{"id":191,"date":"2023-10-25T23:30:42","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T23:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/booksinhomes.wpenginepowered.com\/?page_id=191"},"modified":"2026-06-10T12:16:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T00:16:23","slug":"role-models","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/role-models\/","title":{"rendered":"Role Models"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"191\" class=\"elementor elementor-191\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f5fb80b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1f5fb80b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;shape_divider_bottom&quot;:&quot;curve&quot;,&quot;shape_divider_bottom_negative&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shape elementor-shape-bottom\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-negative=\"true\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 100\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" d=\"M500,97C126.7,96.3,0.8,19.8,0,0v100l1000,0V1C1000,19.4,873.3,97.8,500,97z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-35774159\" data-id=\"35774159\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24bfea8b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"24bfea8b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Role Models<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dae7206 elementor-icon-list--layout-inline elementor-align-center elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"3dae7206\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items elementor-inline-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Home<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Our Work<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Role Models<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-74ba4182 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"74ba4182\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3e471e87\" data-id=\"3e471e87\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-1d9caf5b elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1d9caf5b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-34d4f4ce\" data-id=\"34d4f4ce\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f76fc76 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4f76fc76\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Being a Duffy Role Model is more than just having a recognisable face or an impressive career. Our Role Models have a passion for ensuring our children are given every possible opportunity in life. The Role Model programme is one of our most popular and valuable assets in terms of the benefits for Duffy students. It is a pivotal way of promoting our message: \u2018It&#8217;s Cool to Read and Cool to Achieve&#8217; It&#8217;s more than just a motto, this is a message that our Role Models have lived and breathed. They might be a successful sportsperson, entertainer or author or perhaps have made an invaluable contribution to their community &#8211; what makes them the same is that they recognise the importance of books and reading to our children.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0afaf93 elementor-testimonial--skin-bubble elementor-testimonial--layout-image_left elementor-testimonial--align-center elementor-arrows-yes elementor-pagination-type-bullets elementor-widget elementor-widget-testimonial-carousel\" data-id=\"0afaf93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;show_arrows&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pagination&quot;:&quot;bullets&quot;,&quot;speed&quot;:500,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:5000,&quot;loop&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;space_between&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;space_between_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;space_between_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"testimonial-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-main-swiper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Schools RM Testimonials\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThank you so much for sending the WONDERFUL June Pitman-Hayes to our school! June was BRILLIANT! Her storytelling had all children spellbound and absorbed. We are a full primary with Y7 and Y8 so this was fantastic to see. What an amazing storyteller with her mix of music interwoven into her storytelling. I\u2019m sure we will have new avid readers and keen writers from this experience. \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/duffy-boy-reversed.png\" alt=\"St Joseph&#039;s School, Hastings\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-testimonial__cite\"><span class=\"elementor-testimonial__name\">St Joseph's School, Hastings<\/span><\/cite>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe recently had the pleasure of hosting Raymond Bishop for our Role Model assembly. His engaging presentation not only captivated our tamariki but also sparked an inspiring dialogue about the importance of perseverance and community. It was even more amazing to have somebody that our tamariki could relate to. The positive feedback from both students and teachers highlights the profound impact of his visit, reaffirming the invaluable support from Duffy's Funding Partners in making such enriching experiences possible. Thank you for continuing to empower our learners! \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/duffy-boy-reversed.png\" alt=\"Te Kura o M\u0101ng\u0101tuna\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-testimonial__cite\"><span class=\"elementor-testimonial__name\">Te Kura o M\u0101ng\u0101tuna<\/span><\/cite>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA huge thank you for the amazing Duffy Role Model Assembly! We had Nua Finau speak with our Year 4-8 students, and they have just come back buzzing with excitement. The students really enjoyed hearing about why he wanted to make his movie\u2014it was truly inspirational one of our students Addyson said. He was so engaging, and they especially loved the video he played. We also handed out one Duffy Award per class, and the lucky recipients have already come to pick their books, which is always a special moment. Ng\u0101 mihi nui for the ongoing support and for providing such valuable experiences for our students! \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/duffy-boy-reversed.png\" alt=\"Puketapu School\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-testimonial__cite\"><span class=\"elementor-testimonial__name\">Puketapu School<\/span><\/cite>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTony was such a cool role model to have at school; so many kids connected with his k\u014drero and it has inspired a few of our learners with ASD to dig deep into writing. Awesome to have had him visit our kura!\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/duffy-boy-reversed.png\" alt=\"Henry Hill School\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-testimonial__cite\"><span class=\"elementor-testimonial__name\">Henry Hill School<\/span><\/cite>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat a wonderful experience\u00a0we had with our very first ever Duffy Assembly.\u00a0Our books arrived that morning and I was able to get them ready for the assembly. Lesley and Aaron, were amazing performers who had our students mesmerised\u00a0from start to finish with their storytelling and music. \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/duffy-boy-reversed.png\" alt=\"Maihiihi School\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-testimonial__cite\"><span class=\"elementor-testimonial__name\">Maihiihi School<\/span><\/cite>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThank you so much for sharing Whitney-Lee Banfield with us. What an absolute taonga she is. Her presentation was not only inspiring but also deeply moving. Our tamariki were captivated by her journey \u2014 her honesty, resilience, and passion really struck a chord. A few of our senior students even shared afterwards what they\u2019d like to pursue when they\u2019re older, and it\u2019s clear that hearing Whitney-Lee\u2019s story helped spark those dreams.  Even our junior students were buzzing! Several of them have been more eager to pick up books since her visit, and we know that\u2019s because they saw someone who made reading and learning feel exciting and meaningful.  Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to Whitney-Lee. Her visit was more than a presentation \u2014 it was a reminder to our tamariki to believe in themselves, to dream big, and to know that their stories matter too.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-testimonial__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/duffy-boy-reversed.png\" alt=\"Te Kura o Te Mahoe\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-testimonial__cite\"><span class=\"elementor-testimonial__name\">Te Kura o Te Mahoe<\/span><\/cite>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Previous\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-left\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Next\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ebf1a4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0ebf1a4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Check out some of our Role Models in action.\u00a0<\/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<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd1a85f content-align-center icon-vertical-align-center icon-box-vertical-align-top icon-position-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-the7_icon_box_grid_widget\" data-id=\"bd1a85f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"the7_icon_box_grid_widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"the7-box-grid-wrapper the7-elementor-widget loading-effect-none the7_icon_box_grid_widget-bd1a85f\">\t\t\t<div class=\"dt-css-grid\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wf-cell shown\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"the7-icon-box-grid\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"box-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"box-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/user121236022\" aria-label=\"Role Model Videos\" class=\"box-button elementor-button elementor-size-xs\">Role Model Videos<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cfa93f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"cfa93f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;vimeo&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<iframe class=\"elementor-video-iframe\" allowfullscreen allow=\"clipboard-write\" title=\"vimeo Video Player\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1048762780?color&amp;autopause=0&amp;loop=0&amp;muted=0&amp;title=1&amp;portrait=1&amp;byline=0&amp;h=2127d17549#t=\"><\/iframe>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d93fff0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"d93fff0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-857f84d elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"857f84d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div class=\"rolemodel-widget-container\">    <div class=\"rolemodel-search-box-container\">\r\n        <div class=\"search-box\">\r\n            <h3>Search by Name<\/h3>\r\n                <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"action\" value=\"SearchByName\">\r\n                <input type=\"text\" name=\"search_query\" id=\"search-rolemodel-by-name\" placeholder=\"Enter name\">\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"search-box\">\r\n            <h3>Sort by 'Claim to Fame'<\/h3>\r\n                <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"action\" value=\"SortByClaimToFame\">\r\n                <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"action\" value=\"FilterByCategory\">\r\n                <select name=\"category_filter\" id=\"category-filter\">\r\n                    <option value=\"\">Select Category<\/option>\r\n                    <option value=\"Writers\">Writers<\/option>\r\n                    <option value=\"Entertainers\">Entertainers<\/option>\r\n                    <option value=\"FilmStars\">Film Stars<\/option>\r\n                    <option value=\"Musicians\">Musicians<\/option>\r\n                    <option value=\"SportsHeroes\">Sports Heroes<\/option>\r\n                    <option value=\"CommunityLeaders\">Community Leaders<\/option>\r\n                    <option value=\"BusinessLeaders\">Business Leaders<\/option>\r\n                <\/select>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div id=\"rolemodel-search-results-container\"><h2>Our Role Models<\/h2><h4>Our Role Models have a passion for ensuring our children are given every possible opportunity in life<\/h4><ul><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Peter Burling and Blair Tuke\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1841\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Yachting\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Peter Burling and Blair Tuke <\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Scott Parry &amp; Michael (Mig) Rumney\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1762\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Scott Parry &amp; Michael (Mig) Rumney <\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Athena\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Angelou\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1794\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Radio Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Athena Angelou<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Maxwell\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Apse\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1591\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Maxwell Apse<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Aroha\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Awarau\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1882\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Aroha Awarau<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Kath\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Bee\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1714\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Entertainer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Kath Bee<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Kingi\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Biddle\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1283\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Radio Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"&quot;I took 2nd place at The World Championship of Public Speaking 2013. Over 33,000 people enter this Toastmasters Contest every year. This year I am in the top 3 in the World.\n\nI have been a Radio Announcer, a Cultural Performer, a Radio Commercial Writer, a Television Presenter and one of Toastmaster&#039;s Top Speakers. \nI have years of experience in the Creative Industry and love swimming in that ocean. \nMy current passion is that of keynote speaking and delivering my Presentation Skills seminar.\nI am a descendant of great storytellers who used their words to carve visions in the minds of their people. I can do that and relate the messages to our Y2K world. Effective Communication is like painting a vivid picture into the minds and hearts of people. Magic will literally grow around you. I am Kingi Biddle... Come planting with me.&quot;\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Kingi Biddle<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Judi\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Billcliff\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1554\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Judi Billcliff<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jude\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Bishop\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1607\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Entertainer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Jude obtained a Diploma in Drama at Auckland University in 1984, she worked as a puppeteer with the New Zealand Puppet Theatre for 3 years and spent 9 years with Auckland Playback Theatre. She founded Theatre Frontier, a children`s theatre in education company, touring nationwide and has spent 29 years working within this field. She also tutors part time at Tapac (The Auckland Performing Arts Centre). In 2000 and 2001 she designed the sets and made the props and puppets for the Duffy Books theatre shows. In 2009, she auditioned and trained as a clown doctor, becoming the first one in Auckland !! She has spent the past 5 years frolicking through the Starship Children`s Hospital, generating joy and laughter. Jude is currently undertaking study in medical clowning through the Steinbeis University in Berlin.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jude Bishop<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Raymond\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Bishop\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1650\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Musician\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Musicians\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Raymond Bishop<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Ryan\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Bridge\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1763\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Radio Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Ryan is a TV reporter for Newshub based in Auckland. He used to present and report business news on Radio New Zealand and worked as a political reporter in Parliament for RadioLIVE. Ryan&#039;s love of a good yarn has seen him report on climate change from Antarctica, trade deals from Colombia and human rights from Myanmar. He is now the Drive presenter on RadioLIVE\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Ryan Bridge<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Donna\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Brookbanks\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1909\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Comedian\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Donna is an actor, writer, and comedian who has been using her voice every day since she was born. She particularly loves character work and comedy. Donna has recorded audiobooks and magazines with Blind Low Vision NZ since 2013. Donna is a regular with Te Radar on Nine to Noon with Kathryn Ryan on RNZ and recently voiced a princess on cartoon Tumeke Space for Mukpuddy, which was an absolute dream come true for her.