Welcome to Duffy's Book Blog

Kia Ora, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Kia orana, Nisa Bula Vinaka, Fakalofa lahi atu, Taloha Ni, Namaste, Annyong, Warm greetings, to all Duffy Books in Homes schools, sponsors, role models, supporters and families

Welcome to Duffy's Book Blog!  I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year, but also would like to take this opportunity to express our thoughts and sorrows not only for our Christchurch Duffy schools, children and teachers, sponsors, supporters and role models, but also to all the people and communities of Christchurch who are facing one of the most challenging tragedies in New Zealand’s history.  We trust that through this difficult time that you may find some peace and comfort.

It's great to see that schools in Christchurch are starting to open and we hope that the process of getting back up and running goes as smoothly as possible.

Globally, we continue to experience and hear about the challenges financially and economically not only in New Zealand but around the world.  We believe this makes the role of Duffy Books in Homes even more important; empowering and inspiring our Duffy children through our Duffy Role Model assemblies and promoting the joy and celebration of brand new books in children’s homes.

Also ready to inspire our kids are this year’s talented and very hip team of actors on the road with The Duffy Theatre (see the earlier post for more details) who will be stirring up the kids at every show.  This term we will farewell Jacqui Whyte who has been responsible for the fantastic and smooth running of all our Duffy shows as our Theatre Production Manager.  We are sad to see you leave us Jacqui and warmly acknowledge all your amazing work over the last 14 years.  Thank you Jacqui!  In replacing Jacqui I would like to welcome back Sarah Graham, a former Duffy actor from 2008 who is now our new Theatre Production Manager.

We are very sad to also have to farewell two other members of our team.  Firstly Laraine Lash, thank you so much for your dedication and fantastic work over the last 13 years.  We will really miss you and are sure your schools feel the same way.  Our Sponsorship Manager Vanessa Johnson, is off to further studies in Brisbane at the Christian Heritage College.  Thank you for all your work in sponsorship and we wish you all the best with your studies.

Lastly, I am looking forward to seeing the Duffy programme go from strength to strength in 2011, but all our successes would not be possible without the investment and commitment from our wonderful family of sponsors and supporters.  Thank you!

Take care and happy reading

Linda Vagana

General Manager