A NZ award winning author, underprivileged children’s advocate and inspirational speaker – Tim Tipene’s life began in an act of violence. As he grew up, his mother constantly reminded him that he was the product of rape, either in outright accusation or by her actions and denial of love. His biological father remained a violent and dangerous man, in prison for many attacks on women and children. Tim was expected to become a monster like his father, but even when only still in childhood, Tim fought back.

Tim’s stepfather is Maori, and although Tim’s constantly controlling mother was against it, Tim was accepted by his stepfather’s whanau. They gave him the love and support that every child needs, even if he stuck out as the blue eyed pakeha amongst them. Unfortunately this love was sparse as Tim grew and his family moved away.

Throughout his life, Tim connected as much as possible to his Maori family, and their love never wavered. In one instance he talks of waking up from one of his eye operations as a small child, surrounded by not his immediate family, but his Maori whanau. He appreciates it still.

In White Moko, Tim shares his experiences in small chapters, about his siblings, violent home life and challenging schooling throughout his childhood. He reveals his memories and feelings of confusion, self hatred, anger and as he gets older – his determination to break the cycle.

He is the first to admit he was no saint, as he followed the behaviours surrounding him, but he highlights pivotal moments when he could see a way forward to a better place internally and externally. This battle to remake himself into the man he wanted to be has been a long one, and there are many he has credited for helping him with his transformation.

This incredibly personal insight into the life of a child written off as evil, a future monster, and unwanted by his own family, is devastating, heart-wrenching, and shocking without being sensationalised. The honesty of each story from Tim’s life and experiences is raw and his journey inspirational. Especially after going on to give other children and often even their parents, ways to break their own cycles of abuse and neglect.

This process has been hugely successful through his Martial Arts programmes – Warrior Kids and Kura Toa Warrior School using Toatoi – his own personally built skills in Martial Arts training, Psychotherapy and Personal development. Tim has spent years training in multiple martial arts disciplines and also counselling services.

An unflinching personal account that every New Zealand High School Library should have on their Senior Reads shelves, and an inspiration to all.

Author – Tim Tipene

Age – 16+

Quick Review

This incredibly personal insight into the life of a child written off as evil, a future monster, and unwanted by his own family, is devastating, heart-wrenching, and shocking without being sensationalised. The honesty of each story from Tim’s life and experiences is raw and his journey inspirational. Especially after going on to give other children and often even their parents, ways to break their own cycles of abuse and neglect.

An unflinching personal account that every New Zealand High School Library should have on their Senior Reads shelves, and an inspiration to all.

Other books by Tim Tipene

(Non-Fiction, NZ Memoir, New Zealand, Betrayal, Blended Family, Bullies, Conflict, Crime, Growing up, Poverty, Prejudice, Racism, Abuse, Hate, Neglect, Martial Arts, Positivity, Self Belief, Determination, Grit, Inspiring)