We’re now in the final hours of the election campaign, and Christopher Luxon is fighting to secure a second term as Prime Minister.

When National came to power, it promised to get the economy back on track, deliver tax relief, and restore law and order.

But with the cost of living still weighing on households, and questions over the state of public services, Luxon needs to convince voters that his plan is working – and that another three years will make a difference.

Today on this final episode of The Front Page, Christopher Luxon joins us to talk about the campaign, the job, and what he hopes his political legacy will ultimately be.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

We&rsquo;re now in the final hours of the election campaign, and Christopher Luxon is fighting to secure a second term as Prime Minister.
When National came to power, it promised to get the economy back on track, deliver tax relief, and restore law and order.
But with the cost of living still weighing on households, and questions over the state of public services, Luxon needs to convince voters that his plan is working &ndash; and that another three years will make a difference.
Today on this final episode of The Front Page, Christopher Luxon joins us to talk about the campaign, the job, and what he hopes his political legacy will ultimately be.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

What does Christopher Luxon want his political legacy to be?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/158b1662-7a61-4556-9003-b4f9001d6ede/transcript

We’re now in the final stretch of the election campaign, and Chris Hipkins is hoping to lead Labour back into Government. 

Labour has been campaigning with a focus on easing the cost of living, improving public services, and building a fairer economy. 

For Hipkins, the last few weeks has been an opportunity to connect with Kiwis and make his case for why he should be Prime Minister. 

Today on The Front Page, Labour leader Chris Hipkins is with us to talk about the highs and lows of the campaign and the moments that have stuck with him. 

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

We&rsquo;re now in the final stretch of the election campaign, and Chris Hipkins is hoping to lead Labour back into Government.&nbsp;
Labour has been campaigning with a focus on easing the cost of living, improving public services, and building a fairer economy.&nbsp;
For Hipkins, the last few weeks has been an opportunity to connect with&nbsp;Kiwis and make his case for why he should be Prime Minister.&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page,&nbsp;Labour leader Chris Hipkins is with us&nbsp;to talk about the highs and lows of the campaign and the moments that have stuck with him.&nbsp;
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

The campaign moment Chris Hipkins won’t forget

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The major parties are making their last pitch to voters, crisscrossing the country, trying to win over undecided Kiwis and convince them they deserve another three years in Government. 

But while the party leaders are focused on winning power, there’s another battle playing out behind the scenes: the fight for political survival. 

With both National and Labour polling well below their 2023 election results, a number of sitting MPs could find themselves out of a job come Saturday night. 

So, who’s at risk, and what could the final days of campaigning mean for the make-up of the next Parliament? 

Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths is with us from the National Party tour bus. 

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

The major parties are making their last pitch to voters, crisscrossing the country, trying to win over undecided Kiwis and convince them they deserve another three years in Government.&nbsp;
But while the party leaders are focused on winning power, there&rsquo;s another battle playing out behind the scenes: the fight for political survival.&nbsp;
With both National and Labour polling well below their 2023 election results, a number of sitting MPs could find themselves out of a job come Saturday night.&nbsp;
So, who&rsquo;s at risk, and what could the final days of campaigning mean for the make-up of the next Parliament?&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page,&nbsp;Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths is with us&nbsp;from the National Party tour bus.&nbsp;
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

Final sprint: Major parties make last pitch to undecided Kiwis

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5a917c4d-a017-4c1d-ace5-b4f7018a0de8/transcript

There are some new Warrant of Fitness rules that could save Kiwis billions. 

The changes mean people who buy a new car will only need to get their next WOF after four years. 

Vehicles aged 4 to 14 will only need a WOF every two years - with cars over 14 still needing one every year. 

Today on The Front Page, AA motoring spokesperson Allister Wade is with us to talk through the changes and what it means for you. 

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

There are&nbsp;some new Warrant of Fitness rules that could save Kiwis billions.&nbsp;
The changes mean people who buy a new car will only need to get their next WOF after four years.&nbsp;
Vehicles aged 4 to 14 will only need a WOF every two years - with cars over 14 still needing one every year.&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page,&nbsp;AA motoring spokesperson Allister Wade is with us to talk through the changes and what it means for you.&nbsp;
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

Will fewer WoF checks come at a cost to road safety?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4a7df62b-d9a0-4368-b67f-b4f7000f44f8/transcript

The Warehouse built its name on being the place where everyone gets a bargain. 