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Donna Brookbanks<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Rebecca\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Brothers\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1775\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Swimmer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"&quot;Rebecca grew up in Counties Manukau and swam for Howick Pakuanga Swim Club. She was a medalist at Oceania Championships and competed at Pan Pacific and World Chmpionships before competing at the 2004 Olympic Games. After retiring from sport she pursued a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and Management. A year after completing her degree she returned to her original dream of becoming a Police Officer. In 2014 she moved to Northland with her husband and has two children. She has worked in  number of roles within the Police and is currently chair of the Northland disctrict&#039;s Women&#039;s Advisory Network. \n\nGrowing up Rebecca loved to read. Her favourite books were those written by Roald Dahl, the Goose Bumps series and Anne Frank&#039;s diary. She now passes on her love of books to her own children and enjoys re-reading some old time favourites as well as modern gems such as &quot;The book with no pictures&quot;.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Rebecca Brothers<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Krystal-Lee\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Brown\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1747\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Krystal-lee Brown, 25. Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Raukawa descendant. With a Bachelors of the arts, majoring in Maori media and Maori Development and a Diploma in Level 7 Te reo Maori ki te Reo Kairangi, Brown has a passion for revitalising Te Reo Maori on all platforms. After working in the film and television (Pukana, KTK-Next Level, CUBE, WARU,Potae Pai) Brown has recently ventured in to theatre working as an actress in the full immersion version of Purapurawhetu and the recently award winning full Emersion whakaari &#039;E kore a muri e Hokia&#039;. She was recently selected for the &#039;Whakarongo mai&#039; Maori playwrights development programme for her debut piece &#039;HUIA KAIMANAWA. She is currently working at TVNZ, Te karere as a reporter part time whilst producing and writing a new play &#039;Digital Natives&#039; Which will debut this May as apart of Rangatahi Festival 2018.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Krystal-Lee Brown<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Katherine\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Camp\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1709\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Athlete\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Katherine grew up on a dairy farm in the Waikato and has always been competitive in all sports. Katherine would clean up at all the sports days and cross country events at her primary school which prompted her to continue with athletics. Throughout High School she continued competing and then achieved her first national secondary title. She was then was offered a full scholarship to the University of Tulsa Oklahoma USA for four years. Sport and study was an amazing experience and when she returned home to New Zealand was selected for the 2014 Commonwealth Games as part of the 4x4 relay team. Since then she has competed all over the world and has met a lot of really cool people the MOST famous being none other than Usain Bolt. After narrowly missing out on the Commonwealth games she has been working hard on endurance and speed. I started racing on the track and have been traveling around New Zealand and Australia competing in some top quality races. Last year she set new personal best times in both the 800m and the 1500m races and won a number of top quality races. Now Katherine is training towards qualifying for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Katherine Camp<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Samson\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Chan- Boon\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1872\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Samson Chan- Boon<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Melissa\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Chan-Green\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1818\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Melissa Chan-Green (Davies) is a Newshub Reporter and Presenter based in Auckland. She has a keen interest in international and ethnic affairs - covering stories from the Arab Spring and conflict in Ukraine to the funeral of Nelson Mandela and Royal Weddings. Melissa has reported from multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games and the America&#039;s Cup in Bermuda.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Melissa Chan-Green<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Sarah\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Colcord\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1823\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Politician\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Sarah Colcord<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Fifi\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Colston\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1707\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Illustrator\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Fifi Colston is a many things artist; writer, illustrator, arts and crafts demonstrator, props and costume maker and wearable art designer, She usually has at least five things on the go at one time. &#039;I have a very low boredom threshold!&#039; she says. Fifi is a published novelist, her 3rd junior fiction novel Glory shortlisted for the LIANZA Esther Glen Award. Her two more recent nonfiction titles on creative costuming for kids Wearable Wonders and Ghoulish Get Ups have both won awards with Wearable Wonders earning the Elsie Locke Non Fiction Medal. She has two grown children, a husband and a cat called Tre. Tre&#039;s white hair gets on everything and she spends a fortune on lint rollers to keep her works clean. Wellington is the city of her heart and she plans to be a very old lady doing art and craft as long as she can still get up the steps to her house with a bag full of felt and an arm full of paint. Her idea of the best birthday in the world, is to be left alone in her studio to make things whilst the family brings her cups of coffee and cheese scones. Bliss!\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Fifi Colston<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Sarah\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Cowley\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1888\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Athlete\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Sarah Cowley is a New Zealand track and field athlete. She competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the women&#039;s heptathlon event.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Sarah Cowley<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Marama\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Davidson\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1824\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Politician\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Marama Davidson entered Parliament as a Green MP in November 2015, after a 10 year career at the Human Rights Commission. She was elected Co-Leader in 2018, with a clear mandate to protect the Green\u2019s independent political voice within Government. Her parents meet as young, M\u0101ori activists, and she grew up all over Aotearoa. Marama is passionate about all areas of injustice, and is committed to using her voice to elevate issues whenever she can.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Marama Davidson<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Courtney\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Davies\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1851\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Courtney Davies graduated with a Master of Natural Sciences in Microbiology and an MBA from Massey University. Her thesis involved the design and fusion of bacteriophage (virus) proteins to biodegradable nanobeads as a prophylactic antimicrobial (which meant a lot of reading through scientific literature!) for agriculture and human health. Her love for combining science, the natural world and youth leadership lead her to work as an educator teaching over 30,000 people across New Zealand and Africa about the marine environment &amp; sustainability, worked as a Director for the APEC Voices of the Future New Zealand programme, has been a semi-finalist in the 2022 New Zealander of the Year Environmental Hero category, named on the YWCA Y25 list, won the North Harbour Club Supreme AIMES Award, been awarded the Graduate Women North Shore Top Scholar and has presented her research at several international conferences. In her spare time, she enjoys creating opportunities for young people interested in agriculture and the environment. Courtney recently toured for over a week to Duffy schools in the Manawatu and loved the experience as a Role Model.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Courtney Davies<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Zion\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Dayal\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1870\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"My name is Zion Dayal. I am 21 years old originally from Wellington but currently live in Auckland. After completing my degree at the New Zealand Broadcasting School, I took on an internship at TVNZ. After 2 years moving between the various shows, I am currently the late news reporter on 1 News Tonight. Outside of work I am a big sports fan so most of my weekends are spent either playing or watching different sports.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Zion Dayal<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Lesley\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Dowding\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"880\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Storyteller\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Lesley Dowding believes a story is given up to the listener as they enter it and they can be transferred to other worlds. They can walk through walls, fly like Pegasus or enter a room through a keyhole. Lesley is an international storyteller, presenter, published author. She is a member of the International Reading Association and Literacy Association of New Zealand where her research has been published. She is also a member of the New Zealand Storytelling Guild. In the role of literacy consultant Lesley has worked raising student achievement in reading and writing in the Literacy Professional Development Project, Best Evidence Synthesis. She has been a Special Education Adviser, a Literacy Adviser for Massey University, a performer at International festivals in UK, Ireland and the USA, and a regular performer at WOMAD Living Books. Lesley organises monthly storytelling groups and facilitates workshops for teachers in the classroom, working alongside teachers and students. She performs adult Grimm tales, is an audio recorder for Gilt Edge publishin, and writes and performs her own stories.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Lesley Dowding<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Kimberlee\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Downs\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1821\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Kimberlee Downs<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Mahe\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Drysdale\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1307\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Rower\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Mahe is a three time World Rowing Champion in the single sculls. In 2007 he was crowned the supreme winner at New Zealand&#039;s Halberg Sports Awards. In 2008 at the Beijing Olympics he won a courageous bronze medal in the single sculls.  Mahe started rowing at 18 but was quick to make his mark. Mahe is based in Cambridge.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Mahe Drysdale<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Marc\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Duffy\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1533\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Motivational Speaker\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Marc&#039;s early childhood was one of turmoil and trouble, he struggled greatly at school from a young age, and having difficulty understanding the work it was easier to be kicked out of class than to be laughed at. Marc was expelled from school at the age of 15 unable to read and write. His life turned to petty crime. In 1992 Marc decided to turn his life around, although leaving school with no formal education and unable to read and write Marc turned his extraordinary gift of understanding systems and their efficiency to focus on becoming one of the top hardware architects in New Zealand. Marc was also a professional boxer and from 1992-1997 he was the New Zealand light weight boxing champion. Marc now works with social networks to talk with schools and service organisations to make a difference. He is a regular presenter at Rotary leadership events and a regular guest presenter at the Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment, and has been chosen to speak at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. He is totally committed to sharing with troubled youth and irrespective of their upbringing they can be whatever they chose to be. Marc&#039;s key focus- your attitude to life determines lifes attitude to you- a leopard can change its spots, success comes in cans not cannot.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Marc Duffy<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Mava\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Enoka\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1805\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Mava Enoka is a producer and journalist at TVNZ. She was born in Nelson - the town her parents moved to from Iran as refugees. Mava has a degree in anthropology and a masters degree in journalism. Her work has taken her to countries like Kiribati, South Korea, and India. Most importantly, Mava loves animals and chocolate.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Mava Enoka<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Joseph\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Fa&#039;afiu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1688\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Joseph Fa&#039;afiu is a local church pastor, community leader and author\/storyteller. Joseph has written and published two children books &quot;I am me&quot; and &quot;Little Poppy&quot; which help young children deal with bullying, self esteem and peer pressure issues. Joseph has worked in the South Auckland community for over 15 years in a range of areas from story times in libraries and schools to working with at risk youth, but in recent times Joseph works with local agencies to develop mental health strategies and suicide prevention campaigns. Joseph sits on the Counties Manukau PoIice Pacific Advisory Unit and in 2016 he was the recipient of a Kiwibank New Zealander of the year local hero medal and also in the same year awarded Sunpix Pacific Community Leader of the year for his ongoing work in the community. Born in Samoa. Educated in Glen Innes and Lives in Mangere, South Auckland with his wife and 5 boys.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Joseph Fa&#039;afiu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Haanz\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Fa&#039;avae Jackson\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1871\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"NEED CV\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Haanz Fa&#039;avae Jackson<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Ngatarawahi\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Fairhall\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1776\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Ngatarawahi was born and bred in Rotorua studied his whole school life at Te Kura kaupapa maori o Te Koutu. Started his first job at the age of 12 performing in hotels all around Rotorua doing Kapahaka, at the age of 18 he moved to Auckland to study computer engineering but fell into a tv presenting job for the show Pukoro on Maori Television. Few years later he has now presented on a few shows such as Pukoro(Maori Television), Tiki Tour(TVNZ) and Voiced for a number of Maori Dubbed shows like Spongebob square pants, Team Umizumi, penguins of Madagascar and a few others. Ngatarawahi has a huge passion for entertaining and working with his community back home.