Podcasts about Polkinghorne

Steve Braunias sat through every day of the Polkinghorne trial - the society murder that gripped New Zealand - and wrote the bestselling book on it. He liked the accused. He chatted with him every morning. And he more than entertains the possibility that Phil Polkinghorne is an innocent man.In this episode, Steve takes us inside the eight weeks that felt like "a carnival": the forensic evidence that won and lost the case, the missing star witness Madison Ashton, the moment the prosecution's case fell apart, and why the national feeling that "he got away with it" collides with everything the facts say.But this is also the story of one of New Zealand's greatest living writers. The Motley Crüe interview that ended with him thrown against a wall. The letter that got him sacked from the Sunday magazine. Failing out of journalism school, learning to type by copying out Sylvia Plath, and 46 years of skewering phonies and squares - plus the surprisingly tender stuff: his late brother Mark, his daughter Minka, and why his dream is to one day stop writing altogether.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A respected eye surgeon. A long marriage. A life that looked polished from the outside. This week we're in New Zealand with the case of Phillip Polkinghorne and his wife Pauline - a couple who appeared stable, successful, and well put together.  When Pauline is found dead in their home, what initially seems straightforward quickly becomes anything but. As details emerge about Phillip's private life and relationships outside the marriage, questions begin to mount.   Thanks for listening friends! Subscribe to stay up to date with our weekly episodes released every Wednesday.   Come join us here:   INSTAGRAM:   https://www.instagram.com/canthandlethecrimeandscandal?igsh=bTF5cHJ6M2dqMG11&utm_source=qr   YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/uRG0uLTPd2g?si=NjgEdW7w7hQV2dUT   FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/su9iNJcC4LQXuyqK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d   Contact Canthandlepodcast@gmail.com  

Canberra Raiders reporter Dave Polkinghorne from The Canberra Times joins Riccardo Ball to look ahead to Friday's match between the Warriors and the Raiders at Go Media Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're joined by Steve Braunias about his new book Polkinghorne - Inside the Trial of the Century. The book is an extraordinary journey through the most high-profile murder case in modern New Zealand history - Steve had a front seat to a great deal of the trial, and also eyes and ears behind the scene... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Stars are A Million Glittering Worlds by Gina Butson. This is the first novel from a New Zealand writer, about a young woman who leaves home after a tragedy and travels the world for a year, running away from the hurt and running towards something she's not quite sure of. Her travels take her to Asia, then Central America where, in Guatemala, she befriends two people who have significant impacts on her life, each in a different way; and though she often thinks about going home she only makes it as far as Tasmania, with so much in her life that's hard to face up to. Polkinghorne by Steve Braunias. From one of our finest writers this is the definitive book on the trial of the century – Philip Polkinghorne, being accused of the murder of his wife Pauline. Much has already been written about it – and of course there's the TV documentary which many people may have seen- but for anyone who has the slightest bit of interest in the case, this book is a must read. It's thorough, insightful, critical and compassionate, and the last chapter in particular is extraordinary. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Polkinghorne by Steve Braunias In Polkinghorne, literary journalist Steve Braunias takes readers on an extraordinary and often chilling journey through the most high-profile murder case in modern New Zealand history. With unparalleled access to the key players, Braunias offers readers his unique insight into the investigation, the trial and the astonishing revelations that kept the New Zealand public utterly transfixed. The death of Pauline Hanna in her home in Remuera, and the arrest of her husband, eye surgeon Dr Philip Polkinghorne, led to an epic trial that played out like a scandalous expose of rich Auckland life. Braunias pieces it all together and presents it as an unforgettable opera - including an extraordinary encounter that will leave readers stunned. Fascinating, engrossing, and filled with unforeseen turns, Polkinghorne goes deep inside the courtroom case that shocked a nation and explores the lusts and torments that we try to conceal. This is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone who has followed the case and wondered about the truth behind the headlines. Broke Road by Matthew Spencer A young woman is found dead in her isolated town house in rural Red Creek, an up-and-coming wine tourism destination outside Sydney. No forced entry. No signs of struggle. And her geologist husband has an alibi, though it's not exactly solid. While a tabloid journalist is quick to spin her own damning narrative, homicide detective Rose Riley is questioning everything she sees—especially in a rapidly developing community that already seems on edge. While Riley and her partner, Priya Patel, work the case with a local detective, crime reporter Adam Bowman follows his own leads. Then forensic evidence matches that of a pair of unsolved murders elsewhere in two other married women, murdered months apart yet in the exact same manner. Riley realizes she's dealing with a serial killer. But one whose victims weren't random. These women were chosen, watched, and targeted for a purpose. As the secrets in this small town emerge, the suspects mount. Now Riley must unearth the deadliest secret of all—the true motive behind the murders—before another woman dies. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime journalist Steve Braunias on his account of the trial that gripped the nation - that of eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne.  

