The Casketeers - First Episode
- Māori
- Reality TV
- Te Reo
- Documentary
An important tangi (Māori funeral) dominates the first episode of The Casketeers. The award-winning hit series follows employees at Tipene Funerals in Onehunga, as they help whānau say their last goodbyes. Funeral director Francis Tipene is in quality control mode ahead of the tangi for Tainui Princess Tomairangi Paki, and his wife (and work colleague) Kaiora Tipene is used to what she calls Tipene's "OCD...I think it's OTT". As the hearse is polished and last minute stains are removed, co-workers Fiona and Scottie roll their eyes, but pull together to ensure the royal send-off goes immaculately.

Article on the life and death of Princess Tomairangi Paki, The Waikato Times, April 2017
Excerpts from 2020 book Life as a Casketeer, by Francis & Kaiora Tipene, E-Tangata website
Article about the show's success, The Guardian, January 2019
Interview with Francis & Kaiora Tipene, Stuff, January 2020











