The Independent Police Conduct Authority and Police National Integrity Unit are investigating complaints about Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, who strongly denies the allegations against him.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell received two separate complaints relating to the Commissioner - the first on 21 November 2025 and the second on 1 February 2026. Both were referred to the IPCA and the Police National Integrity Unit for investigation.
Complaints and referral process
Former Police Minister Ginny Andersen received a complaint about Chambers on the same day Mitchell received his first complaint in November 2025. Andersen passed the complaint to the Minister of Police's office, expecting it would be forwarded to the IPCA and the professional conduct group.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Andersen "did absolutely the right thing" and sought assurance the matter would be handled appropriately.
One complainant is understood to be a former police staffer who contacted Mitchell in November 2025 with claims about Chambers' behaviour toward women. The second complainant is a woman Chambers was involved with more than 20 years ago, and her allegations relate to that historical period.
IPCA investigation timeline
The IPCA received an anonymous letter raising concerns about Chambers in November 2025, followed by a formal complaint on 1 December 2025. The authority decided to launch an independent investigation on 3 December 2025, which began shortly after.
National Integrity Unit staff travelled to Australia to meet with the second complainant as part of their inquiries. One complainant was interviewed by police on 4 June 2026.
The allegations remain unproven at this stage of the investigation.
Chambers' response and status
Chambers said he would cooperate fully with investigators and looked forward to the matter being resolved. He told staff he had been advised taking leave was not necessary at this point and would continue working.
The Public Service Commission said that based on available information, Chambers does not consider standing down is required at this time.
In 2025, Chambers set an expectation that employment matters should be wrapped up within 60 days, with criminal matters involving staff taking slightly longer. He said too many cases were dragging on and that had a serious effect on everyone involved.
Hipkins declined to comment further while the IPCA investigation is underway, saying questions about whether Chambers should remain in his role are matters for Mitchell and the IPCA to address.