Philip Polkinghorne's sister describes morning of Pauline Hanna's death
Ruth Hughes, the sister of Philip Polkinghorne, testified about the scene she encountered on the morning of Pauline Hanna's death. She described finding her brother in a state of distress while cradling his wife, who was later found dead.
Why it matters
This testimony provides personal insight into a high-profile criminal case that has garnered significant public and legal attention in New Zealand.
Philip Polkinghorne's sister has described a "catastrophic" scene upon entering his Remuera home on the day Auckland health manager Pauline Hanna was found dead.
Polkinghorne was acquitted of murdering Hanna, his wife, after a high-profile criminal trial in 2024.
He earlier told Coroner Tania Tetitaha at the inquest into his wife's death, which began in Auckland at the beginning of August, that he called his sister, Ruth Hughes, after he called 111.
Hughes lived nearby and arrived at the home before emergency responders arrived.
Giving evidence for the first time while under oath, Hughes said she found her brother cradling his wife on the floor.
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