The Casketeers
Overview
Francis and Kaiora Tipene run Tipene Funerals, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the world of funeral services. Their heartfelt approach highlights the often-overlooked aspects of this essential profession, tackling society's last taboo with compassion and respect. Through their dedicated work, the couple fosters a deeper understanding of grief and the significance of honoring loved ones. This engaging series not only showcases their business but also reveals the profound humanity involved in saying goodbye.
Episodes
-
1
Tears of the people, like rain from the heavens
Title: Tears of the Community, Like Raindrops from Above Plot: Francis and Kaiora Tipene run Tipene Funerals with deep dedication and care. This epis...
-
2
Although it is small, it is precious
Title: Though Tiny, It Holds Great Value Plot: A cherished composer and mentor comes back from Australia for his final resting place in Aotearoa, pro...
-
3
People pass away, but the land remains forever
As Fiona, Francis' loyal assistant, tends to a heartfelt Tongan funeral, Francis seethes over his missing biscuits. His frustration leads him to make ...
-
4
My young tōtara has been broken
Title: The Tōtara of Youth Has Fallen Plot: The Tipene family faces sorrow when a beloved relative dies, prompting Francis to oversee the tangi arra...
-
5
Farewell oh son, the morning tide is yours, the evening tide is mine
The team is getting ready to return a Niuean fisherman to his home, all while dealing with an incredibly hectic day at the office. Meanwhile, Francis ...
-
6
Be it small, it is an act of generosity
Title: Every Gesture Counts Plot: Fiona, who manages the funeral home, is in charge of a Samoan burial while the Tipene family organizes a service fo...
-
1
Return to your ancestral mountains to be cleansed by the winds of Tāwhirimātea
Francis embraces a new team and a revitalized perspective on life. Meanwhile, a family spends the night in the chapel, while a WW1 veteran must be exh...
-
3
The tip of the moon has broken away
When a revered kaumatua dies, his body is transported from Dunedin, and Kaiora stands by Scotty as he navigates the emotional challenges of directing ...
-
4
My love for you will never wane
Francis welcomes a new team member, Fehe, as they work together for the first time. Meanwhile, a heartfelt funeral is held for a talented young Fijian...
-
5
A child's love for their father is beyond compare
Francis has a talent for handling the deceased with grace, but he's finding it challenging to maintain the funeral home's operations. A heartbroken wi...
-
6
A great mountain can be ascended, but not a great man
Title: Climbing Peaks, Not People Plot: Nona is devastated by the unexpected death of a Niuean man she was caring for. Meanwhile, Francis is motivate...
-
7
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people
Title: What Truly Matters in Life? It’s the People, It’s the People, It’s the People Plot: Francis aims to revolutionize the funeral industry, ...
-
8
As one frond dies, another frond rises to take its place
Kai's unfortunate decision to buy a van resurfaces, but Francis assures him that this time things will turn out better. Meanwhile, Fehe takes the rein...
-
1
Courage has many resting places
Francis and Kaiora navigate the challenges of integrating a new team member while tending to a beloved athlete who unexpectedly passes away, alongside...
-
2
Words can't express how much I love you
Francis is gearing up for an unforgettable surprise for Kaiora to mark their wedding anniversary. At the same time, Kaiora is organizing a unique fune...
-
3
Farewell to you, I shall return home
Francis and Kaiora embark on a road trip to his family's marae, where they offer a poignant view of the three-day tangihanga ceremony for his beloved ...
-
4
A white heron of a single flight
Kaiora faces a unique situation when a Returned Serviceman is honored with a gun salute during his funeral. At the same time, Francis is fixated on en...
-
5
A person of great endurance
Nona persuades the team to participate in a zumba session for a charitable purpose. An elderly lady postpones her funeral, while Francis is taken abac...
-
6
Every star has its own luminance
Francis struggles to determine who his top employee is. Meanwhile, a beloved mother dies peacefully at home, prompting one of Francis' cousins to bid ...
-
7
People are precious
Title: Cherished Connections Plot: Nona bids a heartfelt goodbye to a beloved family member while her youngest daughter, one of ten siblings, takes c...
-
8
Man is not like the weathered branch of the tītoki, he lives on through his descendents
Title: A Man's Legacy Endures Beyond His Lifetime Plot: Francis endeavors to implement better work habits, but soon finds himself overwhelmed by the ...
