The Casketeers

Francis and Kaiora Tipene are the passionate proprietors of Tipene Funerals. Go behind the scenes of their business, where our culture's last taboo is addressed with dignity and aroha. He maimai aroha tēnei ki a Kiritokia ete Tomairangi Paki.

A beloved composer and teacher returns from Australia for burial at home in Aotearoa, and Francis struggles to let go of the reins when his newest Funeral Director leads a funeral on her own. He maimai aroha tēnei ki a Sonny Abraham rāua ko Charlotte Ruka.

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. He maimai aroha tēnei ki a Tevita Kilogram rāua ko Isobelle Ihaka.

Francis has new staff and a fresh new outlook on life. A whanau spend the night in the chapel and a WW1 veteran needs to be removed from his grave and taken home. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Pukeroa Monty Busby rāua ko Somers Heruika Edwards.

The funeral home needs renovating and Francis is the man for the job. Nona showcases her skills as a celebrant but Francis is nervous to officiate the funeral of a delicate death. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Delvyn Emmie Sope rāua ko Leanne Victoria Wright.

A respected kaumatua passes away and is flown in from Dunedin and Kaiora supports Scotty through a traumatic funeral he must direct. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Karaka Rapata rāua ko Jeremiah Fade Frenswa.

Francis and Kaiora juggle the newest member of their team as they care for a well loved sportsman who dies suddenly and a brave father arranging his own funeral. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Kori Warren Karena rāua ko Mario Silvio Dunatov.

Francis plans his biggest surprise yet for Kaiora to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Meanwhile, Kaiora arranges a special funeral with a procession of Harleys. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Judith Anne Blundell rāua ko Joshua Thane Duprie Waipouri.

Francis and Kaiora take a road trip to his home marae and we are gifted a rare glimpse of the three day tangihanga process, as his dear Aunty is laid to rest. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Kiritokia "Chrissie" Mitchell.

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.

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.

Francies instigates an unusual team building episode and Nona directs the emotional funeral of a family friend

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.

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.

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.

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.

There’s a hole in the wall and it’s Francis’ fault, with his attempt at breakfast falling flat. Joan Whitford and Mr. Mulivai are farewelled by their loved ones.

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.