Update: 136 schools are currently waiting for a Funding Partner. Be the reason these tamariki fall in love with reading.
Not every child who receives a Duffy book is an avid reader.
Some need a little more time to discover the joy of stories.
That’s what makes John Pulu‘s story so inspiring.
Growing up, John received books through the Duffy Books in Homes programme. Like many children, reading wasn’t something he naturally gravitated towards. But those books became part of his childhood, and some remain on his bookshelf today as a reminder of where his own story began.
Today, John has built a career around storytelling.
As an actor, writer, director, and filmmaker, he brings stories to life on screen, creating work that reflects New Zealand’s diverse communities and celebrates Pasifika voices. His career spans film, television, theatre, and digital media, where he continues to inspire audiences through powerful storytelling.
John Pulu
Stories come in many forms
When we think about literacy, we often picture children sitting quietly with a book.
But storytelling is much bigger than that.
Stories can be read.
They can be spoken.
They can be performed.
They can be filmed.
For John, the journey from receiving Duffy books to creating stories for the screen demonstrates how reading helps build the imagination and creativity that can lead to countless opportunities later in life.
Not every child who owns a Duffy book will become a filmmaker.
But every child deserves the opportunity to discover where stories might take them.
More than learning to read
At Duffy Books in Homes, our goal has never simply been to improve reading skills.
It’s about helping children discover the confidence to imagine, create, and express themselves.
Sometimes that confidence grows into a lifelong love of books.
Sometimes it becomes a career built around storytelling.
Sometimes it simply gives a child the belief that their own story matters.
John’s journey reminds us that there isn’t one path to success.
Every child’s story is different.
What matters is giving them the opportunity to begin writing it.
Watch John’s story
In this episode of The Duffy Journey series, John reflects on growing up with Duffy Books in Homes, the books that stayed with him, and how a child who didn’t particularly enjoy reading became someone who now makes his living telling stories.
It’s a powerful reminder that books can plant seeds whose impact may not be seen until many years later.
Every story begins somewhere
One of the most powerful messages in John’s story is that children don’t have to be confident readers from day one.
Sometimes all it takes is one book, one opportunity or one person who believes in them.
At Duffy Books in Homes, that’s why we continue putting books into the hands of tamariki across Aotearoa.
Because every child deserves the chance to discover where their own story might lead.
Be part of the next chapter
Stories like Noeleen’s and John’s begin with something simple -a child receiving a book they can call their own.
You can help create more stories like these by supporting a school, volunteering as a Duffy Role Model, or making a donation.
Every book opens a new possibility.