The Independent Police Conduct Authority began examining complaints about Police Commissioner Richard Chambers in December 2025, but one of the complainants was not interviewed by police until 4 June 2026.
Chambers himself outlined an expectation last year that employment matters should be resolved within 60 days. "As far as I am aware NZ Police has not set timeliness targets for this in the past, but I was concerned many of the matters we deal with were taking too long, and unnecessarily so," Chambers said. "That has a significant impact on all of those involved."
Timeline of complaints
The IPCA received correspondence without attribution in November 2025 expressing concerns about Chambers. A formal complaint arrived on 1 December, and the authority chose to open its own examination into both matters two days later on 3 December.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell received the first complaint on 21 November 2025 and a second on 1 February 2026. Both were referred to the IPCA and the Police National Integrity Unit.
One complainant is understood to be a former police staffer who emailed Mitchell in November 2025 making allegations about Chambers' conduct towards women. A second complaint is understood to come from a woman Chambers dated more than two decades ago, with allegations described as historical. National Integrity Unit staff travelled to Australia to interview the second complainant as part of the inquiry.
Chambers' response
Chambers has rejected the allegations. "I strongly reject the claims that have been made," he said. He told staff he would participate fully in the investigation and looked forward to having the matter dealt with.
The Commissioner is not taking leave and continues to work in his role during the investigation. "I am advised it is not necessary for me to take leave at this point," Chambers said in a staff note. "I will continue to turn up to work and do my job."
The Public Service Commission said that based on available information, the commissioner does not consider standing down Chambers is required at this time.
Investigation status
Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Pannett confirmed the complaints were being investigated by the IPCA and police. "These are being managed in accordance with proper processes including oversight by the IPCA," Pannett said. "There is no further comment at this stage."
The allegations have not been substantiated at this time. Neither police nor the IPCA are making statements about the nature of the allegations. An IPCA spokesperson said "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".
Chambers became Police Commissioner in November 2024, taking over from Andrew Coster. He entered the police force in 1996 as a constable in Avondale.