The Author
- Warrior Kids -
Tim is regarded as a trailblazer in holistic youth development in New Zealand. In 1994 he created Warrior Kids, a self control and social skills programme to share the tools he'd used to transform his own life.
His programme quickly gained respect across NZ for its positive impact on kids, especially those from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds. Tim ran Warrior Kids in schools and communities for 28 years.
Tim's work incorporates te ao Māori (Māori worldviews), trauma-informed care, and strength based learning. He's helped thousands of children and families across the country - and has become a role model for turning pain into purpose.
Tim teaching Warrior Kids in 1999.
Photo from the NZ Herald.
For Warrior Kids Tim received the following acknowledgements:
- Kiwibank New Zealander of the year Local Hero Award in 2015 and 2016.
- NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee, 2013.
Tim being inducted into the NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame by Professor Dave Millar
- Black Belt -
A trained counsellor with a graduate certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Tim also holds multiple Black Belt Ranks and teaching titles in various Martial Arts.
Tim discovered martial arts in his youth, which became a key turning point for him. But instead of focussing on fighting, he connected deeply with the discipline, control, and inner strength martial arts taught him. He also explored personal development, spirituality, and emotional healing - blending western psychology, Māori culture and eastern philosophies.
- Childhood -
Tim was adopted into the Waitai Tipene family as an infant, and raised in two cultures, NZ Māori and NZ European.
His tribal affiliations are Ngāti Kurī / Te Uri-o-Hau / Ngāti Whātua
Inspirational Speaker: For over two decades Tim shared his story of overcoming an abusive and violent childhood with audiences both young and old.
- Book Awards -
Tim's first story was published in 1996. Since then he has gone on to write numerous books.
His writing has seen him achieve the following awards.
Pipi and Pou and the Firewoman
Storylines Notable Book 2024.
Te Pukapuka ka Kore e Pānuihia
Finalist - Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for te reo Māori at the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2024.
Pipi and Pou and the Tentacles of the Deep
Storylines Notable Book 2023.
Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain
Finalist - Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award at the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2023.
Rona Moon
Storylines Notable Te Reo Māori 2021.
Storylines Notable book 2017.
Received two awards at the 2009 LIANZA Children's Book Awards:
Te Tohu Pounamu mo te wahanga Kaiwhakamaori and Te Tohu Taurapa mo te whahanga Pukapuka Pikitia.
Haere, Farewell Jack, farewell
Picture Book Honour Award at the 2006 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children & Young Adults.
Named one of the top New Zealand picture books by Waikato University, 2010.
Taming the Taniwha
Selected for the White Ravens International Youth Library Catalogue as one of the world's top 250 children's books for 2002.
Named one of the top New Zealand picture books by Waikato University, 2010.
The Wooden Fish
Storylines Notable book 2000.
- Watch Tim's
inspirational story -
Video
The boy who wanted to marry his teacher.
Interview on TV3's The Project.
Mrs Battleship.
Listen to an in depth interview from Radio NZ
where Tim's discusses his book, 'White Moko'. 2020
Tim's Books can be purchased online
