School teacher Jennifer Beard disappeared on New Zealand's West Coast while hitchhiking on New Year's Eve 1969. Nearly three weeks later her body was found under a bridge outside the tiny township of Haast. 

Now a Herald investigation has uncovered new evidence that could identify her killer.

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School teacher Jennifer Beard disappeared on New Zealand's West Coast while hitchhiking on New Year's Eve 1969. Nearly three weeks later her body was found under a bridge outside the tiny township of Haast. Now a Herald investigation has uncovered new evidence that could identify her killer. Subscribe to The 50 Year Secret on your favourite podcast app.

Chasing Ghosts is a NZ Herald true crime series, looking at some of the most notable cases from our past. The original series looks into the disappearance of Amber-Lee Cruickshank, one of New Zealand's most baffling missing person investigations. 
Murder in the Sounds explores the ongoing debate about the disappearances of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope, and the arrest of Scott Watson. Below the Surface unpacks the multiple investigations in the death of Goy Thongsi.

Chasing Ghosts is a NZ Herald true crime series, looking at some of the most notable cases from our past. The original series looks into the disappearance of Amber-Lee Cruickshank, one of New Zealand's most baffling missing person investigations. Murder in the Sounds explores the ongoing debate about the disappearances of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope, and the arrest of Scott Watson. Below the Surface unpacks the multiple investigations in the death of Goy Thongsi.

The disappearance of Amber-Lee Cruickshank 25 years ago is one of New Zealand's most baffling missing person investigations. This six-part New Zealand Herald series provides an indepth look at the cold case and Amber-Lee's mother's ceaseless quest to...

Chasing Ghosts

The disappearance of Amber-Lee Cruickshank 25 years ago is one of New Zealand's most baffling missing person investigations. This six-part New Zealand Herald series provides an indepth look at the cold case and Amber-Lee's mother's ceaseless quest to bring her daughter home.

School teacher Jennifer Beard disappeared on New Zealand's West Coast while hitchhiking on New Year's Eve 1969. Nearly three weeks later her body was found under a bridge outside the tiny township of Haast. 

Now a Herald investigation has uncovered...

A 50 Year Secret, Uncovered

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.

NZH Presents - Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial

Elizabeth Fraser's testimony at the coronial hearing into Donald's death sparks huge interest in Christchurch - but can she be blamed for his death? And how does the success of Donald's horse tie into his murder?

Host: Ric Stevens
Audio Editor: Alastair Boyes
Producers: Ethan Sills and Elizabeth Binning

Open Justice is funded through the Public Interest Journalism Fund through NZ on Air. 

If you know more about this case, you can get in touch at ric.stevens@nzme.co.nz

Elizabeth Fraser's testimony at the coronial hearing into Donald's death sparks huge interest in Christchurch - but can she be blamed for his death? And how does the success of Donald's horse tie into his murder?
Host: Ric Stevens Audio Editor: Alastair Boyes Producers: Ethan Sills and Elizabeth Binning
Open Justice is funded through the Public Interest Journalism Fund through NZ on Air.  If you know more about this case, you can get in touch at ric.stevens@nzme.co.nz

Episode Four: The Saga of Silver Ring

The spotlight falls on Elizabeth Fraser as the investigation continues, but who was she and why would she want to kill her own husband? And who was the mistress that came between this marriage?

Host: Ric Stevens
Audio Editor: Alastair Boyes
Producers: Ethan Sills and Elizabeth Binning

Open Justice is funded through the Public Interest Journalism Fund through NZ on Air. 

If you know more about this case, you can get in touch at ric.stevens@nzme.co.nz

The spotlight falls on Elizabeth Fraser as the investigation continues, but who was she and why would she want to kill her own husband? And who was the mistress that came between this marriage?
Host: Ric Stevens Audio Editor: Alastair Boyes Producers: Ethan Sills and Elizabeth Binning
Open Justice is funded through the Public Interest Journalism Fund through NZ on Air.  If you know more about this case, you can get in touch at ric.stevens@nzme.co.nz

A 50 Year Secret, Uncovered

Chasing Ghosts

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