IPCA's report on senior leadership conduct preceded the complaints against Chambers
Police commissioner Richard Chambers is under investigation following two complaints of a sexual nature, police minister Mark Mitchell confirmed.
Mitchell said the complaints were lodged on 21 November, 2025, and 1 February 2026. Both were referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the police National Integrity Unit, he said in an Official Information Act response.
Two National Integrity Unit investigators travelled to Australia this month to interview a woman linked to one complaint, Stuff reported. NZME reported the woman had a relationship with Chambers more than two decades ago.
In a note to staff, Chambers said: "I strongly reject the claims that have been made." He said he had been advised that taking leave was not necessary at this point, and that he would cooperate fully with the investigation.
Asked when the investigation began and why it remained open in June, police said they had nothing further to add, RNZ reported. Chambers told RNZ he had separately raised concerns about staff taking too long to investigate complaints.
Separately, 1News reported in April that an internal complaint against Chambers was upheld in 2012 over an unrelated procedural breach.
The McSkimming findings
The investigation follows a November 2025 IPCA report into how senior police handled sexual misconduct complaints against former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The IPCA found that senior leaders, including then-commissioner Andrew Coster, did not act on repeated warnings about McSkimming's conduct. The authority said "the usual integrity checks and balances were bypassed" during the police response.
The report found Coster attempted to influence the scope and timing of the IPCA's investigation. The IPCA said this was perceived by some within Police as designed to avoid jeopardising McSkimming's prospects of being appointed commissioner.
Chambers, who became commissioner shortly afterward, said the findings showed "a total lack of leadership and integrity at the highest levels of Police." He apologised to the woman involved and ordered a wider integrity programme.
The government has since appointed an Inspector-General of Police, RNZ reported. Coster has gone on leave from his role as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, NZ Herald reported.
IPCA's response on the Chambers case
Asked about the complaints against Chambers, police said in a statement: "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 IPCA said it would not comment on the substance of the complaints until the investigations conclude, citing principles of fair process and natural justice. Independent oversight provides assurance to the public that allegations of misconduct are properly addressed, the IPCA states.
