Tim Tipene Named 2026 Storylines Margaret Mahy Medallist
The Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust Te Whare Waituhi Tamariki is delighted to announce Tim Tipene as the 2026 recipient of the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal. This award is recognised as New Zealand’s most prestigious honour for authors, illustrators, and publishers of children’s and young adult literature.
About the Honouree
Tim Tipene is awarded in recognition of his outstanding and sustained contribution to children’s literature and literacy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through his powerful, compassionate storytelling, Tim has given voice to children facing hardship and shown them pathways towards hope and self-belief. His books, including Mrs Battleship, White Moko, and the Pipi and Pou series, combine authenticity, humour, and emotional truth, engaging readers from all backgrounds. Beyond his writing, Tim’s decades of work in schools and communities have inspired countless young people to read, reflect, and see themselves in stories. His impact as both a writer and advocate embodies the spirit of Margaret Mahy — imagination used in service of empathy, resilience, and transformation.
Tim Tipene is a celebrated poet and author whose work bridges cultures and communities. Adopted into the Waitai Tipene family, he was raised within both NZ Māori and NZ European traditions. His iwi affiliations are Ngāti Kurī, Te Uri-o-Hau, and Ngāti Whātua.
Since his first publication in 1996, Tim has crafted an impressive body of work, including the popular Pipi and Pou series and The Book That Wouldn’t Read. His influence extends far beyond the page:
- Youth Advocate: In 1994, Tim founded “Warrior Kids”, a self-control and social skills programme that has transformed the lives of thousands of young people over nearly three decades.
- Community Leader: A trained counsellor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, he holds multiple Black Belt ranks and was inducted into the New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Local Hero: He was awarded a Kiwibank Local Hero Medal in 2015 for his dedication to empowering youth.
The Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture will be presented to Tim Tipene at the upcoming 2026 Storylines Margaret Mahy National Awards Day, a day to honour creativity, storytelling, and the legacy of the incomparable Margaret Mahy. During the ceremony, Tim will deliver the lecture, offering his unique insights into storytelling and youth development.
Book now to secure your place and join us in celebrating this remarkable contribution to New Zealand literature.
