Key Takeaways
- The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and Police National Integrity Unit (NIU) are investigating two historical complaints against Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.
- One complaint comes from a former police employee who emailed the Minister of Police in November 2025; the other is from a woman Chambers dated more than two decades ago.
- The IPCA received an anonymous letter on 1 December 2025, opened an independent investigation on 3 December 2025, and interviewed the first complainant on 4 June 2026.
- Chambers has publicly rejected the allegations, pledged full cooperation, and said he will remain in his role while the investigation proceeds.
- Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed he received the two complaints via an Official Information Act request and referred them to the IPCA and NIU.
- Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Pannett and the IPCA stressed that the investigation is being overseen to maintain integrity, with no substantive comment until its conclusion.
- The scrutiny follows a turbulent year for NZ Police, including the Jevon McSkimming scandal and a critical IPCA report on leadership failures.
Timeline of the Investigation
The IPCA first became aware of possible misconduct after receiving an anonymous letter on 1 December 2025 concerning Commissioner Chambers. On 3 December 2025 the authority decided to independently investigate both matters, and the investigation commenced shortly thereafter. The first complainant—a former police staffer—was interviewed by police on 4 June 2026, marking a significant step in the fact‑finding process. Although the IPCA has not disclosed the exact date of the second complainant’s interview, it has confirmed that staff from the National Integrity Unit visited the woman in Australia to gather evidence. As of the latest reports, the allegations remain unsubstantiated, and the inquiry is still ongoing, with no public indication of when it will conclude.
Nature of the Complaints
One of the complaints originates from a former police employee who, in November 2025, emailed Minister Mark Mitchell alleging inappropriate conduct by Chambers toward women in the workplace. The second complaint is historical, filed by a woman who had a personal relationship with Chambers more than twenty years ago; her allegations pertain to behaviour during that relationship. Both complaints have been characterised as historical, meaning they relate to events that occurred some time before the formal investigation began. The IPCA has emphasised that the complaints are being treated seriously, but it has refrained from detailing the specifics until the investigation is finished, citing the need to preserve natural justice for all parties involved.
Investigative Actions
To examine the claims, investigators from the Police National Integrity Unit have travelled to Australia to interview the complainant who dated Chambers decades ago. The IPCA has overseen the police component of the inquiry, ensuring that procedural integrity is maintained and that evidence is collected in accordance with standard complaint‑handling protocols. Although the exact nature of the evidence gathered has not been disclosed, the involvement of both the IPCA and NIU signals a dual‑track approach: the IPCA provides independent oversight while the NIU focuses on internal police processes. The spokesperson for the IPCA reiterated that no comment on the substance of the complaints will be made until the investigation reaches its conclusion, a stance intended to protect the fairness of the process.
Official Statements from Chambers
Commissioner Richard Chambers has consistently denied the allegations, stating that he “strongly rejects the claims that have been made.” He affirmed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation and expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved appropriately. In a note to police staff, which RNZ obtained, Chambers urged colleagues to let the investigation run its course without interference, noting that he does not believe it is necessary for him to take leave at this stage. He emphasized his intention to continue performing his duties while the inquiry proceeds, reinforcing his commitment to transparency and accountability.
Ministerial Oversight
Police Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that he was aware of the complaints against Chambers and had received two formal complaints via an Official Information Act request. The first complaint was logged on 21 November 2025 and the second on 1 February 2026; both were promptly referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Police National Integrity Unit. Mitchell stated that the complaints are now being investigated by the relevant bodies and that he has no further comment at present. His acknowledgment underscores the seriousness with which the government is treating the matter, while also respecting the independence of the investigative agencies.
Police Leadership Response
Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Pannett issued a public statement confirming that complaints concerning the commissioner are under investigation by both the IPCA and the police. He noted that the matters are being managed in accordance with proper processes, including oversight by the IPCA, and that no additional commentary would be made until the investigations conclude. The IPCA’s own statement echoed this position, highlighting its role in actively overseeing the police component to safeguard the integrity of the inquiry. Both authorities stressed the importance of allowing the process to unfold without external pressure, particularly given the high public interest in complaints involving senior police officials.
