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Hero image for Once a Convent Girl

Once a Convent Girl

Television (Full Length) – 1995

Growing up in one of New Zealand’s many convent schools before they were reordered by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, was an experience many found tough. This documentary explores the stories of the girls who endured the nuns’ strict rule, including interviews with Ginette McDonald, Moana Maniapoto and painter Jacqueline Fahey, plus some of the nuns themselves. They discuss discipline, education, their thoughts on becoming nuns and how despite all the rules, they wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

You know some of us entertained the thought of being nuns ... for a few seconds.
– Moana Maniapoto

Produced by

Logo for Colleen Hodge Productions

Colleen Hodge Productions

Acknowledgements

Made with funding from NZ On Air

Music

Closing credits song 'Ava Maria' sung by Moana Maniapoto and the St Joseph Māori Girls Choir.
'The Queen of Heaven' sung by Carmel Carrol.

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