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 13 July 2025, journalist and true crime author Steve Braunias joins Francesca to discuss how the Polkinghorne trial brought him back to the genre and why he's fond of Phillip Polkinghorne. Teacher turned soldier Owain Mulligan speaks on how his weekend hobby in the territorial army ended with him leading a troop in Iraq. An open letter to the Prime Minister is calling for reform of the energy sector, two of the organisations behind it talk about why they've taken this action, and Francesca questions whether Wellington deserves better following a bumbling interview from Mayoral candidate Ray Chung. And Tasman farms have been devastated by recent weather events, Federated Farmers provincial president and Tapawera farmer Kerry Irvine shares the reality of the situation. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a trial that gripped the nation. The death of Pauline Hanna in her Remuera home. The arrest of her husband, eye surgeon, Philip Polkinghorne. And his trial and acquittal, that became one of the most high profile in New Zealand history. Not only focusing on Pauline's death but one that uncovered scandalous revelations of meth, sex and money. Journalist and true crime author, Steve Braunias, followed the case throughout. His new book is called Polkinghorne. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 14 April 2025, Heather is back from maternity leave! The Finance Minister gets a grilling over tariffs and wool. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan on whether the stoush between Chris Luxon and Winston Peters is a media beat-up or real. A driving instructor tells Heather why he doesn't think the Government should get rid of the second practical driving test. Plus, the Huddle on the new Polkinghorne doco and whether it's okay to sleep in separate beds than your partner. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson of Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! On the Peters v Luxon saga - is there a genuine disagreement between the pair when it comes to our trade response or is this just a media beat-up job? What do we make of this? The new Polkinghorne TV documentary is out - have we seen it? What did we think? New data shows people still don't trust the media - why do we think this could be? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like most things in life, there is nuance and subtlety that is lost along the way. David Seymour is of a personality that undoubtedly gets up the noses of some. He might even bother the Prime Minister periodically. But his Land Rover Escapade is not a sackable offence. Neither is his letter written, not as a minister, for Polkinghorne a sackable offence. Even if you want to combine them and throw in the Treaty Principals Bill because he's agitated people with it, he is still not in sackable territory, nor indeed anywhere close. Here is the simple truth about MMP: why do we still report it like FPP and they're all in the same party? Could the Prime Minister sack David Seymour from Cabinet? I guess, but then what would happen? The end of the Government. Is he going to do that? No, he is not. When companies take over other companies there is often a clean out of talent. When a new CEO arrives the same thing often applies. The business of running a country in an MMP environment is unique. You don't merge or take over, you coalesce. You are individual entities who agree on a series of ideas and a level of cooperation. It won't go perfectly. It might not even go swimmingly, because at no stage did you ever merge into one. You always remained, in this case, as three. When Chris Hipkins calls yet again for a sacking —and surely we are bored witless with that tactic— he tells us that not since the 80's and Lange and Prebble have we seen in-fighting like this. He is of course wrong. He forgets Peters and Shipley, and Peters and Bolger, and Anderton and Clark, and Kopu and Shipley, and the NZ First Tight Five. He forgets a vast swathe of our local and recent history and, not just that, he forgets Prebble and Lange were in the same party. Seymour and Luxon are not. In many respects we are lucky with this current line up. In a small country coalition choice is limited. In Spain and Germany where they have recently stretched the bounds of credibility in forming deals, they have collapsed. This deal won't collapse. The majority of the time there is cordiality, respect, and productivity. But reportage doesn't appear to feature those aspects. The great frustration I have with the Hipkins approach and the coverage of this frippery is that this is a time of tremendous importance on serious matters. This country is a mess, and it is in desperate need of addressing. The side show game increasingly looks from another age and also childish. If Seymour, Peters, or Luxon is on the phone to the Governor General to dissolve arrangements then come back to me. But stunts and a bit of personality back and forward is a day at the office, not a lead story and certainly not a crisis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party says the Prime Minister should sack ACT's David Seymour as a minister for writing to the police while they were investigating one of his constituents. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Corin Dann.