-
1
The sun shines as I shed a tear
Francis and Kaiora face the challenges of assisting grieving families amid COVID-19 restrictions. As they work within tight protocols, they also welco...
-
2
Sleep the never ending sleep
Title: Eternal Slumber Plot: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Tipene Funerals finds itself housing numerous bodies, prompting Francis to embark on a shopp...
-
3
This is the day that tears are shed
Francies organizes a unique team-building event, pushing everyone out of their comfort zones. Meanwhile, Nona takes charge of the heartfelt funeral fo...
-
4
A constant love, a never ending love
The tragic loss of a young teenager deeply affects the Tipene family, prompting Kaiora to enhance one of Francis' beloved toys. This gesture is a hear...
-
5
A human bond can never be severed
Title: The Unbreakable Connection of Humanity Plot: Francis contemplates a unique approach to honor his Tongan heritage. Meanwhile, Jay grapples with...
-
6
Love surrounds us
The family's getaway to Queenstown takes an unexpected turn when Kaiora receives a call to head north and look after a beloved Aunty.
-
7
In life, in death, your family is everything
Title: In Life and Beyond, Family Matters Most Plot: The team unites to honor the memory of a man who passed away alone, lacking any relatives. Meanw...
-
8
Like the mighty Maire in the forest
Title: In the Spirit of the Mighty Maire Plot: The Tipene funerals crew faces off in a spirited ten pin bowling competition, but their competitive na...
-
1
The sun shines as I shed a tear
Francis recruits Nikora and Brady to prepare his recent acquisition of angel statues for Kaiora's approval, while T?pene Funerals hosts a groundbreaki...
-
2
Connections between people cannot be severed whereas those of a canoe-rope can
Francis and the staff from Porirua gather to practice songs for an upcoming promotional event at a nearby rest home. Their rehearsal is filled with hu...
-
3
Gloom and sorrow prevail, day and night
Title: Shadows of Despair Plot: Francis signs up for yet another gym membership but finds himself battling through a challenging first personal train...
-
4
Let us nurture our sister and she will mourn for us
A sudden power outage puts Jay to the test at the mortuary, forcing him to adapt to the unexpected situation. Meanwhile, with ongoing Covid restrictio...
-
6
The cycle is complete
The passing of a cherished member of the Tipene family is made even more challenging by Francis' health struggles. The staff appear indifferent to Fra...
-
7
When the fern frond dies, another rises in its place
Francis heads to the Porirua branch to fill in for staff members who are out sick with COVID, but he struggles with some of the basic technology. Fort...
-
8
When a shoal of maomao passes seaward of Nukutaurua, they will never return
On Kaiora's birthday, the team organizes a surprise lunch to celebrate. However, a devastating revelation awaits them, shattering the joyful atmospher...
-
1
If a reed stands by itself it may break, but if in a group, it will be unbreakable
Jay and Francis look after Stephen Watson and his cherished cat, Smoochie. Meanwhile, Tamale navigates the delicate balance between his career and fam...
-
2
You shall be mourned by those you leave behind
Title: Those Left Behind Will Grieve for You Plot: A mishap in the kitchen leaves a gaping hole in the wall, all thanks to Francis' clumsy breakfast ...
-
3
A full cycle is completed
As everyone gathers for a communal Matariki feast, there's yet more new décor to manage. Amidst the festivities, some lingering spirits require care....
-
4
Let us stay close together, not far apart
Francis volunteers to kneel down and assist with laying the floor tiles, while the grand opening of the Stanley Neho Function Centre kicks off with an...
-
5
When the fern frond dies, another grows to take its place
With the Queen's passing, Francis is eager to contribute to the funeral arrangements and approaches the officials at Buckingham Palace for assistance....
-
6
Let us mourn their passing, for it is permanent. Not like that of the moon, set to rise again
The renowned Tipene Funerals unexpectedly welcomes guests from the United States, leaving Francis exasperated once more with Fiona's lateness. Meanwhi...
-
7
Connections between people cannot be severed, whereas those of a canoe-rope can
Title: Bonds Among People Are Unbreakable, Unlike a Canoe Rope Plot: The future of the Tipene family is seen as the next generation steps into the wh...
-
8
Hold fast to your beliefs, look toward the horizons of the sea
The whānau heads to Fiji to honor a beloved family member during their funeral. Amidst the sorrow, they experience a heartwarming surprise that bring...