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Ngatarawahi Fairhall<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Daniel\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Faitaua\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1690\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Daniel Faitaua<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Lanu\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Faletau\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1839\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Motivational Speaker\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Lanu Faletau<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tofiga\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Fepulea&#039;i\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1131\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Comedian\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Tofiga is a Samoan comedian born and bred in Wellington and educated at Rongotai College. He is a member of the EFKS Church in Wellington which has contributed to enhancing his talents through leading the Church choir. Tofiga has appeared on our screens (Tagata Pasifika, music videos, TV ads), worked with youth at risk and taken on entertaining full time. Tofiga is a most sought-after MC and stand up comic who debuted with the show &#039;Laughing with Samoans&#039; at the Wellington Fringe Festival and became a huge success.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tofiga Fepulea&#039;i<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Barry\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Gallagher\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1874\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Police\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Senior Constable Barry Gallagher is one of the longest serving current crew members on Auckland&#039;s Eagle Helicopter. He is very excited to be landing at some Duffy Books in Homes schools soon.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Barry Gallagher<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Maria\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Gill\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1621\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Maria Gill<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Amanda\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Gillies\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1766\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"A senior, award-winning journalist based in Auckland. Started at TV3 in 2001, has worked on 6pm News, Campbell Live, 60 Minutes, Story and Nightline. A Paul Henry Panelist.\nAustralia Correspondent 2008 to 2011, won Qantas Best News reporter for work on the Victoria Bush Fires.\nCovers: legal\/justice stories, international assignments, human interest stories. Amanda is one third of the AM show presenters on TV3.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Amanda Gillies<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Nathan\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Gray\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1541\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Nathan Gray<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Joanne\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Guy\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1672\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Joanne Guy<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Georgia\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hale\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1728\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Rugby League\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Georgia Hale- Recently named young  New Zealander of the year. Georgia is  24 years old and is already a champion athelete in four different sports, she&#039;s also been a driving force behind a number of community initiatives for children, rural communities and those with disabilities. She is one of the youngest ever captains in New Zealand sport having taken over the reigns of the Womens Warriors in 2019. Georgia started her sporting career by representing both North Harbour for Rugby and Netball, and Touch Football and Tag Football for New Zealand. When finishing school she decided to try Rugby League with the Richmond Roses and quickly found her passion. In her first year (2014) she made the Kiwi ferns  and has been in the team since  winning test matches,  9\u2019s campaigns and the MVP award for both events, and was part of the World Cup team.  She was approached by the NRL to be the first Female Ambassador in New Zealand for Rugby League, she continues this role today with the Vodafone Warriors working in the Community Department-more than 25,000-30,000 people every year engage with the Warriors community programmes she runs .Hale was instrumental in establishing a programme for those with intellectual disabilities and this is an area that has always been  important to Georgia having turned down two schlorships after secondary school to work in a learning support centre.  Georgia&#039;s tireless and compassionate work using her sport of rugby league to create opportunities for many different communities earned her the title of Young NZer of the year. Georgia is also part of the coaching unit in the Future Warriors- a junior development programme, and in time she&#039;ll be able to implement the programme to young girls coming through the pathway.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Georgia Hale<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Kristin\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hall\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1657\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Kristin Hall<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Will\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hall\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1556\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Will Hall<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Richie\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hardcore\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1817\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Martial Arts\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Richie Hardcore is a retired former multiple Muay Thai Champion, with over 25 years in martial arts. He was also a radio host at Auckland\u2019s 95bfm for 15 years, conducting interviews with politicians, personalities and musicians alike, as well as DJing music.  He is a board member at White Ribbon New Zealand, Ministry of Social Development &#039;It&#039;s Not Ok\u2019 Champion. He is an educator, trainer and public speaker.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Richie Hardcore<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Rosy\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Harper-Duff\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1918\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Motivational Speaker\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Rosy came from a corporate background in marketing and communications. After working in advertising Rosy mental health and wellbeing were effected so Rosy left the corporate world. She tried many tools to aid in her metal health, but the one that had the most profound impact was mindfulness. After experiencing the positive changes this tool had on her life, Rosy set out with the goal and vision of helping others to improve their mental wellbeing. Her first hand experience with mental illness and her wealth of knowledge in mindfulness, neuro-science, psychology is now used to help Kiwi kids and workplaces all over New Zealand. She is an accredited Ovio mindfulness teacher and also works with Pause Breathe Smile, a not for profit, delivering mindfulness workshops to schools around New Zealand, to improve the wellbeing of Kiwi kids.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Rosy Harper-Duff<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Steve\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hathaway\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1738\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Diving\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Steve Hathaway<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Pippa\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hayward\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1699\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Hockey\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Pippa Hayward<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Sir Graham\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Henry\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1842\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Rugby\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Sir Graham Henry was a New - Zealand and  International Rugby Union coach, and is most famously known as the  former coach of the All Blacks from 2004-2011.He is one of the most successful coaches to have ever coached the All-Blacks- he coached 140 matches in a career that had many series victories and one World Cup win in 2011. Sir Graham was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2012 New Year Honours for services to rugby.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Sir Graham Henry<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Alexia\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hilbertidou\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1822\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Motivational Speaker\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Alexia Hilbertidou<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Honey\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hireme-Smiler\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1470\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Rugby\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Born and raised in Putaruru, Honey is a dual rugby league &amp; rugby union international, having played for both the Kiwi ferns and Black ferns. She has been an exceptional flag bearer for New Zealand. A Kiwi Fern since 2003, she was signed by the Dragons and the Warriors for the first NRLW competition and part of the first ever female contracted players for the Black fern 7s. Honeys professional roles have included Disability Sports Advisors for the Halberg Foundation, SKY Sports Presenter and is Ambassador for the Rainbow Games 2024. Honey is excited to be visiting schools as a Duffy Role Model.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Honey Hireme-Smiler<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Ayla\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hoeta\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1875\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Currently an Innovator in Youth Economy for The Southern Initiative (Auckland Council), Ayla Hoeta is a vibrant wahine Maori, mama, gym trainer, advisor and Maramataka Maori practitioner. Raised in South Auckland, her whakapapa connects her to Ngati Tahinga and Waikato-Tainui. Ayla works to enable and empower rangatahi in South Auckland to be innovative, entrepreneurial and connected to local initiatives and Auckland Council projects. As a maramataka practitioner, Ayla embeds mahi maramataka in her work and whanau life. She has aligned herself to the maramataka in many aspects including aligning her mahi at Auckland council, The Southern Initiative, as an advisor to Department of Conservation and implementation as a gym trainer, and in particular her own maara kai. Ayla is also a guest writer for The Spinoff publishing monthly maramataka columns for Atea and working as a lecturer at Auckland University to deliver whanau centred design in the Bachelor of Design.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Ayla Hoeta<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tasha\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hohaia\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1615\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Singer\/Songwriter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Musicians\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Tasha Hohaia is a Maori\/Pakeha recording and performing artist based in Auckland. She released her debut single to radio stations Maifm and Flava in 2014. She has sung in XfactorNZ, the Revolution Tour, and completed her law and arts degrees. She is of Ngapuhi descent and is as passionate about reading and the education sector as she is about snapchat, instagram and shoes.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tasha Hohaia<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jo\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Holley\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1396\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jo Holley<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Chantelle\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Huch\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1863\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Dance\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Sport and recreation alumna Chantelle Huch loves making a difference to her community through her role as a Pacific community coordinator at Sport Waitakere. Chantelle is also the Saintz Dance Academy director, which is providing a safe space for our younger community to explore their love of dance and receive training. They currently perform across Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland from local community events to large-scale music festivals. Chantelle says &quot;We treat our dance academy like a family. We are family. We are not just about dance. Dance is merely the vehicle we use to connect, build strong and meaningful relationships, grow confidence, and self-esteem, learn life skills and have fun all in one safe place. Our goal is to provide these opportunities to those of our community who may not usually have access to it&quot;\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Chantelle Huch<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Italia\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hunt\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1869\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Italia Hunt<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Ali\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Ikram\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1765\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"When he was a TV journalist, Ali went to report on tidal waves, elections and big court cases. He worked for a long time for TV3 featuring on such shows as Nightline and Campbell Live. These days he&#039;s concentrating on his writing while also working at MIT in Otara. He&#039;s had a couple of essays published in the Tell You What series of Great New Zealand non-fiction. He&#039;s a big fan of the Warriors but thinks Shaun Johnson should run out of dummy half more.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Ali Ikram<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Lauren\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Jackson\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1742\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Lauren Jackson is a writer, director, actor and drama teacher who lives in Auckland with her family. Lauren&#039;s first acting job was in a movie based on the New Zealand novel, &quot;Alex&quot; by Tessa Duder. Lauren enjoyed the experience so much she studied film at the University of Auckland and acting at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. Lauren has acted in lots of plays, some films, and some TV shows and commercials. After reading so many scripts she decided to try writing her own, and now Lauren writes the Duffy plays each year. She has won some writing awards and was excited to write for the TV show &quot;The Kiddets&quot;. Lauren has also written and directed two short films - &quot;I&#039;m Going to Mum&#039;s&quot; and &quot;Tree&quot;. Lauren loves directing plays too, and has been a drama teacher for over a decade. Lauren belongs to a book club, and really enjoys historical novels. However her favourite book is still &quot;Alex&quot;.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Lauren Jackson<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Brodie\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Kane\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1636\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Brodie Kane is an award winning journalist, and was up until recently co-hosting The Hits Breakfast show in Christchurch with Dave Fitzgerald. Prior to that Brodie worked at TVNZ for five years working as a sports presenter on Breakfast, a roving reporter on Seven Sharp, reporter on Fair Go and associate producer on Q+A. Brodie is incredibly fit thanks to her background in Surf Life Saving, but also has a bit of mental toughness thanks to a four-year stint in the Territorials of the NZ Army. She now loves the challenge of long distance events, running her first marathon in Auckland in 2018, and completing the team event of the Coast to Coast in 2020 with her mother and brother (her third year involved in the race)!