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.
Picture Books
How Many Times, Me Hia Rawa Ngā Wā? illustrated by Nicoletta Benella, Māori translation by Kanapu Rangitauira. (Oratia Books, 2025)
The Ever-Standing Tree, Te Rākau Tū Tonu, illustrated by Ani Huia Ligaliga. Māori translation by Kanapu Rangitauira. (Oratia Books, 2024)
The Book that Wouldn’t Read, illustrated by Nicoletta Benella, Māori translation by Kanapu Rangitauira. (Oratia Books, 2023)
Rona Moon, Ko Rona Māhina, illustrated by Theresa Reihana, Māori translation by Stephanie Huriana Fong. (Oratia Books, 2020)
Māui – Sun Catcher, illustrated by Zak Waipara, Māori translation by Rob Ruha. (Oratia Books, 2016)
i, illustrated by John Bennett, Māori translation by Katarina Mataira. (Scholastic New Zealand, 2008)
Rewa Finds his Wings, illustrated by Jo Thapa. (The Penguin Group, 2008)
Haere, Farewell, Jack, Farewell, illustrated by Huhanna Smith, Māori translation by Manu te Awa. (Huia Publishers, 2005)
Taming the Taniwha, illustrated by Henry Campbell, Māori translation by Mohi Cherrington. (Huia Publishers, 2001)
The Wooden Fish, illustrated by Jennifer Cooper. (Reed Publishing, 1999)
Junior Novels
Pipi and Pou and the Haunted Forest, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. (OneTree House, 2025)
Pipi and Pou and the Shadow Below, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. (OneTree House, 2025)
Pipi and Pou and the Firewoman, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. (OneTree House, 2024)
Pipi and Pou and the Waves of Destruction, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. (OneTree House, 2024)
Pipi and Pou and the 100 Legs of Terror, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. (OneTree House, 2023)
Pipi and Pou and the Tentacles of the Deep, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. (OneTree House, 2023)
Pipi and Pou and the River Monster, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. (OneTree House, 2022)
Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. (OneTree House, 2022)
Mrs Battleship, illustrated by Carol Green. (OneTree House, 2019)
Warrior Kids (Reed Publishing, 2006.) Republished as Bullies and Warriors, 2012, Oraita Books
Young Adult Novels
White Moko, (One Tree House, 2020)
Patu, (Oratia Books, 2012)
Kura Toa Warrior School, (Reed Publishing, 2004) Republished 2009, Oratia Books
Manual
Warrior Kids – Warrior Training for Children, Photos by Paul McSweeney. (Oratia Books, 2011)
Short Listings and Awards
Pipi and Pou and the Haunted Forest, illus. Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, OneTree House, 2025, Storylines Notable Book 2025.
Pipi and Pou and the Shadow Below, illus. Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, OneTree House, 2025, Storylines Notable Book 2025
Pipi and Pou and the Firewoman, illus. Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, OneTree House, 2024, Storylines Notable Book 2024.
The Book That Wouldn’t Read, Te Reo version, Te Pukapuka ka Kore e Pānuihia, translated by Kanapu Rangitauira, illus. Nicoletta Benella, Oratia Books, 2023, 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, illus. Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, OneTree House, 2023, Storylines Notable Book 2023.
Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain, illus. Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, OneTree House, 2022, Finalist - Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award at the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2023.
Rona Moon, Ko Rona Māhina, illus. Theresa Reihana, Māori translation. Stephanie Huriana Fong, Oratia Books, 2020, Storylines Notable Book Te Reo Māori 2021.
Māui - Sun Catcher, illus. Zak Waipara, Māori translation. Rob Ruha, Oratia Books, 2016, Storylines Notable Book 2017.
Hinemoa te toa, illus. John Bennett, Māori translation. Katarina Mataira, Scholastic New Zealand, 2008, 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. Nominated, Te Kura Pounamu Award, 2009.
Haere, Farewell Jack, farewell, illus. Huhanna Smith, Huia Publishers, 2005, 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, illus. Henry Campbell, Huia Publishers, 2001, 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, illus. Jennifer Cooper, Reed Publishing, 1999, Storylines Notable book 2000.