Tim was adopted and raised in two cultures, NZ Maori and NZ European. His tribal affiliations are Ngāti Kurī / Ngāti Whātua / Ngāti Pākehā

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.

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's Book Awards:

Rona Moon

Storylines Notable Te Reo Māori 2021.

Māui - Sun Catcher

Storylines Notable book 2017.

Hinemoa te toa

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.