In 2010 Te Kiko Trust published its first book on Maori role models.
It was distributed to schools and libraries around the country, and, given its success, it was followed by a second instalment in 2012.
The response from young people, parents and teachers prompted the decision to take the role models off the printed page and take them into schools - and Maori Role Models on Tour was born.
"At the beginning of 2013 we did a pilot of Maori Role Models on Tour with Māori Television presenter, singer and song-writer Te Hāmua Nikora at six high schools across the Manawatu and Whanganui regions," Te Aorangi Harrinton said.
"This pilot was a huge success, and we were quickly inundated with requests from schools to take it to them."