\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Brodie Kane<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Phoenix\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Karaka\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1768\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Netball\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"is a New Zealand-born professional netball player, who currently plays at both GK and GD for the Northern Mystics and NZ Silver Ferns. Following her success at secondary school level at Auckland Girls&#039; Grammar School, Karaka rose through the ranks at age group level as a part of both the NZ Secondary Schools and NZ Under-21 teams, including the victorious Under-21 side at the Youth World Cup in Glasgow in 2013. Karaka signed her first professional contract with the Invercargill-based Southern Steel for the 2013 ANZ Championship, and remained a part of the Steel for the next three seasons before signing with the MOJO Pulse in 2016 after consistently impressive performances, including being ranked 3rd overall for intercepts in the 2015 ANZ Championship.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Phoenix Karaka<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Alistar (Star)\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Kata\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1853\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Alistar (Star) Kata<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Alex\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"King\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1917\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Alex King<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tracey\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Lambrechs\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1829\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Weightlifter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tracey Lambrechs<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Manase\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Latu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1737\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Opera Singer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Musicians\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"New Zealand Born Tongan, Manase Latu is alumni of the University of Auckland graduating with a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honors. He has been a member different ensembles and choirs such as NZ Youth Choir, Voices NZ Chamber Choir, National Youth choir of Great Britain, Freemasons Opera Chorus and The Shades. Manase has been a recipient of the Iosefa Enari Memorial Scholarship, present by Creative NZ. He is also a part of the Singer Development Programme run by the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation and has most recently been selected as a Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist for 2018.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Manase Latu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Denzel\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Laumatia - Paki\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1764\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Denzel Laumatia - Paki<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Irra\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Lee\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1798\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Irra Lee<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Arizona\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Leger\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1844\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Motivational Speaker\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Arizona Leger<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"David\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Liti\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1876\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Weightlifter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">David Liti<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Gentiane\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Lupi\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1560\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Boxing\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Actor and stuntwoman Gentiane has starred in such films such as Cousins, Eagle vs Shark, Kombi Nation, Second Hand Wedding and Krampus as well as the TV series Nothing Trivial, you might have seen her recently in the Interislander commercial\n \nAfter having her three children, she decided to change her career from being an actress to being a professional fighter. Even though she was a woman and older than most of the other competitors, since debuting in 2013, she has won 9 titles in all fighting styles including  being the first woman to acheive both a  Proffesional World  boxing world title, and  Professional world Kickboxing title\n \nGentiane now trains out of  Alpha Muay Thai in Porirua and enjoys visiting Duffy schools when her training schedule allows it to share her loves of books and to inspire young people to follow their hearts and dreams to become successful in life.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Gentiane Lupi<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jess\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Lusby\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1740\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Tri-athlete\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"My Name is Jess short for Jessica but I only get called Jessica if I am in trouble. I grew up in Hamilton and went to school here all my life at Hukanui, Fairfield Intermediate and Girls high. Growing up I was never a fan of sports, I was always the bookworm in the class and would happily sit down and read whilst my younger sisters played outside. However as I got older I developed a strong passion for running which eventually lead to my current sport of triathlon, being an average swimmer and biker but a strong runner I knew I had found my sport. My love for sport grew so much that I am currently studying it at university and hope to someday become a PE teacher. Through my sport however I have learnt that in order to be better and understand what is happening you need to slow down and take in the action around you. To me this is like getting stuck in a book; In order to truly become absorbed you need to slow down, take in the words and find yourself lost in the story that is being told. Occasionally after a long training day I will sit down and loose myself in my favourite book; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire where I could unwind and be transformed to Hogwarts. My love for reading is something I love to pass on to others to continue to slow down and loose themselves in another world that is different to their own.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jess Lusby<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Glenn\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"McConnell\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1807\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Glenn McConnell is a journalist, and more recently a student. He started out as a reporter on a TVNZ youth news programme at high school, before jumping into a crumbling radio station to convince a few politicians and musicians to join him and his mates in studio. Now, he works as a columnist and entertainment reporter for Stuff. His work involves meeting musicians, writing gig reviews and talking with television producers. It also involves a lot of reading and quick writing, which, to be honest, isn&#039;t that different to school.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Glenn McConnell<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Alistair\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"McIntyre\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"804\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Alistair McIntyre<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Dawn\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"McMillan\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1572\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Dawn McMillan<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jo\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"McNaughton\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1795\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Jo grew up in Rotorua, she is married with three cool kids, and they all live together in Auckland. She has a Bachelor of Commerce along with a Master of Arts in te reo Maori. After ten years of raising the whanau and working from home, Jo now works at Heartland Bank where she works in the People and Culture team to develop Heartland&#039;s diversity capabilities with a particular focus on Maori culture and language.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jo McNaughton<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Kyle\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Mewburn\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1205\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Kyle Mewburn<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Ravinder\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Minhas\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1640\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Ravinder is currently studying a Diploma of Journalism at WINTEC and studies alongside her 3 children who are 7,9 &amp;12 years old. Ravinder accepted an invitation to become part of the Duffy Books programme as reading in her home is very important to her and her family. Ravinder is a NZ Maori Indigenous Model, MMA and Boxing show presenter (hosted Super8 boxing on SKY Television in 2015), a netball coach &amp; player and works every day at Maori Television making sure news stories make it to television by 5.30pm for Te Kaea news.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Ravinder Minhas<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Toby\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Morris\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1819\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Toby Morris is an award winning comic artist, illustrator and writer based in Auckland. He is best known for his non-fiction comics including Te Tiriti O Waitangi and his regular online series The Side Eye. He has written and drawn three graphic novels and two picture books and well as illustrating stories for the School Journal. As an illustrator he has drawn for brands like L&amp;P, Edmonds, Nike and Allbirds and he has won the award for Best Artwork at the New Zealand media awards for the last three years in a row.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Toby Morris<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Danny\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Mulheron\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1914\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Entertainer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Danny Mulheron is a New Zealand actor, writer, and director who has worked in theatre, television and film. Mulheron graduated from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 1983 with a Diploma in Acting. In 2012, he directed Fresh Meat, a horror comedy film which was released in Oct 2012. He has directed One Lane bridge, Jonah Lomu and much more. Danny Mulheron is currently working on award winning show Kid sister.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Danny Mulheron<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Michel\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Mulipola\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1606\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Michel Mulipola<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Luke\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Mullins\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1813\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Shearer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Luke Mullins<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Astley\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Nathan\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1806\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Radio Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Astley graduated Dilworth school (a school for underprivileged boys) in 2009 then moved on to AUT where he received a significant student scholarship. He graduated AUT with a Degree in Maori Development majoring in Maori media. Using his studies he received a job at FLAVA doing the online contenting role which later led to his career in radio. He is in his 4th year on radio &amp; is currently the Breakfast show host for FLAVA. He has hosted Lets Play Live events &amp; has created many a video for social media. Astley has joined the Duffy Books initiative to spread the good word about reading\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Astley Nathan<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Matt\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Owens\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1897\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Matt Owens<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Simon\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Paenga\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1588\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Gisborne born Simon Paenga began pursuing his passion for performing at Lytton High School. His array of accolades in singing,acting and dancing led him to study at NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts School), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts Degree, majoring in Musical Theatre. Since then he has appeared in musicals both here and in Australia, and in 2016 completed his third year of Duffy Theatre as Duffy. Earlier this year he toured nationally with Ensemble Impact, Young and Hungry and their show Outliers, performing Monologues from different New Zealand playwrights.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Simon Paenga<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Eru\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Paranihi\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1745\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Eru has been in media for 12 years starting out as a ZM Thunder driver in Wellington. He later went on to work for a few radio station, including Mai FM, and Flava. He&#039;s worked alongside radio personalities like Dr Fane, Pua Magasiva, and fellow Duffy books role model Tarsh Ieremia. In 2016, Eru decided to take up a role as a sports reporter for Maori TV. A fluent speaker in Te Reo Maori, Eru enjoys playing sport, spending time with whanau, and learning new things. Eru has recently landed a role at TV3 working for the AM show. Tekau ma rua tau kua tu a Eru hei Kaiwhakapaho, timata ai hei kai taraewa ma ZM, ki Poneke. Na wai ra mahia ai tenei toki mo nga reo irirangi pera i a Mai FM, i a Flava ano hoki. I mahi ngatahi ia ki nga whetu o tera ao, ki a Dr Fane ratou ko Pua magasiva, ko te te Iho Pumanawa o Duffy, ko Tarsh Ieremia. No te tau rua mano tekau ma ono i riro i a Eru te turanga kairipoata hakinakina ma Whakaata Maori. He korero Maori ia, e rata ana a Eru ki nga hakinakina, te noho tahi ki tona whanu, me te akonga i nga mea hou ano hoki. Nona tata nei i riro i a Eru tetahi turanga hou ki te hongere o TV3, ara ko te hotaka AM Show.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Eru Paranihi<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Joseph\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Parker\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1861\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Boxing\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Joseph Parker<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jasmine\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Pereira\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1685\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Soccer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Jasmine plays football for the New Zealand women&#039;s football team and attended the Rio Olympic Games last year. She remembers receiving her Duffy Books when she was at Kelston Primary school. She&#039;s also interested in entering the business world and is aiming to start her own coffee business this year.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jasmine Pereira<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"June\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Pitman-Hayes\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1731\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Author\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">June Pitman-Hayes<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Danny\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Priestly\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1771\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Musician\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Musicians\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Danny Priestley (Australia) and Kate Charlton-Jones (NZ) are a husband and wife duo who made their first performance together at the Illawarra folk club, however, the couple now reside on a property wrought with music in Central Hawkes Bay New Zealand. Danny is better known as the former singer in the Illawarra Celtic Band Riogh, Kate a member of NZ favourites Cabin Fevre. Separately each have quite a different history, musically speaking, from Irish ballads to Old timey, Danny and Kate set aside their musical differences and settle on a set focused on friends and whanau (family) from either side of the ditch, with songs they love to play together. A new string to their bows was formed with the joining of the storytelling duo Rhubarb! For Kate it means joining her parents, Mary Kippenberger and Peter Charlton-Jones and for Danny it means long bus trips with his in-laws!!