PM has confidence in Police Commissioner as conduct authority investigates complaints

The Prime Minister says he has confidence in the Police Commissioner, who is currently under investigation.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority is investigating complaints made about Richard Chambers.

RNZ understands those complaints relate to his conduct towards women.

Neither Police nor the IPCA are commenting on the nature of the allegations, which Chambers strongly denies.

In an Official Information Act request received by RNZ, police minister Mark Mitchell said he had received two complaints related to Chambers.

The complaints, received in November 2025 and February 2026, were both referred to the IPCA and the Police National Integrity Unit.

In his first public comments since the news broke last week, Christopher Luxon said he was aware of the complaints, but it was not appropriate for him or any minister to get involved.

Luxon supported Mitchell's public endorsement of Chambers, and also stated he had confidence in the commissioner.

"But there's a process going on at the moment where an investigation is underway, and it's entirely appropriate we let that run its course."

Chambers rejects the claims, and has been continuing in his role.

Luxon did not believe the investigation would affect the public's trust in the police.

"There's 10,000 men and women out there every day, putting their lives on the line for New Zealanders and keeping the community safe. They're doing an exceptionally good job."