Philip Polkinghorne denies killing wife at coronial inquest

Friday 14 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 14 Aug, 3:59pm

In this story TVNZ

Dr Philip Polkinghorne has denied accusations that he killed his wife, Pauline Hanna, during an inquest in Auckland. While denying responsibility for her death, Polkinghorne admitted to telling numerous lies since the 2021 incident. He was previously acquitted of murder in 2024.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffFri 14 Aug, 2:02pm

   ‘False, patently wrong’: Polkinghorne denies killing Pauline Hanna at inquest into wife’s death (opens in new tab)

2. 1News via RNZFri 14 Aug, 2:22pm

   'Wrong': Polkinghorne denies direct accusations he killed wife (opens in new tab)

   • Philip Polkinghorne denies direct accusation he killed his wife (opens in new tab) Fri 14 Aug, 2:22pm
3. NZ HeraldFri 14 Aug, 3:59pm

   Philip Polkinghorne admits lies as his testimony continues at Pauline Hanna coroner’s inquest in Auckland (opens in new tab)