Polkinghorne: Inside the trial of the century by Steve Braunias

Steve Braunias further establishes himself as one of New Zealand’s most renowned true-crime storytellers with Polkinghorne, a compelling account of the murder trial that seized the nation’s attention. With his trademark wit and relentless curiosity, Steve delves into the shocking death of Pauline Hanna and the subsequent trial of her husband, Dr Philip Polkinghorne, an eye surgeon whose privileged Auckland life was laid bare for all to see.

You may think, knowing the verdict and having followed the media frenzy, that we’d be over the Polkinghorne case by now. However, Steve’s insider access and observations reveal layer upon layer that never made the headlines. The result is a book that’s unexpectedly engrossing, even for those who thought there was nothing to learn. 

From the outset, Braunias invites readers into both the spectacle and undercurrents of the case.“The news media were set to go gaga. I was eager to contribute some ga. But I felt a bit abashed. I had only recently vowed to stay away from reporting court trials…” Yet, as Steve confesses, the Polkinghorne trial was different, it was less alien and felt more relatable. The defendant, like Steve himself, was part of the familiar “white mass of the New Zealand dream”.

Steve brings sharp insight to the personalities, the courtroom drama, and the peculiarities that marked the case, including the now-infamous “Significant Pants”. “...an alarming pair of red trousers with zips in the legs. They were Significant Pants, the Pants That Changed Everything -  New Zealand turned its heart against him as soon as they saw him in these pants, which identified him as a libertine, a bondage warrior, enjoying every bit of his midlife crisis.”

With such vivid detail, Braunias illustrates how public perception can hinge on the most unexpected symbols. The strength of the book lies in the way it blends meticulous reporting with Steve’s unique literary flair. Polkinghorne is more than just a chronicle of a sensational trial. It is also an exploration of status, scandal and the secrets that simmer beneath the surface of New Zealand society. Engrossing, unsettling and unexpectedly funny, Polkinghorne is essential reading for anyone fascinated by true crime, culture or simply great storytelling.

Steve Braunias is an award-winning author and journalist. He was part of the New Zealand Herald reporting team who won Best Coverage of a Major News Event at the 2025 Voyager Media Awards for their coverage of the Polkinghorne trial.

Read an extract here.

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

Allen & Unwin