Funeral Director combing: company ‘did not try to hide’

Ex -Funeral Director Funeraria Fiona Bakulich during an appearance in court.
Photo: Lucy Xia

The company’s co-owner who employed a funeral director convicted of interfering with human remains and obtaining money by mistake says it was an “incredibly painful chapter” for business.

Fiona Bakulich, former Tipene Funerals employee, stated to blame for accusations in February and was sentenced last week to two years and three months in prison.

Bakulich received the payment in 2017 of $ 3000 for the cost of coating and sealing a zinc coffin, which she kept for herself. After the Gabrielle cyclone, the coffin in Waikumete’s cemetery was disinterested, revealing that it had not been coated, and the deceased had been wrapped in plastic.

In a statement issued on social media late Tuesday afternoon, Tipene Funerals co-owner Francis Tipene said the company carried “a deep sense of responsibility and Aroha when taking care of our Tūpāpaku and its Whānau.”

“The recent sentence of our ex -employee has reopened an incredibly painful chapter, especially for families who have placed their trust in us during their most vulnerable moments. We continue to extend our sincere excuses and aroha to all those impacted. We see your mamae and carry with us every day.”

Tipene said that since the lack of a metal coffin was discovered, the company took full responsibility and ensured that a metal coating was supplied as soon as possible.

Tipene said it was the funeral company who told the matter to the police.

“We do not try to hide. We do not deviate. We respond with open hearts, assumed responsibility and have done what we can to correct things. But we also know that confidence, once broken, must be rebuilt over time with truth, humility and compassion.

“For those who have been hurt, we really regret. And for those who still trust us, thank you. Difficult and important lessons have been learned on our part, since then we implemented changes and squeezed our practices to ensure that all Tūpāpaku and their Whana are attended to high integrity, respect and deep Aroha.

Police also arrested another former funeral director in March, accused of handling burials and obtaining about $ 18,000 by mistake in alleged offenses dating back to 2015.

This person, who was not employed by Tipene Funerals, received the intermediate suppression of names and arrested under bail. They must reappear in June.

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