sleep Health Foundation. According to Charlotte Gupta, a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Appleton Institute at CQUniversity Australia, and Gabrielle Rigney, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the same institution, improving our understanding of sleep can ultimately lead to better health outcomes for all.

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New Zealand Housing Market Recovery Stalls Despite Sales Surge

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Sales volumes in New Zealand’s housing market have risen significantly, yet house prices remain stagnant, indicating a delay in the anticipated recovery. According to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), June 2023 saw a remarkable 20.3% increase in the number of properties sold compared to the same month in the previous year. Despite this uptick, house prices are still 16.3% below their peak in 2021, with major urban centers like Auckland and Wellington experiencing declines exceeding 20%.

The latest data highlights a stark contrast between different regions. The South Island market has shown resilience, with stronger performance compared to the more sluggish trends seen in Auckland and Wellington. Affordability challenges, compounded by high unemployment rates, continue to exert pressure on the market, favoring buyers at the expense of sellers.

Despite emerging from recession, New Zealand’s economic environment has not translated into a robust housing recovery. Mortgage rates have been declining for the past 18 months, yet the expected rebound in the housing market has not materialized. The stagnation in house prices suggests that potential buyers remain hesitant, likely due to persistent affordability concerns and economic uncertainties.

The REINZ’s June report underscores a complex landscape in the housing sector. While rising sales volumes typically signal a recovering market, the current situation reveals deeper issues that are preventing a full recovery. The data suggests that many buyers remain cautious, balancing their aspirations with financial realities.

As New Zealand navigates its economic recovery, the housing market’s sluggishness raises questions about the future trajectory of property values. The ongoing disparity between sales volume growth and price stability indicates that the road ahead may be longer than initially anticipated for both buyers and sellers.

In summary, while sales figures show promise, the ongoing challenges in the housing market reveal that New Zealand’s recovery is still a work in progress. The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders across the sector will need to remain vigilant as they adapt to changing market dynamics.

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