Caketeers Tipene Funerals: Woman Arrested, Accused of Misconduct in Relation to Human Remains

Baldwin said the arrest was a “significant development” in the investigation.

“We hope this arrest brings some peace of mind to those affected by this woman’s crime.

An exclusive follows Herald investigation into claims that the then-employee disappeared her grieving clients by placing their dead relatives in black plastic garbage bags instead of the coffins they had paid for.

Affected families found out when Cyclone Gabrielle forced bodies to be exhumed from the public mausoleum at Waikumete Cemetery in West Auckland.

Baldwin said the police investigation would continue and he could not rule out more charges.

What we know so far: Bodies of prominent Auckland Samoans ‘treated like rubbish’

It was discovered that the bodies of several prominent Auckland Samoans had allegedly been packed in plastic bags by the undertaker, much to the dismay of the families who applied for their services.

In mausoleums, each body is placed inside a vault. The exhumations involve removing each body from its vault and the families were present.

“When the families opened the caskets, it was just another level of mourning. There was just crying and screaming,” said one affected family member Herald.

“How could you do this to our loved ones? You’ve bagged them like a piece of garbage.”

Other families said so Herald they believed they had been scammed out of money by the undertaker.

In August, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, from the City of Auckland’s Financial Crime Unit, confirmed they had received two reports of fraud. However, Bolton said there was “insufficient evidence” to proceed with the complaints.

The case was then picked up by the City of Auckland’s Criminal Investigation Branch.

“I am deeply sorry for the pain and sorrow this has caused” – Tipene

Speaking about the police investigation in August, Tipene said: “Tipene Funerals’ primary concern has always been with the families affected by the actions of this former employee.”

In response to the first complaint about burials at the public mausoleum at Waikumete Cemetery, Tipene said his company “deeply regrets the actions taken by its former employee.”

“We apologize unreservedly for the distress their actions have caused the families involved. I deeply regret the pain and grief this has caused those affected.”

Asked about the fraud claims, Tipene said: “Tipene Funerals again apologized unreservedly, refunded the family and reported it to the police.

“Given the new information that has come to light, we have re-raised these matters with the police and will do everything in our power to assist them with their investigation.”

Tipene said the company was also encouraging anyone concerned about the woman’s behavior to report it to the police.

“Tipene Funerals has released all the information we know to the police.”

He said his “former employee” worked for Tipene Funerals as a funeral director for seven years.

“And in doing so, a great deal of trust was placed in her, both by Tipene Funerals, myself as a director and the families she cared for,” Tipene said.

When he first learned that the woman “had not followed the proper procedure,” Tipene said his priority was to apologize to the affected families “and do everything in my power to make it right.”

Tipene said: “Tipene Funerals prides itself on its professionalism and integrity, and our families should have the utmost confidence and trust in our ability to ensure their loved ones are treated with dignity and respect.

“And in this case, we fell short.”

Detective Inspector Baldwin has asked anyone concerned about inappropriate or dishonest behavior in relation to this case to call police on 105 quoting case number 240808/8008.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

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