Internal Communication and Staff Note
In an internal memo viewed by RNZ, Commissioner Chambers reiterated his rejection of the allegations and stressed the importance of letting the investigation proceed unhindered. He wrote that it is “important to let that investigation take its course without any interference. That is what anyone would expect, including myself.” The memo also clarified that, based on current advice, Chambers does not deem it necessary to take leave and will continue to attend work and fulfil his responsibilities. This communication aims to reassure staff that leadership remains focused on operational duties while respecting the investigative process.
Concerns About Investigation Timeliness
Chambers has previously voiced concerns about the timeliness of internal investigations within the police force. He recalled setting an expectation that employment‑related matters should be resolved within 60 days, with criminal matters involving staff allowed a slightly longer period. While acknowledging that some cases inevitably require more time, he argued that delays should still be minimised to reduce adverse impacts on those involved. His earlier remarks highlight a tension between his push for swift resolutions and the current prolonged examination of the complaints against him, a dynamic that has attracted public scrutiny.
IPCA’s Position on Commenting
The IPCA spokesperson repeatedly emphasized that, in keeping with the principles of fair process and natural justice, the authority will refrain from commenting on the substance of the complaints until the investigation is concluded. This approach is intended to prevent any perception of bias or premature judgment that could affect the parties involved. The spokesperson affirmed that the IPCA recognises the considerable public interest in complaints concerning senior officers but maintains its commitment to transparency while safeguarding the integrity of the investigative process.
Public Service Commission Guidance
When approached by RNZ about whether Commissioner Chambers should be stood down during the inquiry, the Public Service Commission responded that, based on the information available, the commissioner does not consider such a step necessary at this time. The commission’s stance reflects its assessment that the ongoing investigation does not presently warrant removal from office, although it reserves the right to revisit the matter should new developments arise. This guidance provides a formal endorsement of Chambers’ continued service while the inquiry proceeds.
Broader Police Scrutiny Context
The investigation into Chambers comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for New Zealand Police. In recent months, former officer Jevon McSkimming resigned after child sexual exploitation and bestiality material was discovered on his work devices. Subsequently, the IPCA released a scathing report criticising the police’s handling of allegations against McSkimming, citing serious misconduct at the highest levels, including former Commissioner Andrew Coster. Chambers publicly condemned those findings, describing them as “inexcusable conduct by former senior leaders” and a “kick in the guts” for rank‑and‑file officers. The current scrutiny of Chambers therefore occurs within a wider climate of renewed focus on police accountability and leadership standards.
Chambers’ Career Background
Richard Chambers joined the New Zealand Police in 1996 as a constable in Avondale and quickly advanced through the ranks. He served as a detective, then inspector, before becoming area commander for Lower Hutt in 2007. Subsequent leadership roles followed in the Tasman and Southern districts and Auckland City. In 2016 he was promoted to assistant commissioner, overseeing investigations into serious and organised crime as well as financial crime, and played a key part in co‑leading the police response during the Covid‑19 pandemic. His appointment as Commissioner of Police in November 2024, succeeding Andrew Coster, was described by him as one of the “highest honours of my life,” marking the culmination of a long and varied career within the force.
Conclusion and Ongoing Implications
As of mid‑2026, the investigation into Commissioner Richard Chambers remains active, with the IPCA and police continuing to gather evidence and interview complainants. Chambers has maintained his innocence, pledged full cooperation, and affirmed his intention to stay in office while the process unfolds. Ministerial oversight, internal police leadership statements, and guidance from the Public Service Commission all indicate a commitment to letting the investigation proceed without interference, despite public interest and the commissioner’s own past advocacy for timely resolutions. The outcome of this inquiry will not only affect Chambers personally but also have broader implications for public trust in the police leadership, especially in the wake of recent scandals that have already shaken confidence in the institution. Ultimately, the resolution of this case will serve as a test of the effectiveness of New Zealand’s oversight mechanisms and their ability to address allegations against senior officers impartially and transparently.