Police Commissioner Chambers investigated over women's complaints
Two investigations into Police Commissioner Richard Chambers have been launched after complaints relating to alleged conduct with women were received by Police Minister Mark Mitchell and passed on to authorities.
1News understands the first complaint in November related to an alleged incident in a lift.
Chambers said in a statement he strongly rejected the claims.
"I will cooperate fully with the investigation and look forward to having this matter dealt with," he said.
"I acknowledge the public interest in this, but it is important the investigation takes its course. I cannot make further comment at this point."
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Mitchell today confirmed to 1News he referred two complaints to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Police National Integrity Unit on the days he received them.
The complaints were received by the minister in November last year and February this year, according to details released under the Official Information Act.
Mitchell said he was aware of the complaints and that they were being investigated but wouldn't discuss the issue further.
Minister asserts 'absolute' confidence in Chambers
However, Mtichell told 1News on Thursday evening he "absolutely" had confidence in Chambers as Police Commissioner.
"He still holds my confidence," Mitchell said. "I think he’s an outstanding Police Commissioner, he’s doing a very good job for us.
"Police officers attract complaints. We have the IPCA – that is the right place for that to go and they’ll deal with it."
'Proper processes'
Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett confirmed this afternoon that complaints relating to Chambers were being investigated by the 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."
Appointed after scandal
Chambers was appointed Police Commissioner in November 2024, replacing Andrew Coster. He was considered a frontrunner for the role and a favourite of frontline police.
His appointment came amid one of the most damaging scandals in the organisation's recent history.
An IPCA report released in November 2025 found serious misconduct at the highest levels of police over how senior officers handled complaints against then-Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, including allegations of sexual interaction without consent and misuse of a police credit card to further a sexual relationship.
McSkimming later pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material found on his work devices and was sentenced to home detention.
Chambers condemned the actions of his predecessors, calling it "a total lack of leadership and integrity at the highest levels of New Zealand Police".