Two of Schaare’s colleagues – both detectives from the National Integrity Unit – flew to Australia to interview the complainant on June 4 and 5, as revealed by the Herald on Thursday.
“We hold case management meetings and provide our input into lines of inquiry. We have direct access to the NIU investigation file which allows us to assess and review the material being gathered as the investigation progresses,” the IPCA spokesman told the Herald.
The spokesman said providing input into lines of inquiry could include suggesting pertinent people for police to speak to.
The Herald has previously reported the woman being interviewed in Australia is a former partner of Chambers and that her historical allegations relate to events more than 20 years ago.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers strongly rejects the allegations. Photo / Cameron Pitney.
The IPCA started investigating the woman’s complaint in December. As well as interviewing her in early June, the Herald understands NIU detectives returned to Australia for another interview Friday.
“In this particular case, I can confirm that we have been actively overseeing the NIU’s investigation,” the IPCA spokesman said.
Police and the IPCA are also investigating another complaint from a second complainant.
On Thursday, Chambers said: “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.”
The Herald asked Chambers when he was informed of the allegations and whether he’s been advised when inquiries will be concluded, but he is yet to respond.
Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche is backing Chambers remaining in the top job but has refused to provide a detailed explanation for the decision.
“Based on the information available, the commissioner [Brian Roche] does not consider Mr Chambers needs to step down at this time,” the spokesman said.
Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche in their Bowen House office. Herald photograph by Mark Mitchell
Who knew what, when?
An Official Information Act request provided to the Herald by Mitchell’s office said Mitchell received one complaint about Chambers on November 21 last year.
He received a second complaint – which the Herald understands relates to the woman in Australia – on February 1 this year.
“These complaints were both referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Police National Integrity Unit,” he said.
The IPCA told the Herald it received an anonymous letter raising concerns about Chambers on November 21 and a complaint about Chambers on December 1.
“We decided we would independently investigate both matters on December 3, 2025. Our investigation began shortly after this,” an IPCA spokesman said.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell speaking to journalists in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Mitchell said on Thursday that he still had confidence in Chambers.
“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.”
Michael Morrah is a senior investigative reporter/team leader at the Herald. He won