Trina Isaako of Duffy Books

This October, we were introduced to Trina Isaako, administrator and role model coordinator at Duffy Books, an organisation that operates as a book club for low-decile primary and intermediate schools, a literacy initiative to ensure kids have access to books. It made sense to partner with Duffy Books, contributing to the basics that Tāmaki need if they are to thrive. Our collaboration also meant that we could reach young people in schools in areas we have not previously served with quality clothing and footwear. 

Within that month, we supplied 1,500 quality items to four schools in South Auckland and so far, 42 boxes—1,868 pieces of quality clothing, footwear and underwear have been supplied to 13 schools in the far North, a region where transport costs to stores create additional barriers. 

In the same way our front-line service community partners support those in their care, the teachers and staff have created a hyper-localised environment of support, which, with the families and broader community, has created a care network. We are honoured to have been in a position to support these schools. 

Here, Trina shares how incorporating clothing as part of a literacy programme contributes to Tāmaki feeling seen and how she hopes that similar partnerships would continue so that we’d see stronger communities and higher levels of engagement in education.

Interview by Tracey Creed.

What impact did having access to quality clothing from Common have on the students and families at the schools you support?

When we partnered with Common, we knew something special was about to happen. Within hours of reaching out, more than half of our schools had embraced the opportunity to receive clothing donations— a clear sign of just how great the need is.

Together with Charli, we asked: Where could this make the biggest difference? The answer was simple: the Far North. These communities aren’t just remote; they’re often cut off from the basics many of us take for granted. For some families, access to quality clothing isn’t limited, it’s almost non-existent. There are no big retail stores nearby, even getting to the closest shop can mean long travel times and high transport costs.

This partnership was about more than clothes. It’s about confidence, pride and the power of feeling seen.

From your perspective, how does clothing support fit alongside literacy programmes like Duffy Books to strengthen the community care network around young people?

Books unlock worlds of knowledge, imagination, and opportunity. Clothing brings confidence, comfort, and a sense of belonging. When a child feels good in what they wear, they step into the classroom ready to learn, ready to participate, and ready to dream bigger.

Together, these initiatives weave a strong network of care around our tamaiti (children).

By combining literacy and clothing support, we’re sending a powerful message to our communities: we see you, we value you, and we’re here to help you succeed.

Some of the schools in Northland are quite isolated. Talk to us about how you create an environment with the schools that supports engagement and participation. 

Our approach is all about creating ownership and pride. Through the Duffy Books in Homes program every child gets to choose two brand-new books, three times a year, completely free thanks to their school and funding partner. That freedom to choose is powerful because it gives kids control over their reading journey, and when they choose, they engage.

But we don’t stop at books. We celebrate success through our Duffy Role Model Assemblies, where we bring in incredible individuals — champions in their fields — who share how reading has shaped their own journeys. 

What makes this impactful is when kids see role models who look like them and come from similar stories and backgrounds. It sends a clear message:‘If they can do it, I can too.’ That sense of connection turns inspiration into belief — anything they can imagine in their minds, they can achieve and hold in their hands.

We pair this inspiration with practical support, like our partnership with Common, which helps remove barriers that can hold kids back. When kids feel prepared and proud, they step confidently into the classroom, ready to learn and thrive. For us, it’s about more than books, it’s about creating hope, belonging, and the belief that reading opens doors to endless possibilities.

What would the long-term impact be if partnerships like ours continued or expanded?

Transformation. Imagine generations of kids who not only have access to books but also the essentials that allow them to show up fully. Partnerships like this help level the playing field so every child can succeed without being held back by limitations. I truly believe that over time we’d see stronger communities, higher engagement in education, and a cycle of care that keeps giving. Turning barriers into bridges so every child can walk confidently toward their dreams.