Tim Tipene

Tim Tipene, (born 12 June 1972), is a New Zealand author, an inspirational speaker and the founder of Warrior Kids, a self control and social skills programme for children and Teenagers. Tipene overcame an abusive and violent childhood, broke the cycle and went on to become an award winning author and create the Warrior Kids programme in 1994. 
Early Life.
Tipene was a product of rape. His biological father was Peter Mead, a convicted predator and violent offender who spent much of life behind bars. Tipene was adopted into the Waitai-Tipene whanau as a toddler. His biological mother is Annette Sherman and his step father is William Tipene.
Tipene was raised in two cultures, NZ Maori and NZ European. Tim's immediate family were abusive and violent. It was only with the extended whanau/family that Tim felt loved.
Warrior Kids.
Tim broke the cycle of childhood violence and abuse through a combination of Martial Arts training, psychotherapy and personal development. He consolidated his learning and experience to create the Warrior Kids programme in 1994.
Other Awards.
In 2013 Tipene was inducted into the New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
In 2014 Tipene was recognised as a Kiwibank New Zealander of the year Local Hero and received a Medal in recognition of his contribution to the lives of others.