This term, Duffy Books in Homes reached a huge milestone: 16 million books delivered to tamariki since 1994. That is 16 million moments of excitement, pride, and possibility placed directly into the hands of children who need them most.

Every book represents more than a story. It is a message that says: You matter. Your future matters. Your reading journey matters.

A milestone built on partnership

Reaching 16 million books has been possible because of the people and organisations who believe in the power of reading. Schools, whānau, role models, and especially our Funding Partners all play a part in making the 50–50 programme work.

Schools cover half the cost of the programme, and Funding Partners support the other half. Together, they ensure that every child in a Duffy school receives brand-new books to keep, treasure and read again and again.

This milestone is a celebration of that partnership.

Why this matters more than ever

The need for access to books continues to grow. Many schools joining the programme tell us the same things:

• families are stretched
• books at home are limited
• children are hungry for stories

When a child receives their Duffy books, something shifts. Teachers tell us they see:

• more reading at home
• more confidence in class
• more pride in book ownership
• more joy around literacy

Sixteen million books means millions of these moments, and we are not slowing down.

Help us reach more school communities

As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking ahead. We have over 100 schools committed on the programme and waiting for Duffy Books to find a funding partner to match the cost of books ordered by every child in their school.  This is where we need your help. 

New Funding Partners can make a real difference by:

• supporting a school in their community
• helping children build a lifelong love of reading
• seeing the impact of their support through assemblies, thank-you letters and student stories
• joining a kaupapa that has changed lives for more than 30 years

It is a partnership that strengthens communities and creates lasting change.

Join us for the next chapter

Sixteen million books is a milestone worth celebrating. We would love more organisations to partner with a school on the Duffy Books in Homes journey.

If your business, trust, or organisation is interested in becoming a Funding Partner, we would love to kōrero and connect with you. Together, we can help even more tamariki become proud, confident Duffy kids who value reading and telling their own stories.