\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Danny Priestly<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Alexis\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Pritchard\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1791\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Boxing\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Alexis Pritchard<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"John\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Pulu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1666\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">John Pulu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Diana\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Queenin\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1502\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Recommended\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Diana has travelled the world. She has lived for extended periods of time in Melbourne, New York and Los Angeles (as well as Auckland and Wellington). While in New York she worked as a guide in the Museum of Natural History specialising in Dinosaurs and Ocean Life. A highlight of her career was attending the opening of Te Maori at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when the exhibition went to New York. In Los Angeles she attended UCLA University and studied Bio Geography (the effect of nature on the land) and spent time in the American deserts among the cactus and snakes. Diana is a certified Scuba Diver and has dived in the Caribbean, the Red Sea, and Thailand and learned much about the underwater world. She joined Project Jonah on her return to New Zealand and is very interested in Whales and Dolphins (as well as monarch butterflies, plants, fishing, insects, birds, and reading lots of books! ). Diana will have lots of amazing things to show you!\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Diana Queenin<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Robert\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Rakate\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1648\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Radio Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Robert Rakete is a busy dad with a blended family of 5 children. His wife Nikki is a teacher and they both know how important books are in a home. Rob has been a breakfast show host on the radio in Auckland for nearly 24 years - as part of the team that started MAI FM before moving to The Breeze. He is also an occasional Wiggle - The Brown Wiggle - and has appeared with them on CD, stage, and TV.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Robert Rakate<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Niva\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Retimanu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1329\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Radio Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Niva Retimanu is the breakfast newsreader for New Zealand&#039;s number one radio station, Newstalk ZB. Her role includes presenting news bulletins for ZB&#039;s Early Edition programme hosted by Kate Hawkesby, and also, reading news on the Mike Hosking breakfast show. Retimanu is Samoan and has worked in the radio industry for thirty years as a journalist and newsreader\/broadcaster. She is a multi award winning newsreader. Niva Retimanu wrote her first book called Leading From Behind in 2016. She tells how she went from junk-food fan to motivated marathon runner - and how much fun she has had along the way. The Samoan newsreader was born and bred in Invercargill.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Niva Retimanu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Taylor Roger &amp;\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Reuben Butler\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1925\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Taylor Roger &amp; Reuben Butler<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jamaine\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Ross\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1663\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Comedian\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Jamaine Ross is a born and bred Christchurchian who is becoming a well-known comedic face on New Zealand television as &#039;The brown guy with the beard and the hat&#039;.\nHe&#039;s a regular on TV3&#039;s &#039;7 Days&#039;, has appeared on TV3&#039;s &#039;After Hours&#039;, featured on Maori TV&#039;s satirical comedy show, &#039;Brown Eye&#039;, and has made cameo appearances on TV3&#039;s &#039;Jono and Ben&#039; and &#039;Funny Girls&#039;.\nHis stand-up comedy achievements include winning the Raw Comedy Quest in 2012, opening for Tenacious D on their New Zealand tour in 2013, and being nominated for the prestigious Billy T Award in 2014\nOn top of all of that, he spends his days as a writer on TV3&#039;s &#039;Jono and Ben&#039;, records a weekly comedy podcast with his comedian friends called &#039;The Issues Podcast&#039;, and is one third of sketch comedy trio, &#039;Frickin Dangerous Bro&#039;.\nHe&#039;s basically a super busy and talented dude who brings a whole lot to the table when he&#039;s on stage, where he can best be described as &#039;thoughtful and intelligent&#039;, &#039;likeable and laidback&#039;, but most importantly &#039;brilliantly funny&#039;.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jamaine Ross<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"James\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Russell\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1843\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">James Russell<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Kenape\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Saupese\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1927\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Musician\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Musicians\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Kenape Saupese<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Dimitrius\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Schuster-Koloamatangi\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1920\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Myron\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Simpson\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1613\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Cycling\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Myron has been riding and racing bikes since the age of 3. He started in BMX and then moved onto racing on the road and in the velodrome. He has represented New Zealand at the Junior World Championships receiving a Silver Medal in Mexico 2007 and placed fourth in the 1000m time trial at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. He has travelled and raced all over the world with cycling, finishing a digital film diploma along the way. He created his own muesli company in 2013 called &#039;Myron&#039;s Muesli&#039;, and in 2016 travelled through South America on his own and was lucky enough to work for New Zealand companies Moa Beer and Mr Vintage at the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil. In April he went ot the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast as a team supportrer for the athletes and now works for cycling New Zealand coaching some of NZ&#039;s up and coming cylists.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Myron Simpson<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Irena\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Smith\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1820\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Irena Smith hails from Te Tairawhiti and attended Kura Kaupapa and after that Lytton High School. She has been working as a journalist since 2003. She has a passion for reporting Maori affairs which was recognised in her early days by veteran broadcaster Whai Ngata. She went on to study journalism at the Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua, and promptly went on to work for Te Karere after she graduated. Irena speaks Te Reo Maori and English. Some of her career highlights include covering the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Working on TV as a reporter she gets to tell stories and you can watch her stories now on a show called Marae and sometimes on Te Karere.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Irena Smith<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tupe\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Solomon-Tanoa&#039;i\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1880\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tupe Solomon-Tanoa&#039;i<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Thomas and Sheena\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Southam\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1895\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Entertainer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Thomas and Sheena Southam are the husband and wife team of Chasing a Plate. They are Kiwi presenters, videographers, writers and photographers who explore different cultures using food as their lens- sharing their experiences on their YouTube channel, blog and social media platforms with a combined following of over 168,000+ and over 20 million YouTube channel views.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Thomas and Sheena Southam<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Adrian\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Stevenon\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1723\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Adrian Stevenon<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Melissa\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Stokes\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1845\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Melissa Stokes is a TV 1 News Presenter and Reporter. She has worked across a number of TVNZ news shows, including Breakfast, Sunday and Seven Sharp. Melissa started working at TVNZ in 2001. In her role she covered a range of major stories and events, including the Christchurch Earthquake, Beijing Olympics and Delhi Commonwealth Games. Melissa is also a regular host of large events including Business Awards and Charity fundraisers - drawing on her journalism and ad-lib skills to deliver a polished performance. Melissa is delighted to be a new Duffy Role Model.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Melissa Stokes<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Toni\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Street\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1825\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Toni Street is a NZ Television presenter and sports commentator. She was part of TVNZ&#039;s commentary team for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. A former head sports reporter with One News she joined &#039;Breakfast&#039; as co host in 2013 before joining &#039;Seven Sharp&#039; in 2014. She is now a co-host on &#039;Laura, Sam and Toni breakfast show&#039; on The Hits Radio station.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Toni Street<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Nora\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Swann\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1793\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Fashion Designer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Nora Swann<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jeff\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Szusterman\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1894\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jeff Szusterman<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Savannah\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tafau-Levy\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1715\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Savannah is currently at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne hoping to graduate at the end of the year with a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism. She is excited to be involved with Duffy Books in Homes as she wants to spread the love of reading and writing. With a huge passion for sports in particular rugby league and basketball, Savannah is interning at the Vodafone Warriors as a sports journalist but has experience at other large TV channels, Channel 7 and FOX Sports News.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Savannah Tafau-Levy<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Yvonne\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tahana\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1692\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Yvonne Tahana<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jack\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tame\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1802\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Jack was born in Chirstchurch and is the eldest of Four. Jack is a Television and radio journalist and presenter. He&#039;s the co-host on Breakfast (TV1 Mon to Fri) and the Saturday morning host on Newstalk ZB as well as a columnist for the Herald on Sunday. Jack was previously worked as the US correspondent for TVNZ based in New York City.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jack Tame<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"TJ\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Taotua\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1726\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Singer\/Songwriter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Musicians\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">TJ Taotua<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Moana\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tapaleao\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1696\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Vaimoana Tapaleao is a journalist for the NZ Herald newspaper, based in Auckland. She has always had a love and big passion for reading and writing stories, having grown up hearing fagogo from her parents and grandparents and learning stories from the Bible at Sunday School. Moana decided to study journalism after the events of September 11, where she read and watched the tragic stories of all kinds of people being shared on the news and realised she wanted to help share those stories. She has been at the Herald since 2008, covering general and breaking news, Pacific Affairs and human interest stories. Before that she worked at Spasifik Magazine. She hails from Samoa, but was born and raised in West Auckland and is a former student of Massey High School.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Moana Tapaleao<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Regan\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Taylor\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1582\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"CV: Regan Taylor. Ngati Kahungunu. Born and raised in Dannevirke, Regan was unsure what he wanted to do when he left High School. When he won the Senior Korimako section in The Manu Korero speech competitions, it was the seed of him wanting to be on the stage in front of audiences. \n\nAfter High School he was not quite ready for more study at university and so spent 11 months walking the length of New Zealand. Working different seasonal jobs and living out of his old back pack and his tent. It was at this time that a new drama school had opened in Palmerston North, this spurred him home. Regan graduated from the UCOL Theatre school in 2000 and for the past 19 years he has worked as a professional actor (his first pro job being Duffy) a dancer and an award winning director. \n\nHe is a current co-director of \u2018Te Rehia Theatre Company\u2019 based in Auckland, starred on the big screen as  \u2018Joshua Mahana\u2019 in the Lee Tamahori Directed Movie \u2018Mahana\u2019, has toured a solo show \u2018SolOthello\u2019, an adaptation of Shakespeare&#039;s tragedy \u2018Othello\u2019 using Te Mata-K\u014dkako \u014d Rehia ( M\u0101ori performance masks) to re-tell this epic tale and is now the newest member of The M\u0101ori Sidesteps, a hugely entertaining M\u0101ori show band based in Wellington.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Regan Taylor<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Wepiha\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Te Kanawa\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1668\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Wepiha Te Kanawa was immersed in Te Reo Maori from a very young age, from Kohanga Reo to High School. He went on to Waikato University and studied a BA majoring in Te Reo Maori and Spanish. He then went on to completing a Diploma at South Seas School of Film and Television in the North Shore. He started working at Maori Television in 2011 as a journalist for the Maori News &#039;Te Kaea&#039;, and is now a reporter and presenter for the Maori current affairs show &#039;Native Affairs&#039;.