Police troops praise proposal to cut 37 executive roles

Tuesday, 28 January 2025

A proposal to cut 37 executive roles from New Zealand Police has been met with praise from the frontline.

On Tuesday, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers announced his intention to reduce the size of the police executive.

The proposal was sent to staff earlier in the day and seeks to disestablish 37 executive and support service positions.

It also proposes creating 20 new positions, meaning a potential reduction of 17 roles.

“When I was appointed Commissioner in November, I clearly signalled my intent to restructure the current Police Executive ‒ the highest-ranking levels of our organisation,” Chambers said.

“My goal is to ensure our Executive structure is fit-for-purpose, provides strong, clear leadership to the frontline, and delivers on the priorities I have set.”

Feedback on the proposal is open until February 10, he said.

“Consultation is an integral part of this process, all feedback will be reviewed and carefully considered before final decisions are made in late February.

“It’s also important to note that I’m absolutely committed to boosting our frontline and redundancy is not available to constabulary employees,” Chambers said.

The proposal marks the first of its kind for Chambers, who only came into the position late last year.

Following the announcement of Chambers’ appointment in November, he told reporters that he had four key priorities for his five-year tenure as commissioner: re-focusing on core policing; supporting the frontline’s safety and wellbeing; connected and accountable leadership; and value for money.

For one North Island detective, the latest restructure proposal appears to be Chambers’ way of “showing he’s a man of his word”.

“I think it’s good the boss is following up on his initial proposal to structure the top. I am also happy that in order to save money they take from the top and not the thin blue line,” the detective told The Post.

Meanwhile, a frontline officer from Auckland said news of the restructure proposal was “great”.

“Police are way too top heavy,” he said.

According to Police Association president Chris Cahill, the association intends to make submissions in response to the proposal.

“The association is mindful of the wide-ranging implications of the proposed changes which directly affect a number of staff.

“This will be a very stressful time for them and we will be available to assist members who wish to make their own submission,” Cahill said.

The association would consult with affected members before forming an opinion on the merits of the proposed changes, he said.