Former Auckland Undertaker Sentenced for Body Mishandling and Fraud

Auckland, New Zealand — Fiona Bakulich, a former undertaker from Auckland, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for mishandling human remains and defrauding grieving families. Bakulich, who worked at Tipene Funerals, was found guilty on multiple charges related to her treatment of deceased clients and for deceiving families into paying for services that were never rendered. The sentencing took place on Friday in the Auckland District Court.

The charges against the 48-year-old Bakulich included two counts of interfering with human remains and 12 counts of obtaining by deception. Following thorough investigations, it was revealed that Bakulich had not lined coffins with zinc as required, instead wrapping bodies in plastic. The illicit activities came to light after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 caused damage to several caskets, leading to disinterments that exposed her neglect.

From 2021 to 2024, Bakulich misled seven families into paying for Covid-19 immunizations and treatments for their deceased loved ones that were entirely fictitious. This included an incident in which a grieving family was charged $7,000 for a supposed breach of Covid-19 requirements during a funeral.

In total, she defrauded 11 victims, raking in over $16,900. Family members described her actions as “opportunistic” and condemned her lack of empathy during their vulnerable moments.

During the sentencing, Judge Evangelos Thomas highlighted the emotional and financial toll on the victims. “You looked them so softly in the eye and stabbed them so ruthlessly in the back,” he said, emphasizing the brutal betrayal families experienced at a time of grief.

Victim impact statements were read aloud in court, illustrating the deep anguish inflicted by Bakulich’s actions. One statement conveyed the families’ shattered expectations of peace and dignity during the grieving process. Another lamented the emotional trauma linked to reliving their loved one’s death due to her deceit.

Bakulich’s lawyer, Panama Le’auanae, expressed regret for her clients’ families, asking for a fair sentence while acknowledging Bakulich’s fall from grace in her professional life. “She’s finished, she’s toast, and the family name has been seriously tarnished by what she has done,” he stated.

In addition to Bakulich’s sentencing, authorities also arrested another former funeral director in March who faces similar charges related to mishandling burials. That individual is expected to stand trial in June.

Bakulich’s case garnered significant media attention due to its shocking nature and the betrayal of trust involved in the funeral industry. Tipene Funerals has since apologized for the distress caused by Bakulich’s actions.