Sister Christina plays the organ and looks after the church and grounds at St Joseph's Convent. She also helps out in the vege garden of the local school in Ranana, the last rural school left on the Whanganui River.

Sister Christina never dreamed she would become a nun, especially after a priest said she wouldn't cut it.

But almost 50 years later, she is having the last laugh, as she is about to celebrate her golden jubilee with the order. For her, life alongside the river is perfect.

"People come here to recharge their batteries. It's a real paradise."

This Town: A River Runs Through It screens on July 29, 8.30pm, TV One.

Source

• nzherald.co.nz
• Image: 4.bp.blogspot.com