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 โข 23 min
Francis and Kaiora navigate the difficulties of supporting grieving whฤnau 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 โข 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 โข 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 โข 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 โข 23 min
Francis considers an unusual way of celebrating his Tongan whakapapa. Jay deals with the emotional toll of embalming a three month old pฤpฤซ.
6. Love surrounds us
Aired 26 April 2021 โข 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 โข 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 โข 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.