Remuera death: House where health boss Pauline Hanna found dead now for sale

New ZealandUpdated

22 Jul, 2021 09:05 PM3 minutes to read

Pauline Hanna’s death remains a mystery. Photo / Supplied

The Auckland house where health boss Pauline Hanna was found dead in unexplained circumstances in April is now on the market.

Hanna, 63, was found dead at the Remuera home she shared with her husband of 30 years, Philip Polkinghorne, on Easter Monday.

The four-bedroom, three-bathroom Remuera house was listed on Thursday and is expected to be worth close to $5m. It was last sold for $1.025m in November 2002.

Police and forensic units at the Remuera home shortly after Pauline Hanna was found dead. Photo / Dean Purcell

Hanna is still listed as a current owner of the property, along with Polkinghorne.

The property is being marketed by Ray White.

The listing says the “stunning home” is designed for family living, “fabulous entertaining” and privacy.

“From the moment you open the front gate you sense that you are about to enter a home of substance. Meticulously manicured gardens set a scene of peaceful tranquillity.”

The Upland Rd property is worth an estimated $5m. Photo / Ray White

With parking for four vehicles and a floor area of 376sq m split over two levels, the property features water views and “Juliet balcony”, ensuite bathrooms and large library.

“This is a home in which you can truly relax and feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life and yet it is anything but.”

The north-facing house comes with ample balconies and boasts waterfront views. Photo / Ray White

Ray White agent Gerard Charteris said the property was only listed yesterday and he was yet to receive feedback from buyers about the expected price range.

Asked if he was telling buyers Hanna had been found dead in the house, Charteris replied: “I am not going to make any further comments about the property itself but you can contact the owner’s solicitor.”

Charteris declined to comment on why Polkinghorne was selling the house.

One of the home’s bedrooms with balcony and ensuite bathroom. Photo / Ray White

Friends of Hanna told the Herald Polkinghorne was selling because he was downsizing.

“It’s too big and it’s full of memories.”

Polkinghorne declined to comment.

Hanna was the executive project director at the Counties Manukau District Health Board and an executive responsible for the Covid-19 response at procurement company Healthsource.

Polkinghorne told the Herald in April the couple, who met at Auckland City Hospital in the 90s, had enjoyed a relationship that “wasn’t fine at all, it was perfect”.

Pauline Hanna’s coffin is placed in a hearse at St Mary’s in Holy Trinity after her funeral service in April. Photo / NZ Herald

Following Hanna’s sudden death on Easter Monday, emergency services were called to the Upland Rd home.

Police and forensics remained on site at least 10 days following her unexplained death, sometimes staying as late as 7.30pm, and could be seen talking to neighbours.

Philip Polkinghorne and Pauline Hanna, pictured in 2018. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

The Herald reported in June that police were still investigating the death, which remained a mystery.

Hanna was farewelled at an Auckland church in April, where friends, family, and colleagues described her as a career woman who spent 30 years in healthcare, and enjoyed cooking, reading, and fitness. At home, she was described as the “glue” of the family.