Tim Tipene
Location: Auckland
Preferred audience: Any
Award-winning author, inspirational speaker and founder of the acclaimed Warrior Kids programme.
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 and disadvantaged backgrounds. Tim ran Warrior Kids in schools and communities for 28 years. He helped thousands of children and families across the country - and has become a role model for turning pain into purpose.
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 first story was published in 1996. Since then, he has gone on to write numerous books, including many award winners.
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.
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 the arts taught him.
For over two decades Tim has been sharing his story of overcoming an abusive and violent childhood with audiences both young and old. Through his talks he encourages people to lead a warrior life, overcoming adversity and achieving their goals.
The Ever-Standing Tree – Oratia Books, 2024
Pipi and Pou and the Firewoman – One Tree House, 2024
Pipi and Pou and the Waves of Destruction – One Tree House, 2024
The Book that Wouldn’t Read – Oratia Books, 2023
Pipi and Pou and the 100 Legs of Terror – One Tree House, 2023
Pipi and Pou and the Tentacles of the Deep – One Tree House, 2023
Pipi and Pou and the River Monster – One Tree House, 2022
Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain – One Tree House, 2022
Rona Moon – Oratia Books, 2020
White Moko – One Tree House, 2020
Mrs Battleship – One Tree House, 2019
Māui – Sun Catcher – Oratia Books, 2016
Patu – Oratia Books, 2012
Warrior Kids – Warrior Training for Children Manual – Oratia Books, 2011
Hinemoa te toa – Scholastic New Zealand, 2008
Rewa Finds his Wings – The Penguin Group, 2008
Warrior Kids – Reed Publishing, 2006. Republished as Bullies and Warriors, 2012, Oraita Books
Haere, Farewell, Jack, Farewell – Huia Publishers, 2005
Kura Toa Warrior School – Reed Publishing, 2004. Republished 2009, Oratia Books
Taming the Taniwha – Huia Publishers, 2001
The Wooden Fish – Reed Publishing, 1999