Tim Tipene, of Ngati Kuri and Ngati Whatua descent, is a children's writer. A survivor of a violent and abusive childhood, Tim broke the cycle and became a leader in the field of personal development and stopping violence. He is highly regarded for his work in the community and for his books that deal with social and environmental issues.
In 1994 Tim started the Warrior Kids programme and went on to provide it to communities and schools for over 20 years, changing the lives of thousands of children and their families.
In 2016 Tim accepted an invitation to be a part of the Sir Peter Blake Trust Dream Team as an inspirational Kiwi leader to inspire Kiwi kids to follow their dreams. Tim was awarded a Kiwibank Local Hero Medal in 2014 in recognition of his contribution to the lives of others.
Tim started martial arts at the age of 12 and over 30 years accumulated a total of 12 Dan Black Belt ranks and various teaching titles. In 2013 Tim was inducted into the New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Tim is a trained counsellor with a graduate certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
Tim has worked in the security industry, has been a self-defence instructor for women, an advocate for intellectually challenged adults and a facilitator of Anger Management and Living Without Violence programmes for men.

Selected bibliography:

• The Wooden Fish illustrated by Jenny Cooper (Reed 1999)
• Taming the Taniwha illustrated by Henry Campbell (Huia 2001)
• Haere: Farewell Jack, Farewell illustrated by Huhana Smith (Huia 2005)
• Kura Toa: Warrior School (Reed 2004)
• Warrior Kids (Reed 2006)
• Rewa Finds His Wings illustrated by Jo Thapa (Raupo 2008)
• Hinemoa te Toa illustrated by John Bennett (Scholastic 2008)
• Warrior Kids: Warrior Training for Children (Libro International 2011)
• Patu (Libro International 2012)

Awards:

• Storylines Notable Book Awards 2000 for The Wooden Fish.
• White Ravens 2002 List for Taming the Taniwha.
• New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards 2006 Picture Book Honour Award for Haere: Farewell Jack, Farewell.
• LIANZA Te Kura Pounamu Award 2009 for Hinemoa te Toa.

Other resources:

• Tim’s website.

Storylines thanks zeald.com for their ongoing support of the Storylines website.