Auckland’s CBD should be at its brightest right now, but this Christmas season has exposed just how far the city has slipped.

The former Smith and Caughey’s building - once the centre of Auckland’s festive traditions with its iconic window displays and enchanted forest - now sits dark.

Across the CBD, retail spending is down, site vacancy rates are up, and the district has been plagued by stalled developments and empty lots.

But could a new life for Auckland be on the horizon? The long-awaited City Rail Link is set open next year and Seascape, the country’s tallest residential tower, is resuming construction after a series of delays.

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson joins us to unpack what’s really happening in the heart of Auckland and whether we might see a Christmas miracle for the City of Sails.

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 CBD should be at its brightest right now, but this Christmas season has exposed just how far the city has slipped.
The former Smith and Caughey&rsquo;s building - once the centre of Auckland&rsquo;s festive traditions with its iconic window displays and enchanted forest - now sits dark.
Across the CBD, retail spending is down, site vacancy rates are up, and the district has been plagued by stalled developments and empty lots.
But could a new life for Auckland be on the horizon? The long-awaited City Rail Link is set open next year and Seascape, the country&rsquo;s tallest residential tower, is resuming construction after a series of delays.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson joins us to unpack what&rsquo;s really happening in the heart of Auckland and whether we might see a Christmas miracle for the City of Sails.
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 Auckland CBD bounce back? Retail vacancies, rail link and recovery

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/cac6e950-7209-4eab-b261-b3aa002ef9c1/transcript

Russia is apparently ready to go to war with Europe, according to its President.

Vladimir Putin met with the US negotiators this week for about five hours to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

He has accused European leaders of trying to scupper his peace talks with the US, saying that their tweaks to a plan to end the war were “unacceptable”.

The Kremlin has apparently accepted some proposals to end the war, although latest talks haven’t “yielded a breakthrough”.

Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Al Gillespie is with us to run through what could happen 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

Russia is apparently ready to go to war with Europe, according to its President.
Vladimir Putin met with the US negotiators this week for about five hours to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
He has accused European leaders of trying to scupper his peace talks with the US, saying that their tweaks to a plan to end the war were &ldquo;unacceptable&rdquo;.
The Kremlin has apparently accepted some proposals to end the war, although latest talks haven&rsquo;t &ldquo;yielded a breakthrough&rdquo;.
Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Al Gillespie is with us to run through what could happen 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

What Russia wants for peace and why some countries are pushing back

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e4c66a3b-9c90-474e-8739-b3a9002d21b2/transcript

Regional, territorial, unitary, wards and boards.

Local government in New Zealand is made up of 78 different councils that make decisions we encounter daily.

The roads, air, rubbish, waters, environment – it's all local government.

So, why has central government announced a need for change? And why has the Prime Minister himself implored councils to “stop doing dumb stuff”?

Today on The Front Page, Victoria University of Wellington associate professor in politics, Lara Greaves, is with us to take us through what it all means, and what the future could hold for our local councils.

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

Regional, territorial, unitary, wards and boards.
Local government in New Zealand is made up of 78 different councils that make decisions we encounter daily.
The roads, air, rubbish, waters, environment &ndash; it's all local government.
So, why has central government announced a need for change? And why has the Prime Minister himself implored councils to &ldquo;stop doing dumb stuff&rdquo;?
Today on The Front Page, Victoria University of Wellington associate professor in politics, Lara Greaves, is with us to take us through what it all means, and what the future could hold for our local councils.
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

Local government shake-up explained: Rate caps, mayors board and services

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e7ab46de-26c8-4bbc-b298-b3a80035f3b9/transcript

There are calls for urgent changes to modernise our laws to better protect victims of sexual violence.

A new Helen Clarke Foundation report identifies several gaps in our laws that need closing and changes to our justice system to reduce underreporting.

Ministry of Justice data estimates about 209,000 incidents of sexual assault occur every year, affecting around 82,000 victims.

Nearly one in four adults report having experienced sexual assault in their lifetime.

Today on The Front Page, Senior Researcher Sarah Bell is with us to take us through the report.

