About
- Warrior Kids -
Tim is 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 that 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 and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Tim ran Warrior Kids in schools and communities independently for 28 years, only ever receiving 6 months of funding. He 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, 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
- Inspirational Speaker -
For over two decades, Tim has been sharing his story of overcoming an abusive and violent childhood, and of breaking the cycle, with audiences both young and old. Through his talks he encourages people to lead a warrior life, overcoming adversity and achieving their goals.
- 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 including...
- 5th Dan Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, Japan 2009. Dr Masaaki Hatsumi.
- Shidoshi License Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, Japan 2009. Dr Masaaki Hatsumi.
- 5th Dan Ai Shin Do Bujutsu, NZ 2007. Mixed martial arts. Dwane Morgan & Chris Nicholson.
- 2nd Dan Go Shintai Kai Karate, NZ 1992. A blend of Shotokan Karate and Judo under Peter Lee.
- Chief Instructor Go Shintai Kai Karate, NZ 1992.
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 the arts taught him.
- 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
Tim has often spoken of the love that he received from members of his wider whānau, (family), and also of being rejected by both cultures.
- 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 and nominations.
2024 Storylines Notable Book
Pipi and Pou and the Firewoman
2024 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults
Te Pukapuka ka Kore e Pānuihia
Finalist - Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for te reo Māori
2023 Storylines Notable Book
Pipi and Pou and the Tentacles of the Deep
2023 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults
Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain
Finalist - Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award.
2021 Storylines Notable Book
Rona Moon
2017 Storylines Notable Book
2010 New Zealand Picture Book Collection
Taming the Taniwha - Selected
2010 New Zealand Picture Book Collection
Haere, Farewell Jack, farewell - Selected
2009 LIANZA Children's Book Awards
Nominated - Te Kura Pounamu Award
2009 LIANZA Children's Book Awards
Winner - Te Tohu Pounamu mo te wahanga Kaiwhakamaori
2009 LIANZA Children's Book Awards
Winner - Te Tohu Taurapa mo te whahanga Pukapuka Pikitia.
2006 NZ Post Book Awards for Children & Young Adults
Haere, Farewell Jack, farewell
Picture Book Honour Award
2002 White Ravens International Youth Library Catalogue
Taming the Taniwha - Selected
2002 Esther Glen Medal
Taming the Taniwha - Nominated
2000 Storylines Notable Book
The Wooden Fish
- Watch Tim's
inspirational story -
Video
The boy who wanted to marry his teacher, 2019.
Interview on TV3's The Project, 2019.
Catching the sun
and living like Māui.
Auckland Writers Festival 2017.
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