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Wepiha Te Kanawa<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Katy\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Thomas\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1426\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Katy Thomas<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Rahia\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Timutimu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1659\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Rahia Timutimu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tim\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tipene\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1679\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tim Tipene<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Naomi\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Toilala\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1838\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Naomi Toilala<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Sulu\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tone-Fitzpatrick\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1907\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Athlete\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Te Kohe\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tuhaka\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1647\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Te Kohe Tuhaka<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Ruby\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tui\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1550\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Rugby\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Ruby Tui<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Henry\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tuipe&#039;a\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"670\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Henry went to UNITEC School of Performing and Screen Arts and graduated with a BA in acting. He became involved in Duffy Books in Homes after playing &#039;Scruffy&#039;, Duffy&#039;s little brother in the Duffy Theatre show in the year 2000. A former presenter on TV3&#039;s &#039;Pacific Beat St&#039; on Saturday mornings. Host of the &#039;Stage of Origin&#039; shows as seen on Maori TV &amp; TV3. Henry also spent 10yrs as a radio DJ on Niu FM (103.8FM) and is better known as &#039;Jandals&#039;. He is now the Relationship Manager for Duffy Books in Homes.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Henry Tuipe&#039;a<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jesse\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tuke\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1865\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jesse Tuke<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Scott\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tulloch\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1624\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Scott Tulloch is New Zealand author and illustrator who lives in Arrowtown. He has written and illustrated seven books himself, including Willy&#039;s Dad (his first book), The Silly Goat Gruff, and the 2015 NZ Book Award Finalist I Am Not A Worm. All of Scott&#039;s own stories are a bit silly. So is Scott. He has illustrated another fourteen books for other authors, including My Daddy Ate an Apple and Square Eyes for Craig Smith, the author of the Wonky Donkey. Most of Scott&#039;s illustrations are quite funny, and he always tries to tell a story through his pictures. He is very good at drawing animals and likes to make his characters animals wherever possible. Scott is always busy writing and illustrating so you can bet there will be another Scott Tulloch book on the way soon.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Scott Tulloch<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Janet\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tupou\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1904\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Janet Tupou<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Laura\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tupou\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1736\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Journalist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Laura is Tongan\/Palangi and grew up in Hamilton where there were only a handful of Pacific people at her high school. She dabbled in all different areas at university - engineering, economics, environmental planning - but most recently did postgraduate study in journalism. She&#039;s lived in Poland and worked for Waikato University and Canterbury University - based in Auckland - advising high school students about their study options. She was the ethnic development reporter at Radio New Zealand where she works with people such as John Campbell and helps bring a Pacific voice to stories in mainstream media and is now a TV Reporter for Newshub.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Laura Tupou<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Troy\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tu&#039;ua\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1481\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Troy went to Weymouth Primary, Weymouth Intermediate and James Cook High School. He also studied at the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA) for two years and graduated in 2009 with a Diploma in Performing Arts. However, he will be most well-known to Duffy kids after playing the part of Duffy in the 2010 Duffy Theatre production of &#039;Duffy&#039;s Occupation Exploration&#039;. Troy has also appeared on &#039;Fresh TV&#039; and was the host of the 2011 Polyfest. &quot;When I performed as Duffy I could see how much I inspired kids and it made me feel great! My favourite book is the Guinness Book of World Records and my favourite movie is the Pursuit of Happyness. I love reading, playing rugby and fishing.&quot;\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Troy Tu&#039;ua<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Reina\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Vaai\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1634\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"I received the Chancellor&#039;s Award Scholarship from the University of Auckland in my final year of High School so that gave me the opportunity to study at the University of Auckland. After 5 and a half years of study, I graduated with a conjoint degree in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in English). I&#039;m now working as a Criminal defence lawyer in Manukau. I&#039;ve always had a huge passion for reading and writing. In 2013, I set up an organisation called &#039;Readers Revolution&#039; where my siblings and I collected books and shipped them off to rural schools in Samoa (Savaii). Since we set up Readers Revolution, there have been thousands of books donated and schools have been able to set up libraries within their villages because of all the donations. As a writer, I have a blog called &#039;Truths She Wrote&#039;, it&#039;s very new. I use it as a platform to raise awareness and talk about issues that I am genuinely passionate about.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Reina Vaai<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Linda\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Vagana\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1146\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Netball\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Linda Vagana<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Mike\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Van de Elzen\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1671\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Chef\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Mike Van de Elzen<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Sam\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Verlinden\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1801\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Musician\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Musicians\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Sam Verlinden<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Stacey\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Waaka\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1711\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Rugby\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Sevens Superstar, World Cup Champion, Olympic Silver Medalist and Commonwealth Gold Medalist Stacey is originally from Whakatane, and grew up in a little town called Ruatoki but moved to Hamilton in 2014 to study a Bachelor of Sport and Leisure at Waikato Univeristy. Although she studies, Stacey is also a full time athlete with the Black Ferns Seven&#039;s Squad which allows her to travel the world playing the sport she loves the most. Stacey loves being a Role Model to young people.The Black Ferns Sevens took the Team of the Year honours at the Halberg Awards last week after winning gold at the Sevens Rugby World Cup and Commonwealth Games.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Stacey Waaka<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jamie\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Wall\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1724\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Writer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Jamie is a rugby writer and presenter for The Spinoff, Rugby Pass, Radio NZ and Maori TV. He grew up in Wellington and studied at Victoria University. Jamie moved to Auckland to pursue a writing career in 2011, and then graduated with a diploma in Creative Advertising at Media Design School NZ. From there he worked as a copywriter while covering rugby in his spare time, eventually getting noticed by Radio NZ. Watching rugby and telling people what he thinks about it is now Jamie&#039;s full time job. Jamie has a power point to show so will require a screen and to connect to your system.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jamie Wall<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Bryan\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Ward\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"601\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Police\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Bryan Ward is a Community Constable for the Otahuhu area and has been a police officer for over 11 years. He is a 2nd dan Black Belt in Aikido, a Rugby coach, an avid reader and soon to be krav maga instructor. In 2000, Bryan and his colleague Hirone ran and cycled the length of the North Island in order to get a signed All Black jersey which was auctioned with other items to raise over $70,000 for &#039;Kidz First&#039;, the children&#039;s hospital in South Auckland for which he is now Ambassador. Bryan is also the national ambassador for Blue Light, has represented New Zealand\/Auckland playing Gaelic football and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship for his services to youth by Rotary in 2002. Bryan is keen to promote the benefits of &#039;reading and safer communities together&#039; message to children and often has his companion &#039;Bobby&#039; to help him promote this message when he visits schools (but not all the time :0) ) Bryan and Bobby is currently screening on Saturday mornings on Four - you can visit them on their website: www.bryanandbobby.co.nz\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Bryan Ward<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Hayden\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Weal\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1538\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"I&#039;m a writer, director and actor who also works on lots of TV and film projects. I was the body double and stand in for Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson&#039;s hobbit trilogy, as well as starring in TV2&#039;s Girl vs Boy. Most recently, I wrote, directed and starred in my own feature film called Chronesthesia which is about love and time travel of the brain, which also stars Julian Dennison, Ricky Baker from Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Our film has been picked up internationally and in NZ, as well as playing festivals in NZ and America, and won a NZ Film Award this year! I have visited many Duffy schools and Im excited to show you some videos and pictures!\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Hayden Weal<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Samantha\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Winders\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1881\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Netball\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Silver Fern Samantha (Sammy) gained a spot in the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic team in her first year out of school in 2014 and in 2015 she was named in the Silver Ferns Development Squad while also touring with the NZA team who played a series of warm-up matches against other countries ahead of the Netball World Cup the same year.Then in 2017 her dream came true and she made the Silver Ferns Squad. You will see Sammy sprinting around the court full of energy and determination in the demanding positions of Wing Defence and Centre. Sammy is lookiing forward to meeting you all as a new Duffy Role Model.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Samantha Winders<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Shelby\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Wolf\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1402\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Animal Welfare\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Shelby Wolf<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Shontelle\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Woodman\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1741\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Rugby League\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Shontelle Woodman<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Corinne\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Yee\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1855\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Dance\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Corinne Yee<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tim\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Young\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1860\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Motivational Speaker\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tim Young<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Anjali\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Mulari\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1651\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Inline Hockey\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Anjali Mulari is a New Zealand ice and inline hockey player. She has attended nine ice hockey world championships and hopes to make it ten next year! She works for New Zealand Police as a Fingerprint Officer and is a mum to two young kids. Anjali also attended Insoll Ave School in Year 5. She looks forward to meeting you all and sharing her story about how reading has helped her get to where she is today!\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Anjali Mulari<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Xavier\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Breed\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1939\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Xavier Breed<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tanya\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Kravcenko\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1935\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Tanya Kravcenko is a chartered accountant with a passion for financial literacy and has more than 20 years of industry experience. With extensive experience serving small businesses and entrepreneurs, Tanya noticed a significant gap in financial literacy among younger generations. This observation inspired her to write &quot;The Jellybean Theory.&quot; Tanya is eager to impart crucial financial literacy and mindset skills to empower young people to make positive life choices and reach their full potential.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tanya Kravcenko<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Stacey\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Leilua\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1931\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actress\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Stacey Leilua is a New Zealand actress and producer. Since the early 2000s she has regularly acted in Pasifika theatre in New Zealand and was a founding member of the Kila Kokonut Krew. She played Ata Johnson, the mother of Dwayne Johnson, in the comedy show Young Rock from 2021 to 2023. The Young Rock TV Series\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Stacey Leilua<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Toko\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Manuel\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1937\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Motivational Speaker\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Toko Manuel, known in the music industry as Prestige, owns a record label called Onemic Records LTD. He is also the founder of a local radio station called Repfm and an educational program called Passion To Profession. Additionally, he is contracted to Eke Panuku Development as a community event adviser &amp; consultant for all of Auckland. Under his record label is his 18-year-old son named J-Hustle, who is a music producer\/artist and founder of his own clothing brand, www.jhustle.nz. Both Toko and J-Hustle engage in a lot of work together for rangatahi, and they both deliver motivational speeches to his fan base, which consists of kids from 10 years old to 30-year-old adults.