The Unlikely Doctor by Dr Timoti Te Moke

If anyone knows what's going on in Aotearoa New Zealand, it's Dr Timoti Te Moke. Why? Because he’s literally lived it! Not just witnessed, but survived and transcended the harshest realities that shape so many lives in our country. 

Nurtured in his early years by his grandparents, Timoti’s world was upended when his mother reclaimed custody. Abuse, state care, gang life and prison soon followed. And yet, even when the world seemed determined to keep him down, a glimpse of blue sky through a prison window, sparked a question that changed everything: “What if this isn’t all there is?” From that moment, Timoti’s journey became powered by grit and an unyielding drive for justice. 

Despite facing persistent racism and an unsupported manslaughter charge that nearly derailed his life, Timoti persevered. He became a paramedic, then entered medical school in his fifties, becoming a qualified doctor at the age of 56.

Now, he chooses to wear his scrubs on his commute, proudly and purposefully, making his identity as a Māori doctor visible to inspire others and show what’s possible. His visibility is a reminder that no matter where you start, potential can come from anywhere. “This has nothing to do with my ego. I don’t get changed before heading home; normally I’m in my standard hospital uniform of scrubs, shoes that are comfortable enough to stand around in for twelve-plus hours, an ID on a lanyard around my neck, and a stethoscope. Sure, I could put on less conspicuous clothes, or just hide away underneath a jacket. But I don’t want to. I want people to see a Māori - a brown boy - who is a doctor. I want it to be normalised. I want it to be something people look at and go, Oh, yep, I could do that. Or, Oh, yep, my kids could do that.”

Timoti’s experiences reflect the struggles faced by many Māori and others whose lives have been marked by trauma, neglect and systemic barriers. Yet his transformation, from a childhood of violence and incarceration to becoming a doctor and advocate, also reveals the potential that exists in every community when given the chance.

The Unlikely Doctor is also a powerful reflection of the systems (state care, justice, education and healthcare) that fail so many Māori children. Timoti’s story is not just about overcoming personal adversity, it’s a rallying cry for change. His memoir shows what’s possible when barriers are broken and potential is nurtured, not punished.

“Everyone should read Dr Timoti's life story to understand who we are as a nation,” says Roimata Small, on the cover endorsement. It’s a bold claim, but it’s accurate because his journey reflects the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Timoti’s story challenges us to imagine a future where every child is supported to thrive. That’s why this memoir isn’t just important, it’s essential reading for anyone who wants to understand who we are and who we could become, as a nation.

Dr Timoti Te Moke is currently in his second year as a doctor, working at Middlemore and Auckland City hospitals.

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

Allen & Unwin