On Easter Monday 2021, Paulina Hanna was found dead at the Remuera home she shared with her husband of 30 years, Philip Polkinghorne.

For 16 months, her death was treated as “unexplained”. That’s until it emerged Polkinghorne had been charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty in August 2022.

From the team behind The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald's daily news podcast, comes Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial.

Listen to Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, or in The Front Page podcast feed.

On Easter Monday 2021, Paulina Hanna was found dead at the Remuera home she shared with her husband of 30 years, Philip Polkinghorne.
For 16 months, her death was treated as “unexplained”. That’s until it emerged Polkinghorne had been charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty in August 2022.
From the team behind The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald's daily news podcast, comes Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial.
Listen to Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, or in The Front Page podcast feed.

From the NZ Herald newsroom comes A Moment in Crime - a podcast delving into some of New Zealand’s biggest cases.

Anna Leask has been a crime and justice reporter at the Herald for more than a decade.

Each month she'll take you inside some of our most infamous incidents, notorious offenders and behind the scenes of high profile trials and events to show you what’s really happening in your backyard.

From the NZ Herald newsroom comes A Moment in Crime - a podcast delving into some of New Zealand’s biggest cases. Anna Leask has been a crime and justice reporter at the Herald for more than a decade. Each month she'll take you inside some of our most infamous incidents, notorious offenders and behind the scenes of high profile trials and events to show you what’s really happening in your backyard.

From the NZ Herald newsroom comes A Moment in Crime - a podcast delving into some of New Zealand’s biggest cases.

Anna Leask has been a crime and justice reporter at the Herald for more than a decade.

Each month she'll take you inside some of our...

A Moment In Crime

NZH Presents - Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/80749559-a650-4145-80c4-b1bb0175d9be/transcript

In the 19 years I have been a crime and justice reporter I have told countless stories about offending in New Zealand - who is behind it, who is hurt by it and the lasting impact. 

I’ve covered a lot of the really high-profile cases during that time - including more than 130 murders, and dozens upon dozens of prosecutions and trials for manslaughter, sexual assaults and abuse, domestic violence and child abuse. 

I’ve also written a lot about our country's most enduring cold cases and best-known historic crimes.

In today’s episode of A Moment In Crime I wanted to take you back through some of the other cases I have written about. These cases may not have dominated the headlines for as long or as widely as others - but they are cases I think about often and they are all important cases on New Zealand’s crime timeline. 

Some of the stories I will tell you in this episode are graphic, and others refer to sexual violence and or child abuse.

This episode is intended for a mature audience. 

If there is a case you would like to hear more about in a future episode, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

READ MORE ABOUT THE CASES IN THIS EPISODE:

No parole for recidivist sex offender Johnathon Smallbon

HIV positive child sex offender paroled, takes on new identity

Exclusive: West Auckland children lived 'like caged animals' in 'despicable and sickening' neglect case

Revealed: Xi Wang brutally stabbed to death by ex as she held her 2yo son in her arms

DO YOU NEED HELP?

FAMILY VIOLENCE
Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)

Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children: Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)

MENTAL HEALTH 

Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)

Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234

Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)

Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call or text 1737

SEXUAL HARM

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7 - call 0800 044 334 text 4334 or email support@safetotalk.nz

Alternatively, contact your local police station.

 

In the 19 years I have been a crime and justice reporter I have told countless stories about offending in New Zealand - who is behind it, who is hurt by it and the lasting impact.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve covered a lot of the really high-profile cases during that time - including more than 130 murders, and dozens upon dozens of prosecutions and trials for manslaughter, sexual assaults and abuse, domestic violence and child abuse.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve also written a lot about our country's most enduring cold cases and best-known historic crimes.
In today&rsquo;s episode of A Moment In Crime I wanted to take you back through some of the other cases I have written about.&nbsp;These cases may not have dominated the headlines for as long or as widely as others - but they are cases I think about often and they are all important cases on New Zealand&rsquo;s crime timeline.&nbsp;
Some of the stories I will tell you in this episode are graphic, and others refer to sexual violence and or child abuse.
This episode is intended for a mature audience.&nbsp;
If there is a case you would like to hear more about in a future episode, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz
READ MORE ABOUT THE CASES IN THIS EPISODE:
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/no-parole-for-recidivist-trans-tasman-sex-offender/D4FVPRUOYMKBVYKCABCYZTU5NA/">No parole for recidivist sex offender Johnathon Smallbon</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mum-who-fed-son-battery-and-drugged-daughter-with-seizure-medication-has-sentence-reduced/6KIK4JVENZWGHGXGKFEGWNSYB4/">HIV positive child sex offender paroled, takes on new identity</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/exclusive-west-auckland-children-lived-like-caged-animals-in-despicable-and-sickening-neglect-case/QXREFMZAKSD75EAW6QYPUZ52GM/">Exclusive: West Auckland children lived 'like caged animals' in 'despicable and sickening' neglect case</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/revealed-xi-wang-brutally-stabbed-to-death-by-ex-as-she-held-her-2yo-son-in-her-arms/LHZUZHOXFAC6R6PDQGFYTVKUHE/">Revealed: Xi Wang brutally stabbed to death by ex as she held her 2yo son in her arms</a>
DO YOU NEED HELP?
FAMILY VIOLENCE Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children:&nbsp;Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
MENTAL HEALTH 
Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call or text 1737
SEXUAL HARM
If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7 - call 0800 044 334 text 4334 or email support@safetotalk.nz Alternatively, contact your local police station.
&nbsp;

Monsters among us: Ghastly tales of lesser known Kiwi crimes and criminals

In August 2014 Connor Morris was fatally injured during a street fight in West Auckland. He was struck in the head with a sickle-like tool and died instantly.

