About this season
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.
Episodes (8)
1. The sun shines as I shed a tear
Aired 15 March 2021 • 23 min
Francis and Kaiora navigate the difficulties of supporting grieving whānau during COVID-19 while operating under strict guidelines. Plus, with the mortuary now up and running, the funeral home has a flamboyant new staff member.
2. Sleep the never ending sleep
Aired 22 March 2021 • 23 min
With Tipene Funerals storing bodies during COVID-19, Francis goes on a shopping spree to decorate the freezer. Later, the loss of a young mother resonates through her community. WARNING: This episode deals with the issue of suicide.
3. This is the day that tears are shed
Aired 29 March 2021 • 23 min
Francies instigates an unusual team building episode and Nona directs the emotional funeral of a family friend
4. A constant love, a never ending love
Aired 5 April 2021 • 23 min
The death of a young teenager hits home for the Tipenes and Kaiora upgrades one of Francis' favourite toys. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Blake Issac Wai Ariki James Heather.
5. A human bond can never be severed
Aired 19 April 2021 • 23 min
Francis considers an unusual way of celebrating his Tongan whakapapa. Jay deals with the emotional toll of embalming a three month old pēpī.
6. Love surrounds us
Aired 26 April 2021 • 23 min
A whanau trip to Queenstown is interrupted when Kaiora is called north to care for a dearly loved Aunty.
7. In life, in death, your family is everything
Aired 3 May 2021 • 23 min
The staff pull together to remember a man with no family. Plus, Francis and Kaiora take a leap of faith, opening a new branch in Porirua.
8. Like the mighty Maire in the forest
Aired 10 May 2021 • 23 min
The team of Tipene funerals go head to head in a ten pin bowling match, but rivalries are set aside to care for a special kaumatua.