Exhibit 23(a)

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form F-3 of Manulife
Financial Corporation and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York
pertaining to John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York's market value
adjustment interests under deferred annuity contracts and Manulife Financial
Corporation's subordinated guarantee relating thereto of our reports (a) dated
March 17, 2009 (except as to Note 22 (e) which is as of May 8, 2009), with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Manulife Financial
Corporation as at December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the years then ended and
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Manulife
Financial Corporation as at December 31, 2008; and (b) dated March 18, 2008
(except as to Note 23 (e) which is as of May 8, 2009), with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Manulife Financial Corporation as at
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the years then ended and the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting of Manulife Financial Corporation as
at December 31,2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Toronto, Canada                                     Chartered Accountants
May 8,2009                                          Licensed Public Accountants