The post How Being a Duffy Role Model Changed Nora Swann’s Mornings appeared first on Duffy Books in Homes New Zealand.
]]>Nora Swann has spent 15 years running her own fashion business. Long before that, she was the kind of kid who kept things to herself.
Reading as a way in
“As an introvert I found that I tend to keep things on the inside,” Nora says. “So, reading has really helped me develop that.”
For Nora, books weren’t only something to read, they were somewhere to go. “I read because it helps me to broaden my communication,” she says. “It helps me to build my knowledge and the way I look at life, the way I process things.”
A different kind of reset
As a Duffy Role Model, Nora would start her mornings visiting Duffy schools, and she says it really helped set her day.
“As a business owner, you go through so many challenges. Being amongst the kids, really good energy, really happy. That helped me be in the right mindset before I went and had my business hat on.”
The assemblies became something she looked forward to. Some mornings, she needed that room as much as the kids needed to hear her story.
Why Role Models Matter
Every Duffy Role Model stands in front of tamariki as proof that reading can take you anywhere.
Our Role Models come from all walks of life, authors, community leaders, artists, musicians, scientists and more. What they share is a passion for reading and a love of learning that helped shape who they became. Now, they’re showing Duffy kids what worlds reading unlocked, and giving them a reason to dream even bigger.
The message is clear: read, then see where it can take you.
Watch Nora’s story
Hear Nora talk about what it was like to be a Duffy Role Model, her favourite book and why it’s important to read.
Be part of the next chapter
Reading has been a core part of Nora’s life. You can help create more passionate readers like this by becoming a Funding Partner, volunteering as a Duffy Role Model, or making a donation.
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]]>The post From Reluctant Reader to Storyteller: John Pulu’s Journey appeared first on Duffy Books in Homes New Zealand.
]]>Not every child who receives a Duffy book is an avid reader.
Some need a little more time to discover the joy of stories.
That’s what makes John Pulu‘s story so inspiring.
Growing up, John received books through the Duffy Books in Homes programme. Like many children, reading wasn’t something he naturally gravitated towards. But those books became part of his childhood, and some remain on his bookshelf today as a reminder of where his own story began.
Today, John has built a career around storytelling.
As an actor, writer, director, and filmmaker, he brings stories to life on screen, creating work that reflects New Zealand’s diverse communities and celebrates Pasifika voices. His career spans film, television, theatre, and digital media, where he continues to inspire audiences through powerful storytelling.
John Pulu
Stories come in many forms
When we think about literacy, we often picture children sitting quietly with a book.
But storytelling is much bigger than that.
Stories can be read.
They can be spoken.
They can be performed.
They can be filmed.
For John, the journey from receiving Duffy books to creating stories for the screen demonstrates how reading helps build the imagination and creativity that can lead to countless opportunities later in life.
Not every child who owns a Duffy book will become a filmmaker.
But every child deserves the opportunity to discover where stories might take them.
More than learning to read
At Duffy Books in Homes, our goal has never simply been to improve reading skills.
It’s about helping children discover the confidence to imagine, create, and express themselves.
Sometimes that confidence grows into a lifelong love of books.
Sometimes it becomes a career built around storytelling.
Sometimes it simply gives a child the belief that their own story matters.
John’s journey reminds us that there isn’t one path to success.
Every child’s story is different.
What matters is giving them the opportunity to begin writing it.
Watch John’s story
In this episode of The Duffy Journey series, John reflects on growing up with Duffy Books in Homes, the books that stayed with him, and how a child who didn’t particularly enjoy reading became someone who now makes his living telling stories.
It’s a powerful reminder that books can plant seeds whose impact may not be seen until many years later.
Every story begins somewhere
One of the most powerful messages in John’s story is that children don’t have to be confident readers from day one.
Sometimes all it takes is one book, one opportunity or one person who believes in them.
At Duffy Books in Homes, that’s why we continue putting books into the hands of tamariki across Aotearoa.
Because every child deserves the chance to discover where their own story might lead.
Be part of the next chapter
Stories like Noeleen’s and John’s begin with something simple -a child receiving a book they can call their own.
You can help create more stories like these by supporting a school, volunteering as a Duffy Role Model, or making a donation.
Every book opens a new possibility.
The post From Reluctant Reader to Storyteller: John Pulu’s Journey appeared first on Duffy Books in Homes New Zealand.
]]>The post From Duffy Books to Building Two Businesses: Noeleen’s Story appeared first on Duffy Books in Homes New Zealand.
]]>What does a love of reading unlock?
