Gasps from the public gallery as Philip Polkinghorne was declared not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna in 2021 - nor of manslaughter.

He's been discharged, but will be back in court in November for sentencing on meth possession charges.

NZ Herald reporter Michael Morrah was in court.

He says it was very tense as the verdict was announced.

"Some people in the public gallery were in tears, Polkinghorne himself just stood still, head down - and was pretty much expressionless when that verdict of 'not guilty' was read out."

LISTEN ABOVE