ACT leader David Seymour has called the Prime Minister ill-advised for criticising his support for Philip Polkinghorne. In 2022, the Epsom MP wrote a 1012-word letter to police, saying Polkinghorne felt he had been subject to prejudice from police. Christopher Luxon says Seymour was ill-advised to send the letter, but Seymour hit back on Checkpoint on Monday. Morning Report invited David Seymour onto the programme this morning, his office declined.

ACT leader David Seymour wrote a letter of support for Philip Polkinghorne during the police's investigation into his wife's death in April 2022. Political editor Jo Moir spoke to Corin Dann.

ACT Party leader David Seymour has hit back at the Prime Minister's criticism of his support for Philip Polkinghorne who was later charged and then acquitted of murdering his wife. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Retired eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne has been sentenced to 150 hours of community work for methamphetamine charges. The former Auckland eye doctor was found not guilty of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, after a 9 week trial earlier this year. Polkinghorne had already pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and a pipe at the start of the trial in July. Finn Blackwell was at court and filed this report.

In the final chapter of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne, the former Auckland eye surgeon found not guilty of murdering his wife, he has been sentenced to 150 hours of community work for drug possession. The charges of possessing methamphetamine and a pipe to smoke it followed searches of the family home after the death of Pauline Hanna. WARNING: This episode references drug use. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we'd love you to support our work by becoming a subscriber! You can subscribe to Stuff Extra directly in Apple Podcasts, or Click Here to listen on other platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retired eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne has been sentenced to 150 hours of community work for methamphetamine charges at the High Court at Auckland this morning.

Former eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne is back at the High Court in Auckland on Friday, facing sentencing for methamphetamine possession. Reporter Finn Blackwell spoke to Alexa Cook.

The nine week trial over the death of Pauline Hanna is over and her husband, retired eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne, was found not guilty of murdering her on Monday. Yet Polkinghorne has been in the news daily this week. RNZ crime reporter Finn Blackwell talks to Mihi about the extensive coverage of the case and the why it continues to be in the headlines.

After nearly two months and more than 80 witnesses, the jury returns with their finding in the murder trial of Philip Polkinghorne. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best friend of Pauline Hanna says she's always believed she didn't take her own life, and was murdered by husband, Philip Polkinghorne. Hawke's Bay reporter Alexa Cook is a friend of Pheasant and John Riordan, who themselves were friends of Pauline Hanna. Cook spoke with Pheasant Riordan about the trial and the moment Pauline's niece Rose rang to tell them about her aunt's death.

