Georgina te Heuheu
Minister of Womens Affairs
MEDIA RELEASE 12 November, 1999
Duffy Books Part of NZ Culture
Minister of Women's Affairs Georgina te Heuheu is impressed at the influence 'Duffy books' is having on the development
of our children.
'The Books in Homes programme is set to become a defining feature of our NZ culture,' Mrs te Heuheu said.
The Minister was attending the Books in Homes programme's launch in Auckland of the latest anthology of school
children's writing and illustrations ' Tikity Boo 3. All the children from the 134 schools that had published works were
also flown in for the launch and two read their stories before a gathering of parents, teachers, sponsors and
supporters. Former All black Norm Hewitt a leading promoter of Duffy Books was also present at the launch.
'There are now 65,00 children benefiting from Duffy Books and 284 schools participating in the programme. With the
millionth book delivered in October this year this is now more than just a reading programme.'
'This is about creating an exciting new vehicle for the skills and imagination of our children,' she said. 'These
Tikity Boo series are a fantastic empowering way for kids to be encouraged to write about and illustrate things that
reflect who they are,' says Mrs te Heuheu.
'The stories and illustrations submitted by more than 3000 children are of a high calibre. I am thrilled at the
creative talent and potential reflected in these stories and drawings,' Mrs te Heuheu said, 'and I am optimistic for the
future'.
'I commend Alan Duff and Christine Fernyhough for their vision and commitment and also Carter Holt Harvey and other
sponsors for their enthusiasm and support. It is this commitment to the future of our children that the National
government is proud to support,' she concluded.
ENDS