AM Edition: Top 10 Energy Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for April 13, 2026 – Full Text

• The conflict in Sudan enters its fourth year with more than 17 million children in desperate need as famine-like conditions grip the nation
• Malnutrition is rife and nearly one million  children are at risk of death
• More than 10 million children have not set foot  in a classroom in three years

Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises following three years of relentless violence in which children are paying the most devastating cost. 

World Vision New Zealand warns that without urgent international funding and immediate political action to end the conflict, an entire generation of children could be lost.

Famine-like conditions have been confirmed across multiple regions, driving more than four million children into acute malnutrition. Among them, more than 800,000 are so severely wasted that without specialised treatment, they may not survive.

World Vision New Zealand Country Programme Manager, Sarah Whittaker, says the world is failing Sudan’s children and must act now. 

“New Zealanders have a proud tradition of showing up for the world’s most vulnerable people, and Sudan’s children need that now more than ever.

“This crisis is not winding down, in fact it is accelerating. Every week that passes without adequate action means more children exposed to horrific violence, more children dying of preventable hunger, more girls exposed to violence, and another generation denied an education.”

New Zealand contributed $5 million NZD to Sudan’s humanitarian response in the last financial year.

“New Zealand must urgently increase its humanitarian funding to Sudan to match the scale of the crisis,” Whittaker says.

“So many children are turning up at displacement camps alone, without parents, without protection and without support. Children have nothing and no one to rely on. Humanitarian aid is their only lifeline. Without it, children will not survive.”

In a single displacement camp in Fina in Sudan, more than 200 unaccompanied children have been identified, a heart-breaking snapshot of a crisis in which children continue to suffer in silence. 

Today, two-thirds of Sudan’s population are in need of humanitarian support, including more than 17 million children. Children like 11-year-old Ibrahim who fled his hometown with his family after his home was shelled.

“The sky was black with smoke, and I saw people covered in blood,” Ibrahim recalls. “We ran until we could not breathe. I thought we would be safe here, but there is nothing but dust. I used to have books and a bed. Now we sleep on the ground in a makeshift shelter and I wait for food that never comes.”

World Vision teams are working round the clock in Sudan to deliver food, clean water, nutrition therapy, and child protection services, but the gap between need and available resources is growing at a catastrophic rate. 

World Vision Sudan National Director, Simon Mane, says time is running out for an entire generation of children.

“The children of Sudan have shown incredible resilience, but resilience has its limits. They need the world to care about their survival and to step up and do more. Every hour of delay increases the risk of death for more children.” 

World Vision is also calling on the New Zealand Government to urgently increase humanitarian funding and support international efforts toward a ceasefire.

World Vision in Sudan: World Vision has operated in Sudan for over 40 years and is currently delivering life-saving food, clean water, nutrition and child protection services to communities across the country. Sudan is now home to the world’s largest displacement crisis, with more than 13 million people forced from their homes.

About World Vision New Zealand: World Vision New Zealand is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision operates in nearly 100 countries worldwide.

A simple idea with big potential – smoothing wrinkles while you sleep – has won Soda’s Business Fundamentals Growth Lab and $2,000 to support its next stage of growth.

MyWrinkles founder, Lara Hofer, impressed judges with her science-backed skincare brand which uses reusable, medical-grade silicone patches to smooth fine lines and support healthier skin – offering a non-invasive, non-toxic alternative to Botox and other cosmetic treatments.

The idea grew out of Lara’s business, Myscar, which develops and sells silicone scar treatment products.

“While developing silicone products for scar care, I became increasingly interested in its potential for everyday skincare, particularly its ability to soften fine lines and wrinkles. After years of development and testing, MyWrinkles was created to bring that same trusted technology to facial skincare in a way that is effective, easy to use, and gentle on the skin,” says Lara.

“The Growth Lab has been incredibly valuable for me as a founder. It gave me clarity on how to structure and communicate my business and helped turn what felt like a lot of moving parts into a clear, focused growth plan. Winning gives me real confidence in the direction we are heading with MyWrinkles, and the impact we can have in the beauty industry here in New Zealand and globally.”

The win comes at the culmination of Soda’s Business Fundamentals Growth Lab, powered by Deloitte. Over the past two months, a cohort of Hamilton-based female founders have taken part in a structured programme designed to build strong business foundations and accelerate growth.

Developed and led by local entrepreneur, Dr Fern Kelly-Zander – co-founder and owner of Rudi’s Bakehouse and Innovation Specialist at Soda – the programme combines online learning with in-person, expert-led workshops and weekly guest speakers.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch participants grow in confidence and clarity week by week,” says Dr Fern Kelly-Zander, Soda Programme Manager and Innovation Specialist.

“By the time they step onto the pitch stage, they’re not just talking about an idea, they’re communicating a well-thought-out business with purpose and direction. That shift is exactly what the Growth Lab is designed to support,”

During the programme, participants learnt practical skills to run and grow successful businesses, covering everything from financial foundations and pricing through to marketing, strategy and long-term planning.

“We created the Growth Lab to equip founders with the tools, knowledge, confidence and connections needed to grow sustainable businesses. The impact the programme has had on participants has been genuinely transformational,” says Anna Devcich, Soda General Manager.

“We’re lucky to have Dr Fern Kelly-Zander who has poured an incredible amount of expertise, energy, time and care into the Growth Lab. As a founder herself, she understands exactly what early-stage businesses need, and that’s reflected in both this programme and Soda’s Business Fundamentals Online platform.”

Delivered in partnership with Deloitte New Zealand, the Business Fundamentals Growth Lab reflects a shared commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the regional business ecosystem.

“The programme struck a great balance between practical business fundamentals and the excitement of building something new. As head judge, it was rewarding to see founders sharpen their thinking, back themselves, and enjoy the process,” says Stefan Davies, Partner at Deloitte New Zealand.

“Deloitte was proud to support Soda’s first in-person Business Fundamentals Growth Lab, along with the founders who brought such momentum and commitment to the cohort.”

The Business Fundamentals Growth Lab is part of Soda’s wider offering for entrepreneurs and business owners, including access to government funding and support, business events and workshops, startup coaching, and strong community connections.

Business Fundamentals Growth Lab participants

Britt Te Patu – Eventi

Hayley Beaumont – HeyBeau

Kelly Watts – Kultivate Kids

Lara Hofer – MyWrinkles

Lisa Quarrie – Common Compost

Olya Meehan – Topsy Turvy NZ

Zoe Hoole – Makers Common

Soda Soda empowers businesses to grow with confidence and achieve success. We connect entrepreneurs, business owners and key decision makers with the people, tools and expertise they need to accelerate growth. Proudly based in Hamilton, Soda is the Waikato’s Regional Business Partner, guiding local businesses to government funding and support to help them thrive. We also deliver free one-to-one coaching for early-stage founders through Startup Aotearoa. Alongside our programmes, Soda hosts a range of inspiring events designed to motivate and upskill our business community. We’ve also developed Business Fundamentals Online – a digital learning platform offering short, practical courses tailored to support entrepreneurs and business owners across Aotearoa. www.sodainc.com Deloitte Deloitte New Zealand brings together more than 1,800 specialist professionals providing audit, tax, technology and systems, strategy and performance improvement, risk management, corporate finance, business recovery, forensic and accounting services. By fostering inclusive leadership and creating opportunities for women, Deloitte aims to shape a business landscape where women are driving transformation and redefining success.

Deloitte is proud to sponsor Soda’s Business Fundamentals Growth Lab for Women in Business. Deloitte was involved in the selection panel, group sessions, as well as judging on the pitch night, offering advice and feedback.