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Toko Manuel<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Jasmin\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"&#039;Ofamo&#039;oni\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1940\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Dance\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Jasmin &#039;Ofamo&#039;oni<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Dylan\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Schmidt\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1896\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Trampolinist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"SportsHeroes\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Dylan Schmidt<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Taofi\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Mose-Nehemia\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1951\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actress\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Taofi Mose-Nehemia<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Nicole\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Whippy\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1919\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Nicole Whippy<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Diamond\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Langi\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1958\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Model\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Diamond Langi, born in Auckland, New Zealand, and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, secured the Miss Universe New Zealand crown in 2019, representing her homeland on the international stage in Atlanta, Georgia. A dedicated creative, Diamond has contributed to noteworthy projects, including interviewing Disney&#039;s Moana directors Ron Clements and John Musker, and landing the lead role in the film Sosefina. With a background in music and a master&#039;s degree in fashion styling, she effortlessly radiates positivity in any setting. Noteworthy short films she&#039;s starred in include Falls, Felehuhuni, and Impossible, where she takes on compelling leading roles.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Diamond Langi<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tupe\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"LuaLua\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1956\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tupe LuaLua<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Mele\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tonga-Grant\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1959\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Performance Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Mele Tonga-Grant is a first-generation New Zealand-born Tongan from a proud Tongan family that carried their homeland with them through creative expression as a way of life. Her connection to community, culture, and the arts is deeply rooted in a family history dedicated to serving their village, practicing faiva (performing arts), and creating ngaahi ngaue fakamea?a (handicrafts) in Tonga. Mele continues these traditions, learning crafts, language, and dance from elders, alongside her siblings and now their children. Much of this learning took place within the family and church, and Mele is committed to sharing these practices more widely. She has facilitated spoken word poetry events, conducted cultural workshops in schools, supported Pasifika performing groups, and sought opportunities to pass on stories, cultural knowledge, and understanding to ensure these traditions endure. She continues to serve Pacific Communities in her work with Hutt City Council and volunteering in community.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Mele Tonga-Grant<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Richie\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Aholelei\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1873\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Business\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"BusinessLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Richie Aholelei<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Whitney-Lee\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Banfield\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1957\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Music Producer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Musicians\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Whitney-Lee originally from Tauranga and former Duffy pupil, is now based in Auckland, and works in the music industry, connecting and collaborating with artists on live shows, and brand partnerships. She is also dedicated to mental health advocacy, using her personal story to inspire others to overcome challenges and build resilience. Through her creative freelance projects, she combines her passion for music, storytelling, and community, aiming to empower young people and help them to believe in themselves.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Whitney-Lee Banfield<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Andy\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Carruthers\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1952\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Film Maker\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Andy Carruthers is a passionate filmmaker, trail runner, and tramper from Wellington. His love for filmmaking blossomed through his expeditions to remote and challenging landscapes, where he skillfully captured the raw beauty of nature with his GoPro. Andy runs www.greatwalkadventures.com\/blog and directed the film Tararua S-K. In addition to his filmmaking, Andy serves as the Chair of the Alpine Club&#039;s Wellington Section and organises the Tararua Mountain Race, furthering his commitment to fostering a love for the outdoors.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Andy Carruthers<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Nua\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Finau\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1900\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Producer\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"A proud Tongan, born and raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Halaifonua Finau, or Nua as he&#039;s more commonly known, is at the forefront of bringing Polynesian stories to our screens.He studied at Whitireia Performing Arts as a dancer but made his name in the industry as an actor and presenter. In recent years he&#039;s taken his love of performance and shifted his focus behind the camera. Nua brings storytelling with Tongan swag to the kava bowl of creativity. He is a writer and producer, with a mission to take his little corner of the Pacific to the world. He cut his teeth in children&#039;s television as a producer on &#039;Small Blacks TV&#039;, and honed his skills and vibe in series two of the much loved Polynesian series &#039;Baby Mama&#039;s Club&#039;. In 2019, Nua was co-writer and associate producer on &#039;Jonah&#039;, the tele-feature drama series on Tongan and All Blacks rugby legend, Jonah Lomu and in 2023 he co-wrote, and co-produced the acclaimed NZ feature film &#039;Red White and Brass&#039;.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Nua Finau<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Kafoa\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Hala\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1797\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"NZ Defence Force\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Kafoa Hala was born in South Auckland, New Zealand and is of Tongan Heritage. He attended Kingsford Primary, Kedgley Intermediate and De La Salle College. Kafoa studied at the University of Auckland where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts double major in Criminology and Sociology. He went on to complete his honours in Criminology. During University Kafoa mentored Year 13 students and also tutored the Tongan Group at Aorere College for Polyfest. Kafoa worked at the Auckland District Court with both the Ministry of Justice (Court Registrar) and the Department of Corrections (Administration Officer). He went on to do Youthwork in Sydney, Australia for a year and a half. Returning to NZ in 2017 where he worked as a Bartender and as a Trainee Reintegration Officer at the Prison in Wiri. In 2018 Kafoa joined the Royal New Zealand Air force, looking to make a positive impact on a much bigger scale.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Kafoa Hala<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tony\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Laulu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1899\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Author\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tony Laulu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Tevita\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Lavemai\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1796\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"NZ Defence Force\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Tevita Lavemai grew up in Mangere East. Attended Kingsford Primary school then Kedgley Intermediate and finished schooling in Aorere College. After high school he worked at his local community centre with the after school care program and the holiday program at Mangere East Community centre. Working with kids was always a passion of his. Tevita joined the RNZAF in 2017. He still visits and inspires the kids at the community centre\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Tevita Lavemai<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Agnes\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Loheni\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1893\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Business\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"BusinessLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Agnes Loreta Loheni (born 1972) is a New Zealand politician and a former Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for the New Zealand National Party. She was declared elected on 31 January 2019. Under the Pacific Entrepenuers she is the Director of a Pacific focussed fashion brand, MENA which she founded alongside her 3 sisters and her Mother.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Agnes Loheni<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Anny\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Ma\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1641\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Business\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"BusinessLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Anny Ma<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Rebecca Jane\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Magdalinos\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1754\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"NZ Defence Force\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Squadron Leader Rebecca Jane Magdalinos. Rebecca (more commonly known as George) had a dream when she was little that she wanted to be in the Air Force. George eventually joined the Air Force in 1998 as an Aircraft Technician and later commissioned as an Engineering Officer. Since 1998 George has been lucky enough to travel the world and do heaps of amazing things but she prefers to be right here at home helping young people to live up to their potential and fulfil their own dreams.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Rebecca Jane Magdalinos<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Dahlia\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Malaeulu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1892\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Author\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Dahlia Malaeulu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Daniel\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Mataki\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1941\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"DJ\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Musicians\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Daniel Mataki Jnr, known as DJ Danny-ill, is a passionate advocate for reading and literacy, believing in the transformative power of books to inspire and uplift. His work with youth and their families across Christchurch reflects this commitment, as he connects with young people through mentorship and support. In addition to his youth work, Danny channels his creativity into his DJing, running workshops at various libraries and performing at many local Events and Shows including the Crusaders, the Warriors, the Canterbury Rams, along with countless community events. He enjoyed playing a part in the Duffy Books 30 Year celebrations in Christchurch and Dunedin and looks forward to further opportunities to share his love for reading and music with the community.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Daniel Mataki<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Ken\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Millwood\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1827\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Zoo Educator\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Ken Millwood<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Rachel\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Petero\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1732\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Business\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"BusinessLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Rachel Petero<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Stella Moana\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Schmid\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1808\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Conservation\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Kia Ora, my name is Stella, and I come from a little town in the Bay of Islands called Waitangi. I was nearly 11 years old before I learnt to read, and understand what I was reading. These days I read about the things I love every single day. Before Covid I owned my own business teaching people about the native and endemic species of our beautiful Country, like the ancient Kauri trees and the Kiwi. Ive also worked as Kaitiaki Taiao for Northland Regional Council. I am excited to share my story with you, and I hope that you will be able to feel how important reading has become to me and how much it has helped me to do the things I love today and to be able to share what I know with others. I know that reading can help you to do the things you love too. I Look forward to meeting you all Mauriora Stella\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Stella Moana Schmid<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Rutene\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Spooner\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1828\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Performance Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Rutene Spooner<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Carla\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Ta&#039;akimoeaka\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1923\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Business\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"BusinessLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Carla&#039;s flair for design and business lead to the creation of Urban Kurl Studio, specifically in response to the lack of diversity in services offered in hair salons, lack of education offered to the NZ Hairdressing Industry around natural textures, and the complete disregard for people of all ethnicities and hair types who just want to go to a salon and feel invited, welcomed, and enjoy a pampered experience. Carla is driven by her unwavering passion for people crafting an environment where self-expression flourishes. Urban Kurl Studio stands as a hub of innovation and community impact under her guidance as founder and director. Growing up in West Auckland, her favourite books as a child were the Goosebumps series. Reading was her escape from the world and she loved reading books written from a child&#039;s perspective.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Carla Ta&#039;akimoeaka<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Andy\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tilo-Faiaoga\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1954\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Performance Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Andy Tilo-Faiaoga<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Kalisolaite\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Uhila\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1878\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Performance Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Kalisolaite Uhila<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Emma\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Wood\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1903\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Author\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Emma Wood<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Carmel\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Sepuloni\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1938\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Politician\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Carmel, a multifaceted individual, serves as the Labour MP for Kelston, embodying roles as a mother, wife, and daughter of a migrant. In her tenure within the 53rd Labour Government, she held various ministerial positions, including Deputy Prime Minister the first Pacific woman to do so underscoring her commitment to her community. Proud of her heritage, she tirelessly advocates for Kelston constituents and West Auckland. Hailing from Waitara with Samoan, Tongan, and New Zealand European roots, Carmel&#039;s journey to Parliament began in 2008, following a diverse career in the tertiary sector. A hiatus from politics from 2011 to 2014 saw her helm Vaka Tautua, championing health and social services for Pacific communities. Her legislative agenda prioritizes welfare reform, employment opportunities, and fostering cultural ties with the Pacific, echoing her dedication to a fairer, more inclusive society.