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 19 April 2022 • 22 min
Francis enlists the help of Nikora and Brady to get his latest purchase of angel statues ready for Kaiora's approval and a Māori Muslim tangi is the first of its kind for Tīpene Funerals.
2. Connections between people cannot be severed whereas those of a canoe-rope can
Aired 26 April 2022 • 22 min
Francis and the Porirua staff rehearse songs for a promotional performance at a local rest home which provides lots of laughs and delights the residents.
3. Gloom and sorrow prevail, day and night
Aired 3 May 2022 • 22 min
Francis acquires yet another gym membership and struggles through his first PT session. Feleki trains as an embalmer and news of a further lockdown has devastating consequences.
4. Let us nurture our sister and she will mourn for us
Aired 10 May 2022 • 22 min
A power outage challenges Jay in the mortuary, while Covid restrictions mean families need to get creative to grieve their loved ones.
5. Love received demands love returned
Aired 17 May 2022 • 22 min
The staff are being measured up for bespoke tailored suits; Tamale finds the process intrusive while Fehi quite enjoys it. A staunch Warriors fan is dressed in her supporter gears as the family prepares to lay her to rest. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Rachel Elizabeth Curry rāua ko Ivoni Fo Holoholo a Tungi Vaea.
6. The cycle is complete
Aired 24 May 2022 • 22 min
The death of a beloved Tipene whanau member is complicated by Francis' health issues. While the staff seem unconcerned about Francis' absence, Kaiora's nursing skills leave a lot to be desired. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Pio Wiremu Jacobs.
7. When the fern frond dies, another rises in its place
Aired 31 May 2022 • 22 min
Francis makes a visit to the Porirua branch to cover for COVID-sick staff and is challenged by basic technology as Kaiora comes to the rescue. A loved grandfather and member of the local RSA makes the long journey north to be buried with his parents.
8. When a shoal of maomao passes seaward of Nukutaurua, they will never return
Aired 7 June 2022 • 23 min
It's Kaiora's birthday and the staff lay on a surprise lunch - however the terrible shock that awaits them all will send celebrations crashing. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Stanley Neho.