An inquest into the death of Pauline Hanna has begun in Auckland - with a reminder that her husband is not on trial.Hanna was found dead at her Remuera home in 2021. Her husband, retired eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne, was found not guilty of her murder at a trial in 2024.The inquest would now attempt to determine how Hanna died and the circumstances surrounding her death.Polkinghorne is attending Monday's hearing but is not expected to give evidence until later in the proceedings.Pauline Hanna's brother, Bruce Hanna.RNZ / Marika KhabaziHanna's brother Bruce Hanna, his wife Shelley and son Jacob are also in attendance.They have set up a framed photo of Hanna and a small bunch of flowers from the family garden in a white vase at the front of the court.They are wearing white ribbons on their shirts.Coroner Tania Tetitaha.RNZ / Marika KhabaziIn her opening remarks, Coroner Tania Tetitaha noted an inquest was to try to determine how Hanna died.Even though some of the evidence overlapped with the trial, the purpose of the inquest was very different, she said."I remind everyone that this is not a trial of Dr Polkinghorne," she said.Pauline Hanna's husband, retired eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne, was found not guilty of her murder at a trial in 2024.NZME/Michael CraigShe would only consider evidence about him if it was directly related to determining the cause of Hanna's death, she said."No person is on trial, there is no prosecution, there is no defence, there is no burden of proof," she said.Coroner Tetitaha said she would would try to determine what happened on the balance of probabilities.Alysha McClintock.RNZ / Marika KhabaziCrown solicitor, in court as counsel for the police, Alysha McClintock acknowledged the case was not a trial, but said there was still a major question about whether Hanna's death was self inflicted or whether it was inflicted by someone else.Suppressions mean media are not able to report anything about the mechanism of Hanna's death.Polkinghorne's lawyer Ron Mansfield said the police were still obsessed with idea Hanna has died as a result of homicide.They were fixated by Polklinghorne's lifestyle and that made them prejudiced against him, he said.Philip Polkinghorne's lawyer Ron Mansfield.RNZ / Marika KhabaziBruce Hanna addressed the court, saying there were still many unanswered questions about his sister's death."That terrible day 5th of April 2021 was the worst day of my life," he said."Not only was I devastated by Pauline's death but what I was told on that day I do not believe and I still do not believe five years later."He said he believed Polkinghorne was on meth the night Hanna died and that should be a major part of the inquest."There have been many tall stories, misconceptions, lies, absolute garbage that I have heard and read. I hope these will be exposed in the coming days and weeks."Where to get help:Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reasonLifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friendsDepression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202Samaritans: 0800 726 666Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nzWhat's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-oldsAsian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.Victim Support 0800 842 846.Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254Healthline: 0800 611 116Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155OUTLine: 0800 688 5463Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.