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 2 of 6
Season 2
2019
The Tipenes expand their office and brood as Francis enjoys new toys and a slimmer body and the staff handle a disinterment and a child's funeral.
01. Return to your ancestral mountains to be cleansed by the winds of Tāwhirimātea
2019-01-14
Francis has new staff and a fresh new outlook on life. A whanau spend the night in the chapel and a WW1 veteran needs to be removed from his grave and taken home. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Pukeroa Monty Busby rāua ko Somers Heruika Edwards.
02. My prized albatross plume is drenched by the mists of sorrow
2019-01-21
The funeral home needs renovating and Francis is the man for the job. Nona showcases her skills as a celebrant but Francis is nervous to officiate the funeral of a delicate death. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Delvyn Emmie Sope rāua ko Leanne Victoria Wright.
03. The tip of the moon has broken away
2019-01-28
A respected kaumatua passes away and is flown in from Dunedin and Kaiora supports Scotty through a traumatic funeral he must direct. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Karaka Rapata rāua ko Jeremiah Fade Frenswa.
04. My love for you will never wane
2019-02-04
Francis has new staff member, Fehe, assist him for the first time and a young Fijian woman's funeral honours the inspiring performer that she was. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Telesia Luafaletele Ale rāua ko Kuila Tuivoavoa.
05. A child's love for their father is beyond compare
2019-02-11
Francis deals beautifully with the dead, but is struggling to keep things alive at the funeral home. A grieving widow queries her husband's appearance and a staff member suffers great personal loss. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Peter Koti rāua ko Kerry John Radovanovich.
06. A great mountain can be ascended, but not a great man
2019-02-18
Nona cares for a Niuean man who dies suddenly and the death of an overweight man spurs Francis to find new, healthy ways to team build with his staff. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Nicholas "Nick" Karetu rāua ko Koukouiki Togia Posimani Makaea.
07. What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people
2019-02-25
Francis wants to take funerals to the future, but he's having trouble convincing others to come along for the ride. A case Francis hasn't seen before requires special attention from the embalmer. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Wayne Teleso Amiga rāua ko Tafao Lealiifano Kalolo.
08. As one frond dies, another frond rises to take its place
2019-03-04
A bad van purchase comes back to haunt Kai but Francis promises this time will be different. Fehe directs her first Tongan funeral on her own and an emotional tangi proves that animals grieve too. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Yvette Heka rāua ko Sosaia tei Hausia.
