Tipene Funerals directors say the last arrest of an Auckland funeral director as part of the Lola police operation is “no us.”
The first prison saw the former employee of Tipene Fiona Bakulich declare herself to blame last month for manipulating human remains and obtaining by mistake. It will be convicted next month.
Police now arrested a second person for hiring burials. A man should attend the Auckland District Court next week.
Director Kaiora Tipene posted a video on social media, shown sitting alongside her husband Francis, saying that she was compelled to speak after receiving messages worried after the news.
The couple appeared on the popular reality show The coffins.
“I just want to say, it’s not us, and you Whānau,” Kaiora said in the video published last night.
Francis Tipene said her thoughts were with the whIONANU affected and hoped they were receiving support.
“We are here, we are still strong, we have many families under our care that we need to take care of.”
Among the comments about the video is Marama Davidson, co-leader of The Green Party, saying, “Big Aroha Ki a Koute !!!”
Responding to RNZ’s commentary last night, Kaiora Tipene directed the reporter to the video.
In a statement, police said Operation Lola is a broader investigation launched in August 2024 to examine complaints to organs that were disinterested after flooding at the beginning of 2023.
Anyone with concerns can contact 105 using reference number 240808/8008 or Operation Lola.
– Additional APL reports