For Noeleen Tuala, it unlocked confidence, creativity, and a future she could never have imagined.
Growing up, Noeleen was one of thousands of tamariki who received books through the Duffy Books in Homes programme. Those books became more than stories to enjoy – they became windows into new ideas, new possibilities, and a belief that she could write her own story.
Today, Noeleen is the founder of two successful Pasifika businesses, PELE Baby and TUSI Stationery, proving that reading for pleasure can grow into something extraordinary.
Books that opened doors
Every child deserves the opportunity to own books.
For many Duffy children, the books they receive become the first books they can truly call their own. They are read, shared with siblings, revisited countless times, and often treasured long after childhood.
For Noeleen, those books helped develop a lifelong love of reading that continued to shape her education, confidence, and career.
Reading introduced her to different perspectives, encouraged curiosity, and gave her the confidence to pursue opportunities she may never have considered otherwise.
Building businesses with purpose
Today, Noeleen channels that same creativity into businesses that celebrate culture, identity, and family.
Through PELE Baby and TUSI Stationery, she creates products that reflect Pasifika heritage while encouraging connection, learning, and storytelling.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that literacy skills help to build confidence, resilience, communication, and a desire to dream big.
Why Duffy matters
Stories like Noeleen’s remind us why the Duffy programme exists.
Every book placed into the hands of a child is an investment in their future. While we never know exactly where each child’s journey will lead, we know that reading builds the skills, imagination, and self-belief that help make those journeys possible.
Today, more than 16 million books have been distributed through Duffy Books in Homes, helping generations of young New Zealanders discover the joy of reading and the opportunities it can create.
Noeleen is just one of many former Duffy students who continue to demonstrate the lasting impact that book ownership and literacy can have.
Watch Noeleen’s story
Hear directly from Noeleen as she reflects on growing up with Duffy Books in Homes, the books that inspired her, and how reading helped shape the person – and business owner – she is today.
Every book has the power to change a life
Not every child who receives a Duffy book will grow up to start a business.
But every child deserves the chance to discover where reading might take them.
Whether it leads to entrepreneurship, creativity, science, teaching, sport, or simply a lifelong love of learning, every book has the potential to unlock a future full of possibility.
That’s why Duffy Books in Homes continues to do what we do – one book, one child, and one story at a time.
Help write the next success story
Every child deserves the opportunity to discover where reading can take them.
Whether you support a school, become a Duffy Role Model, or make a donation, you can help put more books into the hands of tamariki across Aotearoa.
Together, we can help create the next generation of readers, dreamers, creators, and storytellers.
The post From Duffy Books to Building Two Businesses: Noeleen’s Story appeared first on Duffy Books in Homes New Zealand.
]]>The post Duffy Role Models inspire a new generation of readers across Aotearoa appeared first on Duffy Books in Homes New Zealand.
]]>More than a school visit: how Duffy Role Models are inspiring young readers across Aotearoa
Every child deserves to see someone who inspires them.
That is the thinking behind the Duffy Role Model Programme. Each year, Duffy Books in Homes invites a diverse group of New Zealanders to visit schools throughout Aotearoa and share their stories, experiences, and love of reading with thousands of tamariki.
These visits are about much more than handing out books. They create meaningful connections, spark curiosity, and help children see that reading can open doors to opportunities they may never have imagined.
Real People. Real Stories. Real Impact.
Duffy Role Models come from all walks of life.
Authors, artists, athletes, scientists, performers, community leaders, and creatives all volunteer their time to share how reading helped shape their journeys.
During Term One 2026, schools welcomed an incredible group of Role Models including authors, illustrators, Olympic athletes, scientists, musicians, community leaders, and television personalities. Each brought their own unique story, but the message remained the same – books and reading can change lives.
Whether it was bestselling author and comedian Sam Smith sharing his unconventional career journey, illustrator and author Isobel Joy Te Aho-White discussing creativity and storytelling, or paleontologist Diana Queenin bringing the world of fossils and discovery to life, every visit helped reinforce the value of reading and learning.
Inspiring confidence through connection
One of the strengths of the Duffy Role Model Programme is that children often see themselves reflected in the people standing in front of them.
Role Models share their challenges as well as their successes. They talk honestly about setbacks, hard work, resilience, and the importance of education. These authentic stories help children understand that success does not follow a single path.
At Glenholme School, students connected strongly with Whitney-Lee Banfield’s honest discussion about the realities and challenges she faced growing up. Staff noted how meaningful it was for tamariki to hear a story they could relate to and to see someone who had turned those experiences into success.
