THE CASKETEERS. SERIES 3. EPISODE 8

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.

In the season finale, Francis tries unsuccessfully to get the staff of Tipene Funerals to practice meditation. More successfully, Vanessa Tamale has organised the staff to play basketball. The funeral directors are facing off against the embalmers. It’s a whānau affair, with Fiona’s son Ivan Bakulich and Denise’s sons Waylon Radovanovich and Dominik Radovanovich as the teams secret weapons.

We farewell Mr Tapolene Matagi. Earlier in the year the Matagi whānau also lost Mr Matagi’s wife. Denise Radovanovich and Barbie Leat are funeral directing the service for Mr Matagi. He is laid to rest at Waikumete Cemetery, interred with his wife

Francis helps as June Ngaia Chaplin (Ngati Maniapoto) is farewelled at Whaiora marae. She’s buried at the urupā at Taupiri Maunga where many of her whānau lie as well.

He maimai aroha tēnei ki a Tapolene Matagi rāua ko June Ngaia Chaplin. Rest in Peace.