“Then there was another complaint, and that was received on February 1 this year. Now, both those complaints, Mitchell says, were then referred to the IPCA and the Police Integrity Unit.
“It’s unclear precisely when the IPCA or the National Integrity Unit at Police began their investigations properly into each of these complaints, how far along they are, or when they might reach a conclusion.
“And so what we now have is a situation where the various public agencies that are overseeing this investigation, including the minister’s office, are essentially shutting down and not wanting to talk about this,” he said.
Chambers said he strongly rejected the claims against him.
“I have been advised the IPCA and police are investigating complaints against me. 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,” he said.
Morrah said he was aware that two police officers from the Police National Integrity Unit had flown to Australia to interview a woman over historical sexual allegations against Chambers.
“They went over there earlier this month, June 4 and 5, and they were planning to return this week to Australia to continue interviews with her.
“ Now, it’s understood this woman has made claims in relation to Chambers when they were in a relationship more than 20 years ago, and they were living at Red Beach, north of Auckland, he said.
Chambers has been the Police Commissioner since November 2024.
Read more about the allegations against Richard Chambers.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about:
Why Chambers has not been stood downThe IPCA processConfidence in PolicePublic Service Commission review of Police culture.
The Front Page is a daily news podcast from the New Zealand Herald, available to listen to every weekday from 5pm. The podcast is presented by Chelsea Daniels, an Auckland-based journalist with a background in world news and crime/justice reporting who joined NZME in 2016.
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