‘Unexplained’ Remuera death: Husband faces review by ‘concerned’ colleagues
Aprominent eye surgeon whose wife died in “unexplained” circumstances at their $4 million Remuera home is now facing a review by his colleagues.
Auckland Eye said it was “concerned” by information published by the Herald this week that traces of methamphetamine had been found during a police search of the upmarket Auckland home Philip Polkinghorne shared with his wife of almost 30 years, Pauline Hanna.
Auckland Eye also confirmed that Polkinghorne has resigned from its board.
Hanna, 63, was found dead at the Upland Rd house on Easter Monday. Police spent 11 days examining the property and, almost six weeks on, are still treating the death as “unexplained”.
Auckland Eye chief executive Deb Boyd said the company had clinical review processes in place to ensure the highest standards of medical practice.
“We have been reviewing Dr Polkinghorne’s recent clinical practice and, out of an abundance of caution, we are in the process of appointing an independent clinical expert to assist in this review.”
Polkinghorne is now on extended bereavement leave. His photo and profile have been removed from the Auckland Eye website.
“I can confirm Dr Polkinghorne has resigned from the board,” Boyd added.
Polkinghorne could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Detective Aaron Pascoe, from the Auckland Criminal Investigation Branch, said police will not be commenting on “any specifics of our ongoing investigation into Pauline Hanna’s sudden death at this time”.
The mysterious death has captivated Auckland’s elite and richlisters.
Hanna was a senior health executive who spent more than 20 years at the Counties Manukau District Health Board. She was heavily involved in the emergency response to the Covid-19 outbreak last year. Family and friends portrayed Hanna as an elegant, generous woman who worked hard for her community.