Meet Jess Hood from Hamilton

What are you doing/where are now?

I’m currently working as a Democracy Advisor at the Waikato Regional Council. I meet a lot of interesting people and provide advice to elected members on various matters. I also volunteer as the Administration Manager for the Ages of Pages Book Fair which is a free annual event connecting authors and readers in Hamilton each May that also raises money for Duffy Books in Homes. As if this didn’t keep me busy enough, I also am an Author Assistant for two indie authors and run both a BookTok and Bookstagram.

What’s your journey to where you are now?

I was raised in Turangi where I attended a Duffy school. It wasn’t cool to read when I was at school so I used to hide that I read books and I allowed my peers to squash my love of books. But I have always loved reading, and it has always been a big part of my life. When I finished school, I studied a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology and Security Studies at Massey University.

What was your favourite book and what book do you recommend people read?

My favourite book series as a kid was The Pony Club series. I wish the book Guess What We Are Doing Today?  by Luke Springer aka Mr Luke was available when I was a kid, it’s a really cool book about how reading can take you places which is what reading is all about and it is amazing to be able to share this with my son now

What’s one piece of advice you’d give kids today?

Reading is really cool and allows you to experience endless adventures in thousands of different worlds. No matter what people try to tell you about reading, it’s cool and don’t let people put you off your love of books

Meet Akenese Vagana from Auckland

What are you doing/where are now?
I’ve recently graduated with a conjoint Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Auckland. I’m currently working as a Graduate Site Engineer for Downer which involves checking that what’s being built to the specifications in the building plans as well as making sure things are safe.

What’s your journey to where you are now?
I was born and raised on the North Shore in Auckland and attended the best primary school – Beach Haven Primary School. At high school, I became really interested in Physics and Maths. I’m very curious and liked the aspect of building and fixing things. In my industry, there’s a lack of women, particularly Pasifika and Māori women. My culture makes me different and I’ve realised this difference is also my strength and I can use it to bridge the gap. I’d like to build and shape the future to be more inclusive and representative of the communities we’re building/constructing in.

What was your favourite book and what book do you recommend people read?
I think everyone should read ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ – it’s a great coming of age story with lots of imagination! Second place would be the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Reading is good and important and if you love movies, books are better!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give kids today?
Let go and go do things that you’re interested in. Don’t be afraid to take up space – your voice and opinion matters. Never stop learning as every challenge builds your character.

Meet Urata Emily-Rose Sofai from Wellington

What are you doing/where are now?

I’m currently working as a junior doctor on the Obstetrics and Gynaecology ward at Wellington Hospital. I’m also studying for a post-graduate qualification in Obstetrics and Medical Gynaecology through the University of Otago.

What was your journey to where you are now?

I went to Beach Haven Primary School in Auckland and I remember Duffy Books in Homes coming to our school and getting the opportunity to choose books that we loved. It was a really exciting time for everyone at school when Duffy was coming. It brought immense joy to all the students, especially those who didn’t have as much access to books growing up. It was a really, really special time. It also sparked my passion for reading and curiosity for learning – I became the kid who LOVED reading and visiting the library (and reading all their ‘summer reading books’ before the summer holidays). This curiosity for learning lead me to study medicine and now I’m studying for a post graduate qualification.

What was your favourite book and what book do you recommend people read?

My favourite book as a kid was the Geronimo and Thea Stilton series – it was the most chosen book series at my school. I wish I’d read the ‘Harry Potter’ book series earlier as I enjoyed them so much. As an adult, I’d recommend the ‘I Am Not Esther’ which is a five book psychological thriller series.  

What’s one piece of advice you’d give kids today?

My favourite proverb is “O le ala i le pule o le tautua” which translates to “The pathway to leadership is through service”. I’d also say to keep going, not to let anyone put their expectations onto you and be resilient, it can be a challenge but it’s worth it.

We are on the lookout for actors to join our tour of Primary Schools in 2026. The Duffy show is a well-established tour that has been running for more than 25 years and provides a great way for the cast to see the country, act every day and change the lives of tamariki throughout Aotearoa

Audition Information

Wellington 28 October
Auckland 1 November

Feel free to enquire if you aren’t based in one of those main centres and we can work out an alternative audition option.

Head over to the link below to register for an audition. If you have any questions you can email David at david.rumney@booksinhomes.org.nz

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/duffy2026

Tour Information

‘The Duffy Show’ in 2026 will see one cast of 4 actors tour Aotearoa between February and November with a show encouraging students to read and succeed. Performing in Duffy schools with audience sizes ranging from 10 to 400 is a great way to see the country while getting paid to perform.

