PM Christopher Luxon to face questions over Police Commissioner allegations in post-Cabinet press conference

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is scheduled to face questions regarding allegations against Police Commissioner Richard Chambers during his post-Cabinet press conference. The Herald previously reported that two officers from the Police National Integrity Unit traveled to Australia to interview a woman about historical sexual allegations concerning Chambers. This follows a separate complaint reportedly made by a former police staffer. Commissioner Chambers has issued a statement vehemently rejecting the claims, stating he will cooperate fully with the investigation. Police Minister Mark Mitchell has publicly backed Chambers, calling him an "outstanding Police Commissioner" and expressing confidence in the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) to handle the complaints. Official Information Act requests reveal Mitchell received two complaints about Chambers last year and this February, both referred to the IPCA and the National Integrity Unit. The Public Service Commission has not required Chambers to stand down during the investigation. The situation draws parallels to a previous scandal involving former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming, whose case revealed significant failings in the police's handling of allegations. Chambers himself had previously been critical of former police leaders, including Andrew Coster, regarding integrity issues, only to later face criticism from a former deputy commissioner for his own public statements.

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I strongly reject the claims that have been made. “I will co-operate fully with the investigation and look forward to having this matter dealt with. I acknowledge the public interest in this, but it is important the investigation takes its course. I cannot make further comment at this point.”