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Draft:Tim Tipene

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Tim Tipene (born 12 June 1972) is a New Zealand author, motivational speaker, martial arts instructor, and founder of the youth‑development programme *Warrior Kids*. He has published over 20 books for children and young adults, and is recognised for transforming his traumatic upbringing into tools for empowering others.

Early life and background

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Tim Tipene was born on 12 June 1972 in Henderson, Auckland[1]. Adopted as an infant into the Waitai‑Tipene whānau, he was raised in Glen Eden in a bicultural environment—his European appearance contrasted with his Māori name, often leading to identity questions in childhood[2][3]. He affiliates with Ngāti Kurī, Te Uri‑o‑Hau, and Ngāti Whātua iwi[3].

Tim endured severe physical and emotional abuse from his immediate family, experiencing generational violence firsthand. He described himself as “a product of rape,” a narrative he explores in his memoir *White Moko: Stories from My Life*[2][4].

A defining moment occurred during an eye operation at age five, when his adoptive whānau (grandmother, uncles, and aunt) provided care while his immediate family was absent. Tipene identifies this as a turning point in his resilience and sense of belonging[2].

In primary school, after being placed in special classes (for speech, reading, and math), a teacher—Mrs Battersby—noticed his bruises and responded with empathy, validating his experiences and affirming his worth. Tipene later noted that her tears and words helped reframe his self-image[2][5].

Despite these supports, Tim attempted suicide at 16. He says the contrasting experiences of abuse and affirmation by his whānau and teachers prevented him from taking his life ([2]</ref>).

He began martial arts training at age 12 to channel anger and trauma. Over time, martial arts evolved into a philosophy of restraint and healing—leading him to earn multiple black belts and a graduate certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, as well as qualifications in Māori family therapy in 2001[1][3].

Warrior Kids

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In 1994, Tipene founded *Warrior Kids*, a ten‑session life‑skills and conflict‑resolution programme for 5–13 year-olds. It integrates Māori principles (such as manaakitanga and self-mastery), Eastern martial arts (non-violent self-protection), Western psychology, and trauma-informed care, with a focus on self-control, leadership, and emotional regulation[6][7][8].

Despite just six months of funding during its first 25 years, the programme expanded nationwide through schools and community workshops. Thousands of children and families have participated over nearly three decades[7][6].

Tipene emphasises that the programme teaches de-escalation rather than aggression: “If you teach a child to hit then they will hit…”[7].

Writing career

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Tipene published his first children’s story in 1996. Since then, he has authored over 20 books—including picture books, junior novels, and memoir. His work draws heavily on his early life, cultural identity, and commitment to healing and empowerment.

Notable works and recognition:

- *The Wooden Fish* (1999) – Storylines Notable Book 2000[9] - *Taming the Taniwha* (2001) – White Ravens Catalogue 2002, Storylines Notable 2010[9] - *Haere: Farewell Jack, Farewell* (2005) – Picture Book Honour, NZ Post Book Awards 2006[9] - *Hinemoa te Toa* (2008) – LIANZA Te Kura Pounamu 2009[9] - *Māui – Sun Catcher* (2016), *Rona Moon* (2020), *Pipi and Pou* series (2020s) – Storylines Notable Book Awards 2017–2024[3][9]

Counselling, speaking, and honours

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Tipene has worked as a counsellor and speaker, delivering workshops through Duffy Books in Homes, the NZ Book Council, and the Auckland Writers Festival (2017). He also served as part of the Sir Peter Blake Dream Team of Leaders[3][10].

Awards include: - New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame induction (2013)[7] - Kiwibank Local Hero Medal (2015 & 2016)[6] - Multiple Storylines Notable awards (2000–2024)[9]

Personal life

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Tipene continues to reside in West Auckland, where he remains active in community work, counselling, and writing. He maintains strong ties to his Māori identity, and his lived experiences continue to drive his advocacy for youth empowerment and trauma-informed healing.

Selected bibliography

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  • *The Wooden Fish* (1999)
  • *Taming the Taniwha* (2001)
  • *Haere: Farewell Jack, Farewell* (2005)
  • *Hinemoa te Toa* (2008)
  • *Kura Toa: Warrior School* (2006)
  • *Warrior Kids: Warrior Training for Children* (2011)
  • *Māui – Sun Catcher* (2016)
  • *Mrs Battleship* (2019)
  • *White Moko: Stories from My Life* (2020)
  • *Rona Moon* (2020)
  • *Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain* (2023)
  • *Pipi and Pou and the Tentacles of the Deep* (2023)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Tipene, Tim 1972-". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Warrior Kid Tim Tipene – White Moko". Radio NZ. 2020-09-09.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Tim Tipene". New Zealand Society of Authors. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  4. ^ "White Moko. Stories from my life by Tim Tipene". Bob’s Books Blog. 2020-11-15.
  5. ^ "Tim Tipene – School Failure to Award Winning Author". Scoop Education. 2017-07-03.
  6. ^ a b c "The Author – Warrior Kids". TimTipene.com. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  7. ^ a b c d "Tim Tipene inducted into NZ Martial Arts Hall of Fame". Scoop. 2013-07-10.
  8. ^ "Warrior Kids Manual". WarriorKids.org. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  9. ^ a b c d e f "Storylines profile: The Wooden Fish". Storylines. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  10. ^ "Tim Tipene – Auckland Writers Festival". Auckland Writers Festival. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
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