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Carmel Sepuloni<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"John-Paul\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Foliaki\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1913\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">John-Paul Foliaki<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Lydia\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Sosene\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1905\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Lydia Sosene<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Michelle\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Prasad\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1933\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Michelle&#039;s remarkable journey is marked by her leadership at the Good Start Foundation, where she serves as Founder and CEO, providing transformative scholarships for high school students and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Additionally, as Co-Founder and Director of Meraki &amp; Candid, she works tirelessly to address systemic barriers faced by youth, fostering a more equitable world. Michelle&#039;s entrepreneurial spirit extends to her role as a legal aficionado at Sutcliffe Matson Law, where she mentors aspiring minds and leaves an indelible mark on the field. Her vibrant cultural background, versatile fashion sense, and numerous accolades further highlight her exceptional commitment and leadership, inspiring admiration and awe.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Michelle Prasad<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Sarai\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Ndaba\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1916\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Sarai Ndaba<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Suli\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Moa\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1898\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Suli Moa is a New Zealand playwright, actor, screenwriter and teacher of Tongan descent. He wrote and performed the first Tongan Play in New Zealand, Kingdom of Lote. As a playwright Moa has been awarded the Adam New Zealand Play Award for Best Pacific Play, 12th Round (2016), and Tales of a Princess (2018). Moa&#039;s acting credits include A love yarn (2021) and Sweet Tooth (2021). His writing credits include The Panthers (2021) and Shortland Street (2021-2022). Moa has also appeared in multiple short films as an actor and served as a cultural advisor.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Suli Moa<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Trina\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Isaako\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1934\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Trina is a dedicated member of the Duffy Books in Homes team, where she blends her passion for photography with a love for storytelling and community connection. An avid young reader and proud AUT graduate, she brings narratives to life through her lens, capturing local champions, art and the heart of community initiatives across Aotearoa. Outside of Duffy, Trina is a multi-disciplinary Creative from Auckland, with experience across freelance photography, set and costume design, production and various collaborative arts projects.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Trina Isaako<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Villa\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Lemanu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1929\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Villa Lemanu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Bevan\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Chapman\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1969\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Radio Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Bevan for Breakfast has been the morning voice radio host on Gisborne and Wairoa&#039;s More FM for nearly 20 years. His alarm goes off at 4.30 every morning, and he broadcasts across Gisborne and Wairoa from just after 5am. His role involves a lot of reading, studying, including news, weather reports, road closures and local information. Bevan became a local hero during the Cyclone Gabrielle disaster in 2023. When all normal communications were down, our mobile phones etc, he decided to sleep on the floor of the station so he could continue to broadcast and relay messages that were dropped under the door from people contacting whanau and loved ones to let them know that they were safe or looking for them. A definite HERO.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Bevan Chapman<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Dan\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Downing\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1970\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Originally from the UK, Dan moved to New Zealand for high school and studied at Victoria University. Starting his career at Fonterra, Dan pivoted cross to the charity space working for Sustainable Coastlines and now the Child Cancer Foundation. A sports fanatic and ocean lover, Dan discovered the harsh reality of being a poor reader when in university and now he has made up for lost time and values it as a key part of their downtime, work and learning.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Dan Downing<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Eman\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Ghandour\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1972\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Eman Ghandour<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Gabrielle\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Solomona\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1978\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actress\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Gabrielle Solomona is a multi-talented, multidisciplinary creative working professionally across acting, writing, directing, and producing. She is currently represented by Johnson &amp; Laird talent agency. A graduate of the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA, 2015), Gaby has featured in numerous New Zealand films including Tina, television series such as First Place and professional stage productions. Her screen credits are matched by her creative work behind the scenes as a writer and director for Fresh TV, contributing to its beloved Fresh Fairytales and other popular segments. Gaby was recently part of Celebrity treasure island and co-hosts the breakfast show The Morning Shack on Niu FM.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Gabrielle Solomona<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Helen\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tupai\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1971\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Performance Artist\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Helen Tupai<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Johnnie\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Timu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1967\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Johnnie Timu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Mani\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Malaeulu\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1968\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Mani Malaeulu is the award-winning co-author of Tama Samoa and the creator of the Tama Pasifika Wellbeing Journal. He is also the owner of Empower Pacific, a leadership and wellbeing training company that supports schools, organisations, and businesses across Aotearoa.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Mani Malaeulu<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Merenia\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Donne\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1974\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Recommended\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Merenia Donne<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Michael &#039;Mig&#039;\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Rumney\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1977\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Television Presenter\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Entertainers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Born, raised and living in Rotorua. I went to Selwyn Primary school which at the time was a Duffy school. I then progressed to Rotorua Intermediate and Western Heights High School. I have raced speedway at Paradise Valley Raceway since I was 12 years old and most recently I have been behind the wheel of the 7r Superstock where I have represented Rotorua with pride around the country. Upon leaving school my cousin Scott and I started up the Tv show and YouTube channel Fishing and Adventure. We have enjoyed over a decade of making awesome content on the water and with season 13 of Fishing and Adventure airing soon on TVNZ1 we have no intention to slow down anytime soon. I am a proud Duffy ambassador and love sharing my journey about reading, learning, adventure and the importance of books in our lives.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Michael &#039;Mig&#039; Rumney<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Peter &#039;Tee&#039;\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1976\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Peter &#039;Tee&#039; <\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Trishamarie\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Kaiawe\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1975\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Community Leader\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"CommunityLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Ko wai au? I te taha o toku papa, he uri ahau no Ngati Rehia, no Te Tii ahau. I te taha o toku mama, he uri ahau no Ngati Maniapoto, no Waitomo ahau. E noho ana ahau ki Kerikeri, a, i whanau mai ahau ki Otahuhu i te tau 1989. I grew up in Tamaki Makaurau and later moved to Kaikohe. My parents, who were musicians in the 90s showbands, instilled in me the values of manaakitanga, aroha, tika and pono. Music took us to Australia in 1997 before returning home in 2000. I left school early and became a mother in 2009 and again in 2010. Alongside raising my tamariki, I pursued music, performing with various bands and appearing on Homai Te Pakipaki and My Party Song with the Maori Quartet. After working as a chef and witnessing poor treatment of staff, I chose to study Social Work. I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work and returned home to Te Tai Tokerau in 2022. Since then, I have worked in housing, family harm, and now at Ngapuhi Iwi Social Services in the Te Ao Marama team, supporting whanau to navigate the Family Court system. I am grateful to be living in my manifestations. ?\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Trishamarie Kaiawe<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"0\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\"> <\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Sam\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Smith\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1990\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Author\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Sam Smith is a bestselling author of the Graphic Novel Series &#039;Miles and Jones&#039;. He is also a comedian, and former-dentist. He pivoted from dentistry to comedy after a MS diagnosis caused him to partially lose his vision. He is a head writer for the TV show 7 Days, creates the tasks for Taskmaster NZ, and wrote for Wellington Paranormal. He is the go-to audience warm-up act for many shows including Dancing With the Stars, The Project, Have You Been Paying Attention? and Patriot Brains. Sam enjoys visiting schools and is delighted to join the Duffy Role Model Team this year.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Sam Smith<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Amani\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Ghandour\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1992\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Academic\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Amani Ghandour<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Isobel Joy\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Te Aho-White\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1993\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Author\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"Writers\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngai Tahu, Ngati Kahungunu ki te Wairoa) is an award-winning illustrator based in Poneke, Aotearoa. She incorporates kowhaiwhai and native New Zealand plant life into mostof her work. She has worked on over 30 children&#039;s books and won the Whitley best children&#039;s book award in 2020 for Whiti: Colossal Squid of the Deep. Whenua is her debut as an author. Follow Isobel @izzyjoyart\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Isobel Joy Te Aho-White<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Noeleen\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Tuala\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1994\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Business\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"BusinessLeaders\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"Polytraneur, Creator &amp; Founder of PELE Noeleen Tuala is a South Aucklad based Polytraneur and the creator of PELE, a movement focused on building strength, confidence, and community. A proud mum of five and nana to four, she is of Samoan and Tongan descent, with Irish heritage. Alongside her role as an executive assistant in the community housing sector, she has built PELE from her spare room into a platform that inspires others to believe in themselves and create better futures. Noeleen is passionate about working with young people, encouraging them to stay consistent, back themselves, and realise their potential.\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Noeleen Tuala<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><li class=\"rolemodel-item\"\"\r\n                   data-HeroCName=\"Sala\"\r\n                   data-HeroSName=\"Baker\"\r\n                   data-HeroId=\"1991\"\r\n                   data-HeroCTFDesc=\"Actor\"\r\n                   data-Category=\"FilmStars\"\r\n                   data-HeroCV=\"\">\r\n                   <a href=\"#\" class=\"rolemodel-link\">Sala Baker<\/a>\r\n                   <\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1c1b5133 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1c1b5133\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6b803329\" data-id=\"6b803329\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b13f01e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jkit_heading\" data-id=\"4b13f01e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jkit_heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"jeg-elementor-kit jkit-heading  align-center align-tablet-center align-mobile-center jeg_module___6aaea36ee9dc5\" ><h3 class=\"heading-section-subtitle  style-color\">Role Models<\/h3><div class=\"heading-section-title  display-inline-block\"><h2 class=\"heading-title\">Want to Join Us?<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f9ec190 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f9ec190\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you want to join us in achieving our vision to inspire a love of books in Duffy children so they become adults who inspire a love of reading, email us, head to our Become a Role Model page or call 0800 383 392<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1adc6b5f elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"1adc6b5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm elementor-animation-shrink\" href=\"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/become-a-role-model\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get in Touch<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\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<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Role Models Home Our Work Role Models Being a Duffy Role Model is more than just having a recognisable face or an impressive career. Our Role Models have a passion&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-191","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Role Models - Duffy Books in Homes New Zealand<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/booksinhomes.org.nz\/role-models\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Role Models - Duffy Books in Homes New Zealand\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Role Models Home Our Work Role Models Being a Duffy Role Model is more than just having a recognisable face or an impressive career. 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