Facing court on charges of deception and alleged misconduct with the deceased, Bakulich is accused of taking $15,002 from bereaved clients, with claims she placed bodies in garbage bags instead of coffins.
The bombshell case, revealed after Cyclone Gabrielle’s aftermath, has families reeling and demanding answers.
Although her name suppression request was denied, Bakulich will face nine charges of deception and one of mishandling remains when she returns to court on November 15.
Tipene Funerals director Francis Tipene has urged families with concerns to come forward as police investigate further allegations.
