Every child deserves to see someone who inspires them.

That is the thinking behind the Duffy Role Model Programme. Each year, Duffy Books in Homes invites a diverse group of New Zealanders to visit schools throughout Aotearoa and share their stories, experiences, and love of reading with thousands of tamariki.

These visits are about much more than handing out books. They create meaningful connections, spark curiosity, and help children see that reading can open doors to opportunities they may never have imagined.

Real People. Real Stories. Real Impact.

Duffy Role Models come from all walks of life.

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

During Term One 2026, schools welcomed an incredible group of Role Models including authors, illustrators, Olympic athletes, scientists, musicians, community leaders, and television personalities. Each brought their own unique story, but the message remained the same – books and reading can change lives.

Whether it was bestselling author and comedian Sam Smith sharing his unconventional career journey, illustrator and author Isobel Joy Te Aho-White discussing creativity and storytelling, or paleontologist Diana Queenin bringing the world of fossils and discovery to life, every visit helped reinforce the value of reading and learning.

Inspiring confidence through connection

One of the strengths of the Duffy Role Model Programme is that children often see themselves reflected in the people standing in front of them.

Role Models share their challenges as well as their successes. They talk honestly about setbacks, hard work, resilience, and the importance of education. These authentic stories help children understand that success does not follow a single path.

At Glenholme School, students connected strongly with Whitney-Lee Banfield’s honest discussion about the realities and challenges she faced growing up. Staff noted how meaningful it was for tamariki to hear a story they could relate to and to see someone who had turned those experiences into success.