Latest News
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers under investigation after complaints
An investigation is under way in relation to complaints about Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, RNZ can reveal.
Chambers says he strongly rejects the claims, which RNZ understands relate to alleged conduct towards women. RNZ understands the allegations have not been substantiated at this time.
RNZ approached Police and the Minister of Police Mark Mitchell’s office last week after learning concerns had been raised about Chambers.
On Thursday, Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett told RNZ complaints relating to Chambers were being investigated by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and police.
“These are being managed in accordance with proper processes including oversight by the IPCA. There is no further comment at this stage.”
RNZ understands that as part of the investigation staff from the National Integrity Unit visited one of the complainants in Australia. This allegation is believed to be historical.
Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz
Chambers responds to allegations
In a statement to RNZ, Chambers said he had been advised the IPCA and police are investigating complaints against him.
“I strongly reject the claims that have been made.
“I will cooperate fully with the investigation and look forward to having this matter dealt with.
“I acknowledge the public interest in this, but it is important the investigation takes its course. I cannot make further comment at this point.”
In a note to staff, seen by RNZ, Chambers said he strongly rejected the claims.
“It is important to let that investigation take its course without any interference. That is what anyone would expect, including myself.
“I am advised it is not necessary for me to take leave at this point. I will continue to turn up to work and do my job.”
Police Minister aware of complaints
In a statement to RNZ, Mitchell said he was “aware that complaints have been received about the Police Commissioner.”
“They are now being investigated by police and the IPCA. I have no further comment at this time.”
In an OIA received by RNZ, Mitchell said he had received two complaints related to Chambers.
“The first on 21 November 2025 and the second on 1 February 2026. These complaints were both referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Police National Integrity Unit.”
A Public Service Commission spokesperson said they had nothing to add to the statement by police.
“The matter is under investigation by the appropriate authorities.”
Asked if the police commissioner had been stood down, they said “Based on the information available, the Commissioner does not consider that is required at this time.”
An IPCA spokesperson said in a statement the IPCA could confirm that they have received complaints which concern Chambers.
“These are being investigated by the IPCA and Police. We are actively overseeing the Police component of the investigation; this includes ensuring the integrity of the investigation is maintained.
“We recognise that there is a high level of public interest in complaints which involve senior police officers. It is important that these complaints are appropriately assessed and follow normal complaint processes.”
The spokesperson said that “in accordance with the principles of fair process and natural justice for the parties involved, we will not be making any comment about the substance of these complaints until the investigations are concluded”.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said it was “a matter for the police and IPCA”
Police under scrutiny
The revelations follow a troubling year for police in the wake of Jevon McSkimming’s resignation after child sexual exploitation and bestiality material was found on his work devices.
RNZ/Samuel Rillstone
Then, in November the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a scathing report into police’s handling of allegations made about McSkimming, finding serious misconduct at the highest levels of police – including former Commissioner Andrew Coster.
After the IPCA report was released, Chambers said the findings showed “inexcusable conduct by former senior leaders of NZ Police”.
“The events and findings set out in the IPCA report made for appalling reading and showed a total lack of leadership and integrity at the highest levels of police.
“I was shocked by the report’s account of departures in 2023 and 2024 from the expected processes for dealing both with sexual assault complaints and with investigations into police officers.”
He said the events in the report were a “kick in the guts for the 15,000 women and men of NZ Police who turn up to work every day and night to serve New Zealanders and keep them safe”.
“That has angered me. It was not those staff who were found wanting here. It was a failing of leadership.
“The actions and attitudes set out in the report are inexcusable and show a disrespect and disregard for what NZ Police stands for.”
A rise through the ranks
Chambers became Commissioner of Police in November 2024, taking over from Coster.
Speaking at the time Chambers said the appointment was one of the “highest honours of my life”.
Chambers joined the police in 1996 as a constable in Avondale and quickly rose through the ranks.
Having been promoted to detective and then inspector, Chambers was appointed the area commander for Lower Hutt in 2007. After that, he held top roles in the Tasman and Southern districts and then Auckland City.
Chambers was promoted to assistant commissioner in 2016, leading investigations into serious and organised crime, and financial crime. He also played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic, tasked with co-leading the police response.
The chief executive of the Parliamentary Service is confident there will be enough room to accommodate the increased number of MPs and their staff coming into Parliament.
On current numbers, up to 131 MPs could be sitting in the Chamber following the election, brought on by a record overhang result.
Clerk of the House of Representatives Dr David Wilson told the Spinoff that currently the debating chamber had enough chairs to seat 124 MPs – including the Speaker of the House – and work was being done to accommodate more by altering the seating arrangement.
In a statement, Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero said planning for a larger Parliament had been going for “some time”.
“Now that the election results have confirmed an increase to the number of members we are looking at several options.
“We are confident we will be able to accommodate all members within the Chamber.”
VNP / Phil Smith
Gonzalez-Montero said office accommodation for members and their staff would be “stretched” for a short time, but the new Members’ Building was only a few months away from “practical completion”.
That building – located behind Parliament – was due to be ready to occupy in April next year and had capacity to accommodate around 30 backbench MPs.
“All members should be in fit-for-purpose accommodation from that point,” Gonzalez-Montero said.
Following the 2023 election, 123 MPs sat in the Chamber – a record number at the time. That decreased to 122 following the resignation of National MP Judith Collins.
Collins held the seat of Papakura and stepped down in May and Parliament voted against holding a by-election because it was too close to the election.
The election result also meant high-ranking National Party MPs like Chris Bishop, Paul Goldsmith, Nicola Willis and Gerry Brownlee – Speaker of the House and an MP for 30 years – would likely not make it back into Parliament.
Only resigning or retiring MPs were permitted to give a valedictory speech meaning none of them would get the chance to give a valedictory statement.
Asked if their would be special allowances for valedictories, Wilson said in a statement that normally only MPs were allowed to speak in the House but the House could suspend its own rules or temporarily alter them.
“It could do so to allow former members to address the House.”
Wilson said no such arrangements could be made until the next Parliament opened and members sworn in.
rnz
Police say person who fired gun at officers still at large
New Zealand sides named for RLWC finals
Parliamentary Service working on extra chairs and offices for increased number of MPs
-
Latest News2 months ago‘Chilling’: Business groups speak out against National’s supermarket break-up plan
-
NZ News2 months agoTom Phillips report: The missed opportunities to find the children
-
Latest News2 months agoCars bearing Chinese police markings stir unease in Auckland
-
Politics2 months agoNational vows to try to split Pak’nSave and New World
-
Fiji News2 months agoPlans to have new Constitution by Dec 24th 2026
-
Politics2 months agoMBIE confirms botched biometric projects costs blown out to $50.7 million
-
NZ News2 months agoCop who stole $68,000 can now be named as champion Muay Thai fighter Haimona Tamati-Te Paki
-
Latest News2 months agoFive Karangahape Road venues lose their liquor licences after police intervention