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 calls for urgent changes to modernise our laws to better protect victims of sexual violence.
A new Helen Clarke Foundation report identifies several gaps in our laws that need closing and changes to our justice system to reduce underreporting.
Ministry of Justice data estimates about 209,000 incidents of sexual assault occur every year, affecting around 82,000 victims.
Nearly one in four adults report having experienced sexual assault in their lifetime.
Today on The Front Page, Senior Researcher Sarah Bell is with us to take us through the report.
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

How a new report says we can modernise laws on consent and sexual harm

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3e9454f8-645e-493d-a454-b3a7002d5e7f/transcript

It’s the moment anyone looking for a conveniently packaged, Swedish designed kitchen cabinet is waiting for.

Ikea opens in Auckland this week at Sylvia Park – and it’ll be the company’s largest store in the Southern Hemisphere, about the size of three rugby fields.

You’d be pressed to find someone who hasn’t encountered news of the iconic brand in Aotearoa. But why is it such a big deal? What’s so different about Ikea?

We’ve brought Quantum Jump CEO and marketing expert Ben Goodale along with us to get an early look at the labyrinth that is Ikea.

Later we will speak to Patricia Routledge, Country Communication Manager at IKEA AU & NZ about the specifics of how the team chose to market Ikea to Kiwis.

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&rsquo;s the moment anyone looking for a conveniently packaged, Swedish designed kitchen cabinet is waiting for.
Ikea opens in Auckland this week at Sylvia Park &ndash; and it&rsquo;ll be the company&rsquo;s largest store in the Southern Hemisphere, about the size of three rugby fields.
You&rsquo;d be pressed to find someone who hasn&rsquo;t encountered news of the iconic brand in Aotearoa. But why is it such a big deal? What&rsquo;s so different about Ikea?
We&rsquo;ve brought Quantum Jump CEO and marketing expert Ben Goodale along with us to get an early look at the labyrinth that is Ikea.
Later we will speak to Patricia Routledge, Country Communication Manager at IKEA AU &amp; NZ about the specifics of how the team chose to market Ikea to Kiwis.
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

Nau mai Ikea: What to know before Sylvia Park store opens

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/fa89d639-7baa-4944-af0c-b3a60020985a/transcript

It has been a tumultuous time since the collapse of the Du Val property development group.

It was August last year we saw police raid a Remuera property – leaving with a number of assets owned by Charlotte and Kenyon Clarke.

Since then it’s been a tsunami of court hearings, social media posts, and “he said she saids”.

On Monday, a new podcast called *The Fall of the House of Du Val launches on iHeartRadio – or wherever you get your podcasts.

But, today on The Front Page, host of the podcast, Business Desk’s Maria Slade is here to take us through the rise and fall of Du Val.

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 has been a tumultuous time since the collapse of the Du Val property development group.
It was August last year we saw police raid a Remuera property &ndash; leaving with a number of assets owned by Charlotte and Kenyon Clarke.
Since then it&rsquo;s been a tsunami of court hearings, social media posts, and &ldquo;he said she saids&rdquo;.
On Monday, a new podcast called *The Fall of the House of Du Val launches on iHeartRadio &ndash; or wherever you get your podcasts.
But, today on The Front Page, host of the podcast, Business Desk&rsquo;s Maria Slade is here to take us through the rise and fall of Du Val.
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 Fall of the House of Du Val: inside the saga behind the new podcast

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2553cc69-0b8c-4f63-a09f-b3a30010e354/transcript

The mistlestoe's hung, the bells are a'ringing 

And all through the malls Mariah Carey is singing 

It's the same old story, told year after year 

Of Santa and reindeer and widespread good cheer 

But look a bit closer, and you might see a crack 

In the stronghold St Nick has had since way back 

Where once stood a hero, red coat and beard white 

A sack on his sleigh promising Christmas delight 

Now stands a figure, towering six foot two tall 

With a coat of green fur, heart two sizes too small 

The Grinch who stole Christmas is making a play 

For the title of hero come this Yuletide day 

For poor old Saint Nick, this might not end well 

And to give us the lowdown is Dr Lorna Piatti-Farnell.

