The man accused of murdering top health boss Pauline Hanna in Auckland can now be named.
Philip John Polkinghorne, 69, appeared before Judge Andrea Manuel in the Auckland District Court on Tuesday.
He pleaded not guilty and has been granted bail. His next hearing is at the Auckland High Court on August 31.
In a statement, Polkinghorne said he is shocked the police have charged him.
"I have recorded that I am not guilty immediately. Now that the Police have charged me the matter is before the courts and I am not permitted to comment further," he said.
"The justice process must now run its course and I trust the truth will be shown. I thank my family and friends for their enduring love and support."
Hanna, who was also known as Pauline Polkinghorne, was found dead on April 5 last year in the Upland Rd home in Remuera where she lived with her husband.
She was a top health director at Counties Manukau District Health Board.
Det Insp Aaron Pascoe said earlier on Tuesday that a 69-year-old man had been arrested and charged with murder.
No further comment would be provided as the matter was now before the court, he added.
In the year after Hanna's death, the police investigation was shrouded in secrecy. It was reported Hanna hired a private investigator before she died while detectives had also reportedly interviewed a large number of her husband's associates.