The defence and the prosecution present their final arguments after nearly two months of evidence. The Judge delivers a summing up and gives the jury directions before they retire to consider a verdict. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After an eight week trial, and 10 hours of deliberations over two days, former eye surgeon, Philip Polkinghorne has been found not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna three years ago. Jurors heard from more than 80 witnesses during the trial at the High Court in Auckland. The Crown claimed Polkinghorne killed his wife and staged her death as suicide, while the defence argued she tragically took her own life. Finn Blackwell was in court to hear the verdict and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Former eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne has been found not guilty of murder. An 11 person jury has ruled the former eye surgeon did not kill his wife, Pauline Hanna, in 2021.Outside the court this afternoon, Pauline Hanna's best friend said she was an amazing person and the decision was 'crap' but her family say whilst they're disappointed, they've accepted the verdict, Felix Walton has more.

For the first time, the court hears emails, found by the defence, that Pauline Hanna wrote to herself. Psychiatrists talk about the possible impact of the mix of medication she was taking. IT experts are at odds over whether texts were started - and deleted - on Hanna's phone at 4am on the day her death was reported. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expert defence pathologists offer different conclusions about the cause of death to their Crown counterparts. Colleagues at Auckland Eye describe Polkinghorne as kind and generous. And we hear from the “fishing boys”, who knew “Polky” from trips to their holiday homes in The Coromandel. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The defence of Philip Polkinghorne has pushed one message at the last day of his trial: this man is no killer. The jury in the trial of the former Auckland eye surgeon, accused of murdering his wife in 2021, have heard the final closing arguments from the defence. The crown has described Polkinghorne as a master manipulator who strangled Hanna and staged her death. The defence maintains she took her own life, a warning this story mentions suicide. Maia Ingoe reports.

The jury in the murder trial of former eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne has been told not to get swept up in the murder mystery fantasy, as his defence team wraps up its case. Dr Polkinghorne is alleged to have killed his wife Pauline Hanna in their Remuera home three years ago and staging it to look like a suicide. His lawyers have tried to paint a picture of an honest man who tried to co-operate with the police investigation; while the Crown describes Dr Polkinghorne as a master manipulator, capable of murder, Finn Blackwell was in court.

Philip Polkinghorne's wife was in the way of his life with his "intoxicating" mistress, according to the Crown lawyer who today delivered her closing remarks in the trial of the former eye surgeon. He is accused of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna in their Remuera home three years ago. However, the defence denies this and said Ms Hanna took her own life. Melanie Earley has been in court and a warning, this report mentions suicide.

As the defence case begins, Polkinghorne's lawyer describes the police as being “intoxicated” with the idea of murder, and cautions the jury against being distracted by evidence about sex and drugs. Pauline Hanna's sister says Hanna told her of a suicide attempt more than 30 years ago and Polkinghorne's ex-wife takes the stand. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Details of Philip Polkinghorne's relationships with wife Pauline Hanna and Sydney-based sex worker Madison Ashton emerge when police scrutinise their digital devices. Among their discoveries, thousands of sexual images, and personal correspondence about the state of the marriage. A forensic accountant tells the court that Polkinghorne paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to half a dozen women, including Ashton. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Crown case nears its end, a close friend and colleague alleges Polkinghorne made sex and meth admissions that “shocked” her. There are questions about tensions in the operating theatre, financial stress and positive meth tests at Auckland Eye. An expert explains the ways meth can change behaviour. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The defence has begun laying out its case in the trial of retired eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne. Polkinghorne has pleaded not guilty to killing his wife, Pauline Hanna, in 2021, and staging her death as a suicide. Polkinghorne's lawyers introduced their first witnesses today after the Crown spent the past five weeks presenting evidence to the court, Jessica Hopkins reports. 

Two pathologists face detailed questions about the significance of a mark on Pauline Hanna's neck, with one asked why they didn't mention it in their autopsy report. The court hears more about Hanna's medical history, including her use of unprescribed sleeping tablets and the prescriptions she was given by her GP. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philip Polkinghorne's defence has suggested police are omitting information from their investigation at the High Court in Auckland today. The former eye surgeon is on trial for murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, in 2021, and staging her death as a suicide. Polkinghorne's defence argues Ms Hanna's depression and job stress, led her to end her life, Jessica Hopkins reports.