But with Kmart winning over shoppers and Temu competing for their dollars online, the red shed has struggled to keep its place in Kiwi shopping baskets. 

Now, the company has unveiled a new strategy to turn things around, after its chief executive admitted it had lost sight of what customers want. 

So what will it take to win them back? And after years of trying to turn its fortunes around, what makes this plan different? 

Today on The Front Page, the Herald’s Tom Raynel joins us to explain what’s next for The Warehouse.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

The Warehouse built its name on being the place where everyone gets a bargain.&nbsp;
But with Kmart winning over shoppers and Temu competing for their dollars online, the red shed has struggled to keep its place in Kiwi shopping baskets.&nbsp;
Now, the company has unveiled a new strategy to turn things around, after its chief executive admitted it had lost sight of what customers want.&nbsp;
So what will it take to win them back? And after years of trying to turn its fortunes around, what makes this plan different?&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page, the Herald&rsquo;s Tom Raynel joins us to explain what&rsquo;s next for The Warehouse.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

Can The Warehouse win back Kiwi shoppers?

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Every party promises a stronger economy. But what would their plans actually mean for your wages, bills and tax?

In the final episode of The Front Page’s election series, Chelsea Daniels asks National’s Nicola Willis, Labour’s Barbara Edmonds, ACT’s David Seymour, the Greens’ Lawrence Xu-Nan, New Zealand First’s Craig Stobo and Opportunity’s Qiulae Wong how they would grow the economy and tackle the cost of living.

From business tax cuts to taxes on wealth, land and property profits, the parties explain their competing approaches. Plus, a look at Te Pāti Māori’s tax and income policies.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

Every party promises a stronger economy. But what would their plans actually mean for your wages, bills and tax?
In the final episode of The Front Page&rsquo;s election series, Chelsea Daniels asks National&rsquo;s Nicola Willis, Labour&rsquo;s Barbara Edmonds, ACT&rsquo;s David Seymour, the Greens&rsquo; Lawrence Xu-Nan, New Zealand First&rsquo;s Craig Stobo and Opportunity&rsquo;s Qiulae Wong how they would grow the economy and tackle the cost of living.
From business tax cuts to taxes on wealth, land and property profits, the parties explain their competing approaches. Plus, a look at Te Pāti Māori&rsquo;s tax and income policies.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

Which party’s economic plan would leave you better off?

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With just days to go until election day, hundreds of thousands of eligible New Zealanders could find themselves unable to have their say. 

The rules governing this year’s election have undergone their biggest overhaul since MMP was introduced. 

The Electoral Amendment Act 2025 has restricted the advance voting period to a 12-day window until the day before the election, with voter enrolment closing 13 days out. 

Previously, voters could enroll or update their details until the day before election day by casting a special vote, except in 2020 and 2023, when same-day enrolment was allowed. 

So, is this a sensible change, or a threat to our democratic process? And with voter turnout and enrolment already a concern, could the rules themselves influence the result? 

Today on The Front Page, University of Otago politics lecturer Dr Bryce Edwards is with us to break down the changes, and what we should do next. 

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

With just days to go until election day, hundreds of thousands of eligible New Zealanders could find themselves unable to have their say.&nbsp;
The rules governing this year&rsquo;s election have undergone their biggest overhaul since MMP was introduced.&nbsp;
The Electoral Amendment Act 2025 has restricted the advance voting period to a 12-day window until the day before the election, with voter enrolment closing 13 days out.&nbsp;
Previously, voters could enroll or update their details until the day before election day by casting a special vote, except in 2020 and 2023, when same-day enrolment was allowed.&nbsp;
So, is this a sensible change, or a threat to our democratic process? And with voter turnout and enrolment already a concern, could the rules themselves influence the result?&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page, University of Otago politics lecturer Dr Bryce Edwards is with us to break down the changes, and what we should do next.&nbsp;
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

Should New Zealand make voting compulsory?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/92f24c74-9927-4862-b1c6-b4f1018292a8/transcript

Auckland’s mayor wants control of the city’s roads and rail network and he wants the next Government to hand it over. 

As he did before the last election, Wayne Brown has released a manifesto outlining what Auckland Council wants from the next government. 

Just nine days out from the election, he's pitching a major shakeup of transport governance, and some bold ideas about how to boost the inner city's population. 

He’s also calling for changes to housing, infrastructure funding and planning rules, arguing Aucklanders, not Wellington, should decide what the city looks like. 

