Sky Original documentary series "Polk: The Trial of Philip Polkinghorne" to launch on Sky

"Polk: The Trial of Philip Polkinghorne" is a three-part documentary series that explores the case of a prominent New Zealand eye doctor accused of murdering his wife. Was it suicide? Or did Dr. Polkinghorne stage Pauline Hanna’s death? In an exclusive, never-before-seen interview conducted while he was awaiting trial for murder, Dr. Philip Polkinghorne reveals his version of events for the very first time. Sexual deviance. Illicit drugs. Suspicious behavior. "Polk" has an answer for it all. It will debut exclusively on Sky and streaming service NOW, with all episodes available on June 15.

Emmy Award-winning director Mike Gattanella investigates New Zealand’s trial of the century through interviews with Julia Hartley Moore (Private Investigator); Madison Ashton (Philip Polkinghorne’s Girlfriend); Bruce Hanna (Pauline Hanna’s Brother); Pheasant Riordan (Friend of Pauline Hanna); Alysha McClintock (Crown Solicitor, Auckland); Craig Kapitan (Journalist, "New Zealand Herald"); and Chelsea Daniels (Journalist, "New Zealand Herald").

Julia Hartley Moore, executive producer, explained that the documentary series was conceived after she received an unusual phone call in February 2021 from a Remuera woman concerned about her husband’s behavior. Shortly after, the death of a Remuera woman named Pauline Hanna made headlines, and Julia sensed a connection. Drawn into the case as both a private investigator and personally involved, she discovered that while the town buzzed about the case, Pauline’s husband, Philip Polkinghorne, remained silent. Over several months, through a mutual acquaintance skilled at getting people to open up, a relationship was built with Philip, who was then charged with murder. He eventually agreed to share his story, and BA Films Ltd,  Julia’s film company began filming interviews with him, which became the foundation for the series "Polk: The Trial of Philip Polkinghorne."