Tipene’s Interview Reveals Need For More Transparent Standards

Details of Fiona Bakulich’s deception revealed in a Marae programme interview with Francis and Kaiora Tipene reinforce the importance of more transparent pricing and standards says the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand.

President of the Association, Andrew Malcolm, says it’s member firms are required to provide a detailed written estimate meaning that requests for additional payments, particularly in cash would ring warning bells for families.

“The Tipene’s are not members of the Association, so we don’t know what kind of estimate and invoicing system they used,” explains Mr Malcolm.

“However, if there isn’t transparency about price, this does create a risk of deceptive behaviour and very sadly that’s what we’ve seen take place in this case.”

Mr Malcolm says that while the Tipene’s and their Casketeer’s programme has immeasurably helped with conversations about death and the role of funeral directors, the fact there is no legal requirement for standards, means similar issues could arise in future.

“As an Association we’ve lobbied for more stringent legal requirements since 1937. Government continues to ignore our calls, so we’ve stepped up to fill the regulatory hole.”

“Our standards and those of affiliated body, the NZ Embalmers Association, do provide protections for families, but those protections are only available when a family uses a firm that belongs to a professional body.”

Mr Malcolm says the hearts of Association members go out to the families affected which echoes the sentiments of Francis and Kaiora Tipene.

“I think people forget funeral homes are all private businesses and running a business is tough. A big reason funeral homes join our Association is for the support we can provide, particularly if things go wrong,” says Mr Malcolm.

“We are certainly seeing an increase in enquiries about membership and with that we hope will come better outcomes for New Zealanders. No families should have to suffer the emotional devastation these families went through.”

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