→ Help us to support Glenholme School by becoming their Funding Partner! Apply here
At Elgin School, author Tony Laulu encouraged students to value their own stories and cultural heritage, reminding them that they come from rich traditions of storytelling and that their voices matter.
Elgin Primary School is proudly sponsored by the JN Williams Memorial Trust ♡
These moments help children build confidence, develop aspirations, and recognise their own potential.
Reading creates possibility
Schools consistently tell us that Role Model visits leave a lasting impression.
At Te Kura o Pakipaki, students were fascinated by Diana Queenin’s stories of travel, fossils, and scientific discovery. Her visit encouraged curiosity, exploration, and a desire to learn more about the world around them.
Te Kura o Pakipaki is proudly sponsored by Eastern & Central Community Trust ♡
At Glenview School, musician Raymond Bishop inspired students to dream big and work towards their goals, sharing the importance of positive influences and strong role models throughout life.
Glenview School is proudly sponsored by Daily Freight Wellington ♡
At Ohinewai School, Shelby Wolf connected with students through her passion for cars and animal welfare, demonstrating that reading can support any interest or career path. By showing students magazines and other reading materials connected to her hobbies, she reinforced the idea that reading comes in many forms.
Ohinewai School is proudly sponsored by The Lion Foundation ♡
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- Makuri School Students reading thier new books – Funding Partner The Hemi Whyte Whanau
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- Ruawai Primary School Funding Partner The Estate of Selwyn Dennis Hales Charitable Trust
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- Musician Raymond Bishop at St Bernadettes School with Funding Partner Younity NZ
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- Musician Kenape Saupese at Raurimu Ave School – Funding Partner The Estate of Selwyn Dennis Hales Charitable Trust
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- Author Tony Laulu & Lynn from Rotary Club of Gisborne Funding Partner of Awapuni School
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- Author Jo Guy and Ellen from Mainfreight Palmerston North Funding Partner of Mangatainoka School
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- Rangikura Schools’ Book Week celebration last term. Funding Partner The Jack Jeffs Charitable Trust
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- Author/Comedian Sam Smith at Waikowhai School – Funding Partner: Mainfreight Air and Ocean Auckland Airfreight
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- New Role Model Illustrator & Author Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
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- Tony Laulu
The bigger picture
The Duffy Books in Homes programme is designed to create a culture of reading within schools and communities.
While children receive books to build their own home libraries, the programme also includes Duffy Theatre performances, awards, and Role Model visits that bring reading to life in engaging and memorable ways.
Together, these initiatives help children develop positive associations with books, strengthen literacy skills, and build confidence in their ability to learn and succeed.
Made possible through community support
The Duffy Role Model Programme exists thanks to the ongoing support of our Funding Partners.
Funding Partners help share the cost of books provided through Duffy Book Offers, allowing us to continue delivering Role Model visits, theatre performances, reading awards, and other literacy initiatives to schools throughout New Zealand.
Their support helps ensure that children, regardless of background or location, have access to books, inspiring experiences, and positive role models who encourage them to dream bigger.
Thank you to our role models
We extend our sincere thanks to every Duffy Role Model who contributed their time, energy, and enthusiasm during Term One.
- Alistair McIntyre (Author/Founder Youth into Industry)
- Amani Ghandour (Community Leader / Software Engineer)
- David Liti (Olympic Weightlifter)
- Diamond Langi (Former Miss Universe NZ/Actor/Singer/Model)
- Diana Queenin (Paleontologist)
- Eman Ghandour (Community Leader / Careers Advisor)
- Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Illustrator/Author)
- Jo Guy (Author)
- June Pitman-Hayes (Author)
- Justus Leaoseve (Creative Content Designer)
- Katy Thomas (TV Personality)
- Linda Vagana (Duffy GM/Former Silver Fern)
- Cr Mele Tonga Grant (Performing Arts/Author)
- Nathan Gray (Author)
- Raymond Bishop (Musician)
- Sam Smith (Author/Comedian)
- Shelby Wolf (Animal Welfare/Automotive Industry)
- Tony Laulu (Author)
- Whitney-Lee Banfield (Music Publicist for AHUA Creative)
- Xavier Breed (Community/International Development)
Your stories, encouragement, and commitment to young readers continue to make a lasting difference in schools across Aotearoa.
Together, we are helping build a future where every child sees reading as a pathway to confidence, opportunity, and possibility.
The post Duffy Role Models inspire a new generation of readers across Aotearoa appeared first on Duffy Books in Homes New Zealand.
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