The Confessions of Prisoner 'T'

In 1994, Teina Pora was found guilty of the rape and murder of Susan Burdett. Pora spent 22 years behind bars despite concerns over the reliability of his confession, and evidence indicating that another had acted alone. In this award-winning documentary, Michael Bennett (Matariki) examines the case, and private investigator Tim McKinnel argues for Pora's innocence. Included are parts of Pora's original police interview, and a visit where he appears unable to identify Burdett's house. In 2015 the Privy Council quashed Pora's conviction. He was paid millions in compensation, but argued that "freedom is priceless".

Warning: This content may offend some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. 

If you've committed a fairly heinous crime, you shouldn't have any difficulty identifying the house where you've done that.

– Private investigator Tim McKinnel

Key Cast & Crew

Will Reece

Sound Mix

Grant McKinnon

Cinematographer

Dick Reade

Sound Mix

Catherine Fitzgerald

Producer

Cushla Dillon

Editor

Michael Bennett

Director, Writer, Producer