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 mistlestoe's hung, the bells are a'ringing&nbsp;
And all through the malls Mariah Carey is singing&nbsp;
It's the same old story, told year after year&nbsp;
Of Santa and reindeer and widespread good cheer&nbsp;
But look a bit closer, and you might see a crack&nbsp;
In the stronghold St Nick has had since way back&nbsp;
Where once stood a hero, red coat and beard white&nbsp;
A sack on his sleigh promising Christmas delight&nbsp;
Now stands a figure, towering six foot two tall&nbsp;
With a coat of green fur, heart two sizes too small&nbsp;
The Grinch who stole Christmas is making a play&nbsp;
For the title of hero come this Yuletide day&nbsp;
For poor old Saint Nick, this might not end well&nbsp;
And to give us the lowdown is Dr Lorna Piatti-Farnell.
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

From villain to icon: Why the Grinch is everywhere this Christmas

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/31288b3c-b339-403f-9db3-b3a200344c6d/transcript

The Government’s released its plan to get our Defence infrastructure up to scratch – some of which hasn’t been touched in decades.

The Defence Estate Portfolio sets out how $2.5 billion will be spent over the next 15 years.

At the same time, the Future Naval Base Programme is pinned at $4b over 35 years.

It’s being called a ‘generational investment in defence infrastructure’.

But given the horror stories we’ve heard of black mould, infestations, and asbestos plaguing NZDF owned buildings – will this all be enough?

Today on The Front Page, Associate Minister of Defence and Minister for Building and Construction, Chris Penk, is with us to dive into an area that’s been chronically underinvested for far too long.

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 Government&rsquo;s released its plan to get our Defence infrastructure up to scratch &ndash; some of which hasn&rsquo;t been touched in decades.
The Defence Estate Portfolio sets out how $2.5 billion will be spent over the next 15 years.
At the same time, the Future Naval Base Programme is pinned at $4b over 35 years.
It&rsquo;s being called a &lsquo;generational investment in defence infrastructure&rsquo;.
But given the horror stories we&rsquo;ve heard of black mould, infestations, and asbestos plaguing NZDF owned buildings &ndash; will this all be enough?
Today on The Front Page, Associate Minister of Defence and Minister for Building and Construction, Chris Penk, is with us to dive into an area that&rsquo;s been chronically underinvested for far too long.
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

Chris Penk promises overhaul of mould‑ridden Defence housing in new plan

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/64ad3872-3343-427a-a7bc-b3a1002ca79b/transcript

The Cook Islands’ flag has flown from more than a hundred oil tankers implicated in illicitly trading Russian and Iranian oil.

A special Herald investigation has revealed that it’s sparked alarm from foreign governments – with New Zealand diplomats fielding concerns from Helsinki and London.

Our Foreign Minister Winston Peters has labelled the issue “alarming and infuriating”.

So, what is the link between the Baltic Sea and the Pacific? And how has this been allowed to happen?

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business investigations reporter Matt Nippert is with us to explain what it all means – and why we should care.

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 Cook Islands&rsquo; flag has flown from more than a hundred oil tankers implicated in illicitly trading Russian and Iranian oil.
A special Herald investigation has revealed that it&rsquo;s sparked alarm from foreign governments &ndash; with New Zealand diplomats fielding concerns from Helsinki and London.
Our Foreign Minister Winston Peters has labelled the issue &ldquo;alarming and infuriating&rdquo;.
So, what is the link between the Baltic Sea and the Pacific? And how has this been allowed to happen?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business investigations reporter Matt Nippert is with us to explain what it all means &ndash; and why we should care.
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

How Cook Islands‑flagged ships became tied to Russian and Iranian oil trade

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8d2cbb3b-3410-41be-8c0e-b3a000320cda/transcript

Our MPs have stakes in a combined $379 million of property in New Zealand.

A Herald investigation has found that’s an average of $3.16 million across each of our 120 Members of Parliament.

And despite the rumours, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon doesn’t top the list as the most lavish.

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald data journalist Chris Knox is with us to dive into the numbers, and why it matters.

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

Our MPs have stakes in a combined $379 million of property in New Zealand.
A Herald investigation has found that&rsquo;s an average of $3.16 million across each of our 120 Members of Parliament.
And despite the rumours, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon doesn&rsquo;t top the list as the most lavish.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald data journalist Chris Knox is with us to dive into the numbers, and why it matters.
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

Inside Parliament’s property portfolio: Who owns what, and why it matters

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5219a50e-05fe-4f9a-89d6-b39f00128a8e/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 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. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

The Front Page

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