The cast performs The Duffy Show twice a day, five days a week, making this a great way to develop your craft and gain confidence as an actor. Actors are paid a wage as employees (incl. Student loans and Kiwisaver) with the addition of per diems when away from Auckland. Accommodation outside of Auckland is covered and teams are provided with a touring vehicle and trailer while fuel and any other tour-related travel costs (e.g. ferries) are also covered.

Jeff Szusterman will once again direct the show, and Leki Jackson-Bourke is our writer. One week of rehearsals will take place in Auckland from Monday 8 December 2025 and pick up again on Monday 12 January 2026 with the tour kicking off in early February. The tour will conclude in mid-November, 2025 (exact date TBC).

What are we looking for?

• Actors who are looking for nearly 11 months of full-time employment.
• Actors willing to perform generously with a youthful and diverse audience.
• Actors with full driver’s license. (Non-essential but will help your chances).
• Actors that have the stamina to work every day for an extended period.
• Actors wanting to explore all corners of Aotearoa.
• Actors who work well in a small team.
• Actors with a passion for books and literacy.

Please note: This is an Auckland-based opportunity. Duffy Books in Homes cannot assist with accommodation etc. for those not Auckland based.

Actors will need to complete a police check to comply with the Vulnerable Children’s Act.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/duffy2026

Meet Richard Vaughan 

Younity New Zealand began their sponsorship as a Funding Partner seven years ago after Richard read about the work of Duffy Books in Homes (DBIH) and thought it was a great initiative – putting books where they’re most needed and being able to make the biggest impact with their donation.

“We became a Funding Partner in the early days of our company” says Richard. “Our values and purpose aligned well (and still do) with the programme – ensuring our community thrives, with a focus on children. The learning aspect of reading and driving the curiosity of children to learn fits hand in glove with our value system. Our sponsorship allows us to directly impact the future of this generation of children with reading material that they wouldn’t normally have access to.”

Younity New Zealand also have a close relationship with their sponsored schools. “We have a good relationship with the schools we sponsor and always have at least one team member who goes along to the role model assemblies. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the school and chat with the children and meet the role model.”

Richard says to those curious about becoming a Funding Partner, “You won’t regret it. If you want a better understanding of your donation, what it can do, and want to see the impact of your donation, this is the perfect opportunity. Equally, if you have a dollar to donate, this is a good place to park it.”

Avanti Finance

For over nine years, Avanti Finance has been a proud Funding Partner of the Duffy Books in Homes programme, helping to put books into the hands of children at Dawson Road School in South Auckland.

Avanti Finance believes in giving back to the community in ways that create a lasting impact. “Financial literacy starts with reading literacy,” says Avanti. “The ability to read and understand is the foundation for confident decision-making and opportunity in life. Supporting Duffy Books aligns perfectly with our mission to advocate for financial literacy and inclusion.”

Avanti Finance’s involvement goes beyond donations. Team members regularly attend Role Model assemblies at Dawson Road School, engaging with students who are eager to share their new books, classrooms, and learning environments. The children’s pride and excitement are a powerful reminder of why the programme matters.

Over the years, Avanti Finance has received countless thank-you cards, posters, and notes from Dawson Road School students, a testament to the impact the programme makes. These messages are cherished by with the whole Avanti team, reinforcing the company’s commitment to literacy and giving-back to the community.

Meet Meg Luff 

Sharpe Marketing have been a funding partner for four years and are a big believer of giving back to the community. Meg says “It’s a no brainer for Sharpe Marketing to invest in improving the literacy of this generation of kids. I grew up with a philosophy of giving back to the community and my business is in the position to donate so we do. I’ve watched the programme unfold and love seeing the impact it has on tamariki. It doesn’t matter your post code, if you can read, you have choices.”

Meg says to anyone thinking of becoming a funding partner “Do it, it enriches the lives of the tamariki who receive books. We’ve recently increased our contribution as we see the difference it makes to the children’s futures. I strongly believe in investing in your local community and encourage anyone or any company, in either motu, to invest in their local communities too. Your donation, no matter how small, can make a real difference and it’s hard to turn a blind eye to the needs of future generations.”

Meg says, “If you can read, you can make your own choices, you have the power to choose what you want to do in your life.”