Morris, 27, was a patched gang member, the son of a senior leader and was in a relationship with the daughter of one of New Zealand's most prominent broadcasters. 

His murder and the trial for the man responsible, was high profile. A Moment In Crime writer and host Anna Leask covered the trial and sentencing for the Herald and looks back a the case 10 years on, as the killer becomes eligible for parole. 

Michael Thrift Murry admitted he killed Connor. But, he claimed there was no murderous intent, that he was trying to defend his younger brother from being attacked.

After a two-week trial a jury of eight men and four women found him guilty. He was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 10 years.

The Morris family were contacted before the podcast aired. They did not want to comment publicly but wanted to ensure people knew how much their son, brother and partner was loved by them.

For more on this case, visit nzherald.co.nz or click in the links above.

If you have a case you'd like us to consider covering - email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

In August 2014 <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-big-read-death-of-connor-morris-anatomy-of-a-streetfight/YAGGCURP2672IB73Y3QVBGVD6Q/">Connor Morris was fatally injured</a> during a street fight in West Auckland. He was struck in the head with a sickle-like tool and died instantly.
Morris, 27, was a patched gang member, the son of a senior leader and was in a relationship with the daughter of one of New Zealand's most prominent broadcasters. 
His <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/connor-morris-killer-appeal-against-conviction-adjourned/PLEL5W46T522H4Y3NM5QAYD2OM/">murder and the trial f</a>or the man responsible, was high profile. A Moment In Crime writer and host Anna Leask covered the trial and sentencing for the Herald and looks back a the case 10 years on, as the killer becomes eligible for parole. 
Michael Thrift Murry admitted he killed Connor. But, he claimed there was no murderous intent, that he was trying to defend his younger brother from being attacked.
After a two-week trial a jury of eight men and four women found him guilty. He was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 10 years.
The Morris family were contacted before the podcast aired. They did not want to comment publicly but wanted to ensure people knew how much their son, brother and partner was loved by them.
For more on this case, visit nzherald.co.nz or click in the links above.
If you have a case you'd like us to consider covering - email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

Death in the street: The murder of Connor Morris 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/82ab42a3-e901-4675-94ab-b212002e0509/transcript

It is not a rare occurrence for teachers to be investigated or charged with sexual offending against the children and young people they are supposed to be educating, guiding and nurturing.   

But some cases are significantly worse than other and in this episode of A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask recalls the three sex offending teachers who have caused New Zealand kids the most harm. 

The cases of Jaime Cooney, Paul Herrick and James Robertson are among the wrost offenders - in terms of how the abuse played out, the number of victims and how long the offending was taking place.   

And in all three cases, these predators could have been stopped much earlier.   

There were glaring red flags and concerns were raised both formally and informally with police and other authorities.  

But for various reasons these offenders remained free and able to continue violating and abusing innocent children.   

In today’s episode of A Moment In Crime Leask outlines how the sexual predators were caught, how they were dealt with by the justice system and where they are now. 

You will also hear from Parker - what he told the Parole Board in 2024 about his disgusting offending.

This episode of A Moment In Crime tells the story of significant sexual offending and abuse and is intended for a mature audience. See below information on where to get help or advice.

READ MORE:

Blenheim sex abuse teacher: Anatomy of a scandal

Predator principal's career of sex crimes and silencing

Kaitāia’s paedophile teacher James Parker refused parole

DO YOU NEED HELP?

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

Call 0800 044 334
Text 4334
Email support@safetotalk.nz
For more information visit safetotalk.nz

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

It is not a rare occurrence for teachers to be investigated or charged with sexual offending against the children and young people they are supposed to be educating, guiding and nurturing.   
But some cases are significantly worse than other and in this episode of A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask recalls the three sex offending teachers who have caused New Zealand kids the most harm. 
The cases of Jaime Cooney, Paul Herrick and James Robertson are among the wrost offenders - in terms of how the abuse played out, the number of victims and how long the offending was taking place.   
And in all three cases, these predators could have been stopped much earlier.   
There were glaring red flags and concerns were raised both formally and informally with police and other authorities.  
But for various reasons these offenders remained free and able to continue violating and abusing innocent children.   
In today’s episode of A Moment In Crime Leask outlines how the sexual predators were caught, how they were dealt with by the justice system and where they are now. 
You will also hear from Parker - what he told the Parole Board in 2024 about his disgusting offending.
This episode of A Moment In Crime tells the story of significant sexual offending and abuse and is intended for a mature audience. See below information on where to get help or advice.
READ MORE:
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/blenheim-sex-abuse-teacher-anatomy-of-a-scandal/H6IJMCBA4KQCOJPTL3HD4UDXN4/">Blenheim sex abuse teacher: Anatomy of a scandal</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-predator-principal-paul-herricks-career-of-sex-crimes-and-silencing/CVS5GY5HGURRRB7CQ4AOVHM7GM/">Predator principal's career of sex crimes and silencing</a>
<a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kaitaias-paedophile-teacher-james-parker-refused-parole-explains-hell-he-caused-victims/CZFTVKM2PRECHKCBPNUABLP5BQ/">Kaitāia’s paedophile teacher James Parker refused parole</a>
DO YOU NEED HELP? If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:
Call 0800 044 334 Text 4334 Email support@safetotalk.nz For more information visit safetotalk.nz
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

Bad teachers: New Zealand's most prolific sex offending educators revealed

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/775df7d4-bef0-4f93-92a1-b1f6006ef3ee/transcript

NZH Presents - Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial

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