An Evening With Dr Timoti Te Moke - Author of The Unlikely Doctor

Name: An Evening With Dr Timoti Te Moke - Author of The Unlikely Doctor
Start: 2025-08-21T08:00:00+12:00
End: 2025-08-21T09:30:00+12:00
Location: Māngere East Library (Māngere East)

Schedule

Thu Aug 21 2025 at 08:00 am to 09:30 am

UTC+12:00

Location

Māngere East Library (Māngere East) | Auckland, AU

Thursday 21 August 6pm-7.15pm (doors open 5.30pm; mihi and karakia 6pm)
Hosted by the team at Māngere East Library
🎫 This event is now at capacity. 🎫
Please check back here closer to the event date for re-released tickets. You are also welcome to walk-in on the day as it is likely there will be extra capacity, however attendance for walk-ins is not guaranteed.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of kōrero with South Auckland author and Middlemore house doctor, Dr Timoti Te Moke, chaired by local entrepreneur, communications specialist and film producer, Louisa Tipene Opetaia. We invite locals and the wider community to come together to celebrate the launch of Dr Te Moke's powerful debut memoir, The Unlikely Doctor, and hear his journey from gang life and prison to becoming a doctor at 56.
Timoti was born into love, but was then thrust into violence as a tamariki and a young man, surviving abuse, state care, gangs and prison. Learn how through grit and an unyielding drive for justice, Timoti managed to transform his life, facing down systemic racism while training to become a paramedic, and later, going to medical school. He now works within and for his community at Middlemore Hospital, just a few streets away from where he grew up and now lives. Audience Q&A to close.
Light refreshments will be provided after the event - please stay on to enjoy some kai and meet Dr Te Moke. Borrow a Bestie copy of his book on-site from our library team.
About the book:
Dr. Timoti Te Moke endured childhood abuse, gang life and stints in boys’ homes and prison before changing his life, training as a paramedic and later becoming a doctor at 56. This is an extraordinary story of success against the odds.
Meet the author and chair:
Dr Timoti Te Moke is currently in his second year as a doctor, working at Middlemore and Auckland City hospitals. He is a staunch advocate for Māori and those suffering from oppression.
Louisa Tipene Opetaia is a communications specialist with 30+ years of experience in marketing, media, and tourism. Her superpower is being a connector – connecting tourists with new lands and brands with audiences. Passionate about empowering Māori, Pacific and migrant creatives, she leverages her global experiences to connect people. As a busy mother of three grown children and a proud grandmother of four treasures, Louisa is driven by a mission to create a better world for future generations. Her focus remains on building a legacy of opportunity and empowerment for her family and community and uplifting the Māngere community.
Transport, parking and accessibility:
Public parking is available at the library and next door in the Walter Massey Park car park. If you are taking public transport, the closest train stop is Ōtāhuhu Station, and the nearest bus stops are 6612 and 6620 - Walter Massey Park. See AT's Journey Planner for route details.
Ramped access from the north entrance car park, with accessible shelving and toilet facilities.
This event is presented by Auckland Council Libraries as part of We Read Auckland / Ka Pānui Tātou i Tāmaki Makaurau.