Today on The Front Page, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is with us to discuss what he wants from the next government. 

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

Auckland&rsquo;s mayor wants control of the city&rsquo;s roads and rail network&nbsp;and he wants the next Government to hand it over.&nbsp;
As he did before the last election, Wayne&nbsp;Brown has released a manifesto outlining what Auckland Council wants from the next government.&nbsp;
Just nine days out from the election, he's&nbsp;pitching a major shakeup of transport governance, and some bold ideas about how to boost the inner city's population.&nbsp;
He&rsquo;s also calling for changes to housing, infrastructure funding and planning rules,&nbsp;arguing Aucklanders, not Wellington, should decide what the city looks like.&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page,&nbsp;Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is with us to discuss what he wants from the next government.&nbsp;
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

'It's moronic': Wayne Brown attacks fast-track housing system

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Imagine waking up after election night to find neither side has enough seats to govern. 

Polls have suggested there is a chance we'll see a hung parliament, with neither the left or right blocs having a majority of seats. 

With election day fast approaching, we're looking under the bonnet of how MMP runs, how coalition talks work, and what happens if parties can't agree on anything. 

Today on The Front Page, University of Otago law professor, Andrew Geddis is with us to break down how Parliament works, what happens if the numbers don't stack up, and how messy things could get.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

Imagine waking up after election night to find neither side has enough seats to govern.&nbsp;
Polls have suggested there is a chance we'll&nbsp;see a hung parliament, with neither the left or right blocs having a majority of seats.&nbsp;
With election day fast approaching, we're looking under the bonnet of how MMP runs, how coalition talks work, and what happens if parties can't agree on anything.&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page, University of Otago law professor, Andrew Geddis is with us to break down how Parliament works, what happens if the numbers don't stack up, and how messy things could get.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

Who governs New Zealand if the election ends in a deadlock?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f7eb7fed-54bc-4c83-8b95-b4f00011ab03/transcript

Children falling behind. Teacher shortages. Classroom disruption. Questions over what our kids are learning, and whether the system is giving every child the chance to succeed. 

Education is one of the few issues where the consequences of political decisions can last a lifetime. 

Are our children learning enough? Are schools getting the support they need? Is the curriculum working? And are we doing enough for the children who are falling behind? 

This week on The Front Page, we're asking the parties what they would change and how they plan to improve outcomes for New Zealand children. 

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

Children falling behind. Teacher shortages. Classroom disruption. Questions over what our kids are learning, and whether the system is giving every child the chance to succeed.&nbsp;
Education is one of the few issues where the consequences of political decisions can last a lifetime.&nbsp;
Are our children learning enough? Are schools getting the support they need? Is the curriculum working? And are we doing enough for the children who are falling behind?&nbsp;
This week on The Front Page, we're asking the parties what they would change and how they plan to improve outcomes for New Zealand children.&nbsp;
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

Who has the best plan for our schools?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5ff62824-fa6e-4e44-a867-b4eb017e5179/transcript

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald’s daily news podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what’s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future.

Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. 

Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald&rsquo;s daily news podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what&rsquo;s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future.
Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture.&nbsp;
Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Every day, The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald. Hosted by Damien Venuto

The Front Page

40 years ago, two bombs went off in Auckland's harbour when French agents targeted a Greenpeace ship. It was meant to be a warning against anti-nuclear protests, but the death of a photographer on board sparked a major police and political response. 

From the NZ Herald and Bird of Paradise Productions, this six-part series re-examines the bombing, the events leading up to it, the investigation that followed, and the ongoing fallout from this case and the French nuclear testing. 

Search for 'A Forgotten History' on your preferred podcast app. 

40 years ago, two bombs went off in Auckland's harbour when French agents targeted a Greenpeace ship. It was meant to be a warning against anti-nuclear protests, but the death of a photographer on board sparked a major police and political response.&nbsp;
From the NZ Herald and Bird of Paradise Productions, this six-part series re-examines the bombing, the events leading up to it, the investigation that followed, and the ongoing fallout from this case and the French nuclear testing.&nbsp;
Search for 'A Forgotten History' on your preferred podcast app.&nbsp;

NZH Presents - Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten History 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7d6900c1-d91e-4e33-9ea5-b315004ba92f/transcript

Pauline Hanna on a boat, sea breeze, big smiles.

It’s the image filmmakers of a new three-part documentary into her death, and subsequent murder trial of her husband, decide to open on.

Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of strangling his wife and making it look like she’d taken her own life.

The Front Page covered the mammoth nine-week trial in the series: Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial.

Today on The Front Page, executive producer Mark McNeill is with us to talk about the trial, the documentary, and the life of Pauline.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Sound Engineer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

Pauline Hanna on a boat, sea breeze, big smiles.
It&rsquo;s the image filmmakers of a new three-part documentary into her death, and subsequent murder trial of her husband, decide to open on.
Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of strangling his wife and making it look like she&rsquo;d taken her own life.
The Front Page covered the mammoth nine-week trial in the series: Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial.
Today on The Front Page, executive producer Mark McNeill is with us to talk about the trial, the documentary, and the life of Pauline.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Sound Engineer: Richard Martin Producer: Ethan Sills

New documentary puts Pauline Hanna and Philip Polkinghorne back in the spotlight

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b44462fd-4eae-4f57-a0df-b2bf001f94ae/transcript

It was a murder trial that gripped New Zealand, and the world.

Pauline Hanna was found dead in a Remuera home she shared with her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, on April 5, 2021.

What followed was a months-long investigation, Polkinghorne charged with murder, a mammoth trial and eventually, an acquittal.

A jury came back with the not guilty verdict in September – a moment that would not be mark the end of this saga.

That’s because on day one of the trial, former Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne pleaded guilty to meth charges.

Today, he was sentenced to 150 hours community service – for possession of meth and a pipe.

You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineers Paddy Fox and Richard Martin.

It was a murder trial that gripped New Zealand, and the world.
Pauline Hanna was found dead in a Remuera home she shared with her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, on April 5, 2021.
What followed was a months-long investigation, Polkinghorne charged with murder, a mammoth trial and eventually, an acquittal.
A jury came back with the not guilty verdict in September – a moment that would not be mark the end of this saga.
That’s because on day one of the trial, former Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne pleaded guilty to meth charges.
Today, he was sentenced to 150 hours community service – for possession of meth and a pipe.
You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineers Paddy Fox and Richard Martin.

Polkinghorne sentenced for meth charges - what's happened since his trial? 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e362316e-55fa-4265-bf6d-b21b0034e9f3/transcript

After eight weeks at the High Court in Auckland, on the first day of the ninth week, the jury has found Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of the murder of his wife, Pauline Hanna. 

For more on how the last day of the trial, NZ Herald crime reporter Craig Kapitan details the decision. 

You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. 

After eight weeks at the High Court in Auckland, on the first day of the ninth week, the jury has found Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of the murder of his wife, Pauline Hanna. 
For more on how the last day of the trial, NZ Herald crime reporter Craig Kapitan details the decision. 
You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block.

Philip Polkinghorne found not guilty of the murder of Pauline Hanna 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4067aeac-be92-45c9-a98c-b1f4004aa054/transcript

Week Eight has the Crown and Defence issuing their closing statements.

The Crown alleges that Philip Polkinghorne killed his wife, Pauline Hanna, on April 5 2021.

He maintains she took her own life. 

After the Crown went first, it is now the turn of the defence - led by lawyer Ron Mansfield - to deliver its closing statement. 

Week Eight has the Crown and Defence issuing their closing statements.
The Crown alleges that Philip Polkinghorne killed his wife, Pauline Hanna, on April 5 2021.
He maintains she took her own life. 
After the Crown went first, it is now the turn of the defence - led by lawyer Ron Mansfield - to deliver its closing statement.

Inside the defence's closing statement: What they say happened to Pauline Hanna

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/644f67a2-f05b-44d7-ad29-b1f00019e9af/transcript

Week Eight has the Crown and Defence issuing their closing statements.

First is the Crown, with Crown Prosecutor Alysha McClintock delivering it to the jury.

The Crown alleges that Philip Polkinghorne killed his wife, Pauline Hanna, on April 5 2021.

He maintains she took her own life. 

Week Eight has the Crown and Defence issuing their closing statements.
First is the Crown, with Crown Prosecutor Alysha McClintock delivering it to the jury.
The Crown alleges that Philip Polkinghorne killed his wife, Pauline Hanna, on April 5 2021.
He maintains she took her own life.

Inside the Crown's closing statement: What they say happened to Pauline Hanna

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/302ce8f4-9c7e-4735-91b9-b1ef006996b9/transcript

After seven weeks and over 80 witnesses, we have finished hearing evidence in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne.  

