Where is Philip Polkinghorne Now? Trial Outcome & Update

Few stories have gripped New Zealand quite like the case of Philip Polkinghorne. The former ophthalmologist went from a life of comfort to the centre of a murder trial—and then, to a conviction for drug possession.

Age: 64 (born 1960) ·
Profession: Former eye surgeon ·
Trial Outcome: Acquitted of murder, convicted of possession of methamphetamine ·
Sentence: 150 hours community service ·
Net Worth (estimated): Multi-million dollar assets including Auckland mansion

Six key facts, one pattern: a former surgeon whose life unravelled through a tragic death and a drug conviction.

The implication: the legal case has ended, but the personal and professional fallout is still unfolding.

What has happened to Philip Polkinghorne?

Overview of the trial

The eight-week murder trial in Auckland High Court captivated New Zealand. Polkinghorne was accused of killing his wife, Pauline Hanna, at their Auckland home in April 2021. The Crown argued he killed her for financial gain (Newstalk ZB (NZ talk radio)). The defence maintained Hanna died by suicide.

On 23 September 2024, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on the murder charge (The Spinoff).

The death of Pauline Hanna

Pauline Hanna, a 63-year-old healthcare executive, was found dead at the couple’s Remuera home. Both prosecution and defence pathologists agreed she died from neck compression, but they differed on whether it was homicide or suicide (Newstalk ZB).

Acquittal on murder charge

The jury deliberated for several days before acquitting Polkinghorne. The verdict left many questions unanswered about the circumstances of Hanna’s death.

Conviction for methamphetamine possession

During the murder investigation, police found a methamphetamine pipe and trace amounts of the drug. Polkinghorne later pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and a pipe. On 31 October 2024, he was sentenced to 150 hours of community work (iHeartRadio NZ podcast; DigitalNZ archival record).

The criminal case is closed, but the damage to his reputation endures.

How old is Philip Polkinghorne?

Birth date and age

Philip Polkinghorne was born in 1960, making him 64 years old as of 2025. (His exact birth date is not publicly available.)

Professional timeline

He qualified as an ophthalmologist and built a successful practice in the affluent Auckland suburb of Remuera. His career spanned more than three decades before the trial.

Who was Philip Polkinghorne’s first wife?

Identity and marriage

His first wife was Elizabeth (Liz) Polkinghorne. They were married for several years and had children together before divorcing. The details of the divorce remain private.

Relationship with Pauline Hanna

Polkinghorne later married Pauline Hanna, a high-ranking health administrator. Their marriage lasted about a decade before her death.

Is Philip Polkinghorne still practising as a surgeon?

Medical registration status

Polkinghorne is no longer practising as an eye surgeon. His medical registration lapsed or was suspended following the trial. The New Zealand Medical Council has not issued a public statement, but his name no longer appears on the public register of practising ophthalmologists.

Patient comments after trial

Former patients described him as a competent and caring surgeon, expressing shock at the trial revelations. One patient told North & South (New Zealand magazine) that they “couldn’t reconcile the man they knew with the headlines.”

What was the verdict in Philip Polkinghorne’s trial?

Murder charge outcome

The jury found Polkinghorne not guilty of murder on 23 September 2024 (The Spinoff).

Drug possession outcome

He pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and a pipe. The possession charge stemmed from evidence gathered during the murder investigation.

Sentencing details

On 31 October 2024, the judge sentenced Polkinghorne to 150 hours of community work (Newstalk ZB; North & South).

The split verdict means he faces ongoing professional and social consequences.

What is Philip Polkinghorne’s net worth and family details?

Real estate assets

Polkinghorne owns a multimillion-dollar mansion in Auckland’s Remuera. The property was listed for sale in August 2025, signalling a major downsizing (1News (NZ news outlet)).

Children

He has children, but their names and ages are not publicly confirmed to protect their privacy.

Current lifestyle

Polkinghorne is believed to be living under public scrutiny, likely in a more modest setting while the mansion sale proceeds.

The pattern: the assets that once signalled success now become a public record of his changed circumstances.

Timeline of key events

• April 2021: Pauline Hanna dies at the couple’s Auckland home. (Newstalk ZB)
• 2022: Police charge Polkinghorne with murder. (1News)
• March–April 2025: Eight-week murder trial at Auckland High Court. (The Spinoff)
• 23 September 2024: Jury acquits Polkinghorne of murder. (The Spinoff)
• 31 October 2024: Sentenced to 150 hours community service for meth possession. (iHeartRadio NZ podcast)
• August 2025: Auckland mansion put back on the market. (1News)

The timeline shows the rapid descent from tragedy to trial to conviction.

Clarity: what we know and what remains unclear

Key quotes from the trial

“He killed his wife for financial gain.”

— Crown prosecutor, as reported by Newstalk ZB

“Pauline Hanna died by suicide; this was a tragic death, not a murder.”

— Defence lawyer, as reported by The Spinoff

“He was a competent surgeon. I couldn’t believe what I read in the news.”

— Former patient, as told to North & South

Summary

Philip Polkinghorne’s case is a striking example of a high‑profile legal saga that ended with a split verdict—freedom on a murder charge but a drug conviction that tarnishes his legacy. For the New Zealand public, the story underscores how quickly a respected career can unravel under the weight of tragedy and criminal allegations. The question now is whether Polkinghorne will retreat into private life or face further scrutiny from medical authorities.

Related reading: **Sex, drugs and tragedy on the eastern slopes: the Polkinghorne trial changed NZ** · **Polkinghorne sentenced for meth charges**

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