We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site, and make your experience better. To find out more read our privacy policy.
Play

00:00

/

00:00

Full screen
Video quality

Low 0 MB

High 0 MB

HD 0 MB

Captions
Volume
Volume
Hero image for First Hand - Sister to the Sinner

First Hand - Sister to the Sinner

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1992

For 10 years Sister Joan Timpany served as the Catholic chaplain at Paremoremo Prison, where the country's most dangerous criminals are incarcerated. The cheerful nun is interviewed in this First Hand documentary by new director Leanne Pooley (Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls). Prisoners adore Sister Joan; many call her a mother figure. An inmate called Julian performs a song he wrote for her, with the lyrics: "There’s no other here to listen, I can always count on her to be a friend." Sister Joan was awarded the Queen's Service Order in 1993 for her community service. She died in 2006.

I feel I'm a mother image here. Somebody's got to care about them, that's what I feel I'm there for.
– Sister Joan Timpany, on her role in Auckland Prison

Key Cast & Crew

Profile image for Leanne Pooley

Leanne Pooley

Director

Profile image for Richard Thomas

Richard Thomas

Producer

Profile image for George Andrews

George Andrews

Producer

Generic Profile image for Neil Newcombe

Neil Newcombe

Production team - sound

Generic Profile image for Mark Cathie

Mark Cathie

Production Team

Generic Profile image for Paul Newell

Paul Newell

Production Team

See all 8 credits