The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. 

He maintains she took her own life. 

In the final days of testimony, the debate over activity on Hanna’s phone continued, before the last two witnesses to take the stand offered their views on the state of her mental health, and the risk factors that could have pushed her towards suicide.  

You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. 

After seven weeks and over 80 witnesses, we have finished hearing evidence in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne.  
The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. 
He maintains she took her own life. 
In the final days of testimony, the debate over activity on Hanna’s phone continued, before the last two witnesses to take the stand offered their views on the state of her mental health, and the risk factors that could have pushed her towards suicide.  
You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block.

Days 30 - 31: Final witnesses take the stand after seven weeks of testimony

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/029c5551-0567-43f3-95d0-b1ed009db07c/transcript

Originally due to run for six weeks, the trial of Philip Polkinghorne is now in its seventh week.  

The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. 

He maintains she took her own life. 

More witnesses from the defence took the stand to discuss their thoughts on how Hanna died, and the risk factors that could have pushed her to take her own life.

New emails from Hanna were read to the court, and the question on if she used her phone the night before she died saw one Crown witness returned to the stand. 

You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Dan Goodwin. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. 

Originally due to run for six weeks, the trial of Philip Polkinghorne is now in its seventh week.  
The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. 
He maintains she took her own life. 
More witnesses from the defence took the stand to discuss their thoughts on how Hanna died, and the risk factors that could have pushed her to take her own life.
New emails from Hanna were read to the court, and the question on if she used her phone the night before she died saw one Crown witness returned to the stand. 
You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Dan Goodwin. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block.

Days 27 - 29: Email highlights Hanna's work stress as witnesses weigh in on her mental health

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bf11b5a8-813e-4785-a277-b1e9004f7185/transcript

Week six of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne continued with the defence’s case.  

The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. 

He maintains she took her own life. 

Witnesses for the defence revealed a different side of Polkinghorne then what we’ve previously heard, with former colleagues and neighbours describing him as funny, generous and caring.  

While the case took another dive into the couple’s accounts, electricity usage the morning Hanna died, and the reappearance of a red mark on the stairs – and the defence pathologist weighed in as well.  

You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Dan Goodwin. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. 

Week six of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne continued with the defence’s case.  
The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. 
He maintains she took her own life. 
Witnesses for the defence revealed a different side of Polkinghorne then what we’ve previously heard, with former colleagues and neighbours describing him as funny, generous and caring.  
While the case took another dive into the couple’s accounts, electricity usage the morning Hanna died, and the reappearance of a red mark on the stairs – and the defence pathologist weighed in as well.  
You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Dan Goodwin. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block.

Days 24 - 26: Witnesses reveal a different side of Polkinghorne as defence argues its case

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/30415df8-8663-485a-8235-b1e200314254/transcript

After nearly five weeks of witnesses, The Crown has closed its case in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne. 

The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. 

He maintains she took her own life. 

The Crown closed its case with more on Polkinghorne’s arrest, Police searches, and a last minute witness on cell phones. 

The rest of the trial is now in the hands of the Defence – and for their first witness, they called up Pauline Hanna’s own sister. 

You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block. 

After nearly five weeks of witnesses, The Crown has closed its case in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne. 
The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021. 
He maintains she took her own life. 
The Crown closed its case with more on Polkinghorne’s arrest, Police searches, and a last minute witness on cell phones. 
The rest of the trial is now in the hands of the Defence – and for their first witness, they called up Pauline Hanna’s own sister. 
You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox. Additional production support by Helen King. Additional reporting by Craig Kapitan and George Block.

Days 22 and 23: Defence opens their case with Pauline Hanna's sister

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/339d6f08-7380-4045-a4f2-b1dc0070a663/transcript

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

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

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.  

Over the coming weeks, The Front Page host Chelsea Daniels will be reporting regularly from the Auckland High Court as Polkinghorne stands trial. 

Follow Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

From the team behind The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald's daily news podcast, comes Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial. 
Paulina Hanna was found dead at the Remuera home she shared with her husband of 30 years, Philip Polkinghorne, on Easter Monday 2021. 
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.  
Over the coming weeks, The Front Page host Chelsea Daniels will be reporting regularly from the Auckland High Court as Polkinghorne stands trial. 
Follow Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

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

Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald’s daily news analysis podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what’s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future. Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald&rsquo;s daily news analysis podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what&rsquo;s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future. Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

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