Francis and Kaiora Tipene are the passionate proprietors of Tipene Funerals. This is a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of their business and into this little-explored but vital service, where our culture's last taboo is being addressed with dignity and aroha.
Showing Season 1 of 6
Season 1
2018
Māori funeral directors Francis and Kaiora Tipene and staff temper good humor with care and respect as they help Polynesian families cope with loss.
01. Tears of the people, like rain from the heavens
2018-01-13
Francis and Kaiora Tipene are the passionate proprietors of Tipene Funerals. Go behind the scenes of their business, where our culture's last taboo is addressed with dignity and aroha. He maimai aroha tēnei ki a Kiritokia ete Tomairangi Paki.
02. Although it is small, it is precious
2018-01-20
A beloved composer and teacher returns from Australia for burial at home in Aotearoa, and Francis struggles to let go of the reins when his newest Funeral Director leads a funeral on her own. He maimai aroha tēnei ki a Sonny Abraham rāua ko Charlotte Ruka.
03. People pass away, but the land remains forever
2018-01-27
While Francis' right hand woman Fiona is busy with an emotional Tongan funeral, Francis fumes over missing biscuits and upsets his wife Kaiora with an unwise business decision. He maimai aroha tēnei ki a Tevita Kilogram rāua ko Isobelle Ihaka.
04. My young tōtara has been broken
2018-02-03
A close member of the Tipene whanau passes away and Francis is tasked with organising the tangi. Elsewhere a young mother is tragically taken, and her grieving family want to spend one last night with her. He maimai aroha tēnei ki a Aunty Kataraina Kanara rāua ko Chozyn Koroheke.
05. Farewell oh son, the morning tide is yours, the evening tide is mine
2018-02-10
The team prepare to send a Niuean fisherman back to his homeland, while struggling with a very busy day at the office. Elsewhere, Francis attempts to get his health back on track. He maimai aroha tēnei ki a Zion Harris-Davis rāua ko Sisikefu Fusiika Sisikefu
06. Be it small, it is an act of generosity
2018-02-17
Funeral directory Fiona oversees a Samoan burial, and the Tipene family prepares a funeral for a young extended family member. As advertising for their funeral home, Francis wants the staff to put on a show for the local rest home. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Eden Tipene rāua ko Lili Ilo Puletua.
