Police have stepped up their investigation into former Tipene Funerals undertaker Fiona Bakulich, with allegations involving the mishandling of 10 bodies.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin confirmed to legacy media police had received nine complaints about Bakulich, who gained public attention through her appearances on The Casketeers reality show. Families, many from the Auckland Samoan community, allege that bodies of their loved ones were improperly handled, bound with tape, and placed in plastic bags instead of caskets, an issue that came to light after disinterments were necessitated by flood damage at Waikumete Cemetery following Cyclone Gabrielle.
Bakulich, who was arrested last month, faces one charge of misconduct and nine of obtaining by deception, with police potentially laying additional charges as more details emerge.
Tipene Funerals, which initially filed complaints leading to the investigation, responded by expressing their deep concern over the events, highlighting the cultural sensitivity and trust entrusted to Bakulich during her seven-year tenure with the company.
