The Casketeers

Francis and Kaiora Tipene are the passionate proprietors of Tipene Funerals. Go behind the scenes of their business, where our cultures last taboo is addressed with dignity and aroha.

While Francis right hand woman Fiona is busy with an emotional Tongan funeral, Francis fumes over missing biscuits and upsets his wife Kaiora with an unwise business decision.

The team prepare to send a Niuean fisherman back to his homeland, while struggling with a very busy day at the office. Elsewhere, Francis attempts to get his health back on track.

Francis and Kaiora Tipene take us back inside the world of funeral directing with heart-warming and hilarious honesty

Francis has new staff member, Fehe, assist him for the first time and a young Fijian womans funeral honours the inspiring performer that she was.

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.

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.

Francis plans his biggest surprise yet for Kaiora on their wedding anniversary. Meanwhile, Kaiora arranges a special funeral with a procession of Harleys.

Kaiora is confronted by a very special case and a Returned Serviceman receives a gun salute at his funeral. Meanwhile, Francis is obsessed with the chapel reaching new heights of perfection.

Francis grapples with who is his number one amongst the staff. A loved mother passes away at home and one of Francis cousins says goodbye to the neighbour who raised her as her own

Francis tries to introduce healthy work practices, but gets in way over his head. A woman returns home to one of the most sacred mountains in Māoridom and Denise helps a family farewell their beloved father.

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.

The death of a young teenager hits home for the Tipenes and Kaiora upgrades one of Francis favourite toys

A whanau trip to Queenstown is interrupted when Kaiora is called north to care for a dearly loved Aunty.

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

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.

A power outage challenges Jay in the mortuary, while Covid restrictions mean families need to get creative to grieve their loved ones.

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.

Jay & Francis take care of Stephen Watson & his beloved cat Smoochie. Tamale straddles the line between profession and family when he directs the funeral of his cousin Toni Va’enuku.

Yet more new décor to deal with & everyone gets together for a shared Matariki kai. There are ghosts that need attention. Jack Taumaunu and Tagisia Sanelevi are farewelled by their loved ones.

The Queen is dead & Francis, desperate to be a part of the funeral, offers his services to Buckingham Palace officials. Baby Tevita Moeaki and Deon Hadley are mourned by their families.

The next generation of the Tipene dynasty is in the whare earning his keep. Pere Wihongi fulfils a long held dream for Francis & Kaiora. John Te Wake & Sylvia King are mourned by their loved ones.