In a recording played to the jury, Pauline Hanna talks about the state of her marriage to eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne and their sex life. Close friends recall her sharing an alleged strangulation threat by her husband. The defence challenges them and family members, asking if their recollections are clouded by the belief that Hanna wouldn't have taken her own life. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The High Court in Auckland has today been shown the internet history, photos, and messages from the phones of Pauline Hanna and Philip Polkinghorne's mistress Madison Ashton. Polkinghorne is on trial for Ms Hanna's murder, which his defence argues was suicide. A warning, this report by Felix Walton contains details that listeners may find distressing.

A former Auckland Eye surgeon paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to prostitutes in Australia and New Zealand in the years before his wife was found dead. Philip Polkinghorne is on trial for the murder of Pauline Hanna in April 2021. The High Court in Auckland has today heard an in-depth reading of Polkinghorne and Ms Hanna's finances, revealing the full extent of his extra-marital relations, Maia Ingoe reports. 

The jury hears Polkinghorne for the first time as the prosecution plays his police interview from the day his wife died. While answering questions about his marriage to Pauline Hanna and her state of mind, he receives a call informing him he's a suspect. The Crown case continues with a friend of the couple describing his suspicions about Polkinghorne's behaviour and a detective recalling a visit to a luxury getaway where Polkinghorne was staying with sex worker Madison Ashton. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the show today the guys spoke with crime reporter Steve Braunius about his new book "The Survivors", and ended up doing a fascinating deep dive into the Polkinghorne murder trial!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Philip Polkinghorne being interviewed at the police station, detectives decide to step up their search of his house. Amid tests for fingerprints, DNA and blood - a hunt dubbed unprecedented by the detective sergeant in charge of the scene - officers make a series of discoveries that shape the investigation. But in court they're asked if police and forensic scientists might have made up their minds too soon. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rose Hanna was in the witness box at the High Court in Auckland as the third week of Philip Polkinghorne's murder trial gets underway. The former eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna in 2021 and staging her death to look like a suicide, which he denies, Felix Walton reports. 

As detectives comb the home of Philip Polkinghorne and Pauline Hanna, questions quickly emerge about the rope involved in her death. The jury hears Polkinghorne's summary of his wife's final day alive. Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra  or on Apple podcasts. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation, call 111. The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.  The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.  Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff's senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you'll be helping us make more podcasts like this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friends of Pauline Hanna have told a jury about her husband's demands for sex, financial stress, and moments where he became "beastly."  It was the tenth day of the trial of retired eye surgeon Phillip Polkinghorne, who's accused of murdering his wife and staging the scene to make it appear she took her own life, reporter Maia Ingoe speaks to Lisa Owen. 

It's the second week of the trial of Polkinghorne, who's accused of murdering Ms Hanna and trying to stage it to make it appear self inflicted. Bruce Hanna, Ms Hanna's younger brother, today gave testimony to the High Court in Auckland about his sister's marriage and the changes he saw in her towards the end of her life, Melanie Earley reports.

A friend of retired Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne has told a court that the doctor behaved unusually in the year leading up to Pauline Hanna's death. It's the second week of the murder trial in High Court in Auckland, where Polkinghorne has denied killing his wife in their Remuera home in April 2021, Lucy Xia reports.

On Easter Monday 2021, police were called to the home of a successful professional couple in the affluent Auckland suburb of Remuera. They found the body of Pauline Hanna. In his emergency call, her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, said she killed herself. Sixteen months later he was charged with her murder. As this podcast is released, he's currently on trial at the High Court in Auckland. Stuff's groundbreaking series returns to take you inside the Polkinghorne trial: Hear the witnesses, follow the evidence, wait for the verdict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices