{"id":1643,"date":"2026-06-12T12:18:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T00:18:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/?p=1643"},"modified":"2026-09-09T17:23:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T05:23:38","slug":"duffy-role-models-inspiring-young-readers-nz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/duffy-role-models-inspiring-young-readers-nz\/","title":{"rendered":"Duffy Role Models inspire a new generation of readers across Aotearoa"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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More than a school visit: how Duffy Role Models are inspiring young readers across Aotearoa<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Every child deserves to see someone who inspires them.<\/p>

That is the thinking behind the Duffy Role Model Programme<\/a>. 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.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

Real People. Real Stories. Real Impact.<\/h3>

Duffy Role Models come from all walks of life.<\/p>

Authors, artists, athletes, scientists, performers, community leaders, and creatives all volunteer their time to share how reading helped shape their journeys.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

Whether it was bestselling author and comedian Sam Smith<\/a> sharing his unconventional career journey, illustrator and author Isobel Joy Te Aho-White<\/a> 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.<\/p>

Inspiring confidence through connection<\/h3>

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.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

At Glenholme School<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\u2192 Help us to support Glenholme School by becoming their Funding Partner!\u00a0 Apply here<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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At Elgin School<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Elgin Primary School is proudly sponsored by the JN Williams Memorial Trust \u2661<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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These moments help children build confidence, develop aspirations, and recognise their own potential.<\/p>

Reading creates possibility<\/h3>

Schools consistently tell us that Role Model visits leave a lasting impression.<\/p>

At Te Kura o Pakipaki<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Te Kura o Pakipaki is proudly sponsored by\u00a0Eastern & Central Community Trust\u00a0\u2661<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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At Glenview School,<\/a> 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Glenview School is proudly sponsored by Daily Freight Wellington<\/a> \u2661<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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At Ohinewai School<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Ohinewai School is proudly sponsored by The Lion Foundation<\/a> \u2661<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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