Inquest into Pauline Hanna's death 'not a trial of Dr Polkinghorne'
A new inquest has begun into the 2021 death of Pauline Hanna in Auckland, following the acquittal of her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, in a 2024 murder trial. The coroner emphasized that the inquest is not a retrial of the husband but an investigation into the cause of death.
Why it matters
The inquest seeks to provide closure and clarity regarding the circumstances of a high-profile death that remains a subject of public interest.
<p>An inquest into the death of Pauline Hanna has begun in Auckland – with a reminder that her husband is not on trial.</p> <p><b>By Rowan Quinn </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/community/872439/inquest-into-pauline-hanna-s-death-not-a-trial-of-dr-polkinghorne" target="_blank"><b>of RNZ</b></a></p> <p>Hanna was found dead at her Remuera home in 2021. Her husband, retired eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne, was found not guilty of her murder at a trial in 2024.</p> <p>The inquest will attempt to determine how Hanna died and the circumstances surrounding her death.</p> <p>Polkinghorne attended Monday's hearing, but was not expected to give evidence until next week.</p> <p><b></b><a href="https://www.tvnz.co.nz/player/newsclip/fresh-inquest-revisits-unanswered-questions-over-pauline-hannas-death" target="_blank"><b>Fresh inquest revisits unanswered questions over Pauline Hanna's death - Watch on TVNZ+</b></a></p> <p>Hanna's brother Bruce Hanna, his wife Shelley and son Jacob are also in attendance.</p> <p>They set up a framed photo of Hanna and a small bunch of flowers from the family garden in a white vase at the front of the court.</p> <p>They are wearing white ribbons…
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