An Auckland surgeon has been charged with the murder of his wife who was found dead in her home in April last year.
Polkinghorne appeared at Auckland District Court, on Albert Street. Photo: Supplied / Ministry of Justice
Philip John Polkinghorne appeared in Auckland District Court this afternoon and was remanded on bail.
His lawyer, Rachael Reed QC, said he intended to plead not guilty.
She opposed media applications to film and take photos in court, saying it was a very difficult day for her client.
Judge Andrea Manuel approved the applications, saying the media were the eyes and ears of the public.
Hanna was a project director at the former Counties Manukau DHB.
Polkinghorne is an eye surgeon who was reported to have retired shortly after his wife's death.
Companies office records show he was once a director of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Opthalmologists.
The 69-year-old is due to reappear in court at the end of this month.