DBIH Founder, Alan Duff acknowledged the tireless work and dedication of the DBIH team and supporters, “This is a huge milestone, and more than I dared hope for 30 years ago. I’m immensely proud of the mahi of the Duffy team, the in-school coordinators, and our supporters and funding partners across Aotearoa. Literacy is just so important to the future of these kids, and that starts with a love of books and reading.” 

DBIH General Manager, Linda Vagana agrees, and warns that tackling New Zealand’s falling rates of reading and literacy is critically important. “Low literacy has flow-on effects into adulthood and ultimately affects career prospects. Regardless of what job or career our children aspire to they need to be literate.”  

Ms Vagana adds, “The support the programme receives from funding partners, means that tens of thousands of Kiwi children get to experience the aroha of reading and books as taonga.  Children who discover an enjoyment of reading and books now, become adults who inspire a love of reading to their whanau and wider community.” 

As part of the 30^th anniversary celebrations, DBIH will be hosting extra special Duffy Role Model school assemblies at Tamaki Makaurau Auckland, Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington and Ōtautahi Christchurch during August 2024.  

In addition, a new graphic novel based on the main character from the popular Duffy Theatre shows is being launched on 6 August. ‘Duffy and the Bullies’ follows a cool kid (Duffy), as he and his friends navigate school, friendship and everyday life. The book is a collaboration between DBIH and Oratia Books, with support from CreativeNZ, Education Unlimited and The Trusts Communication Foundation. Copies of the graphic novel are being distributed to all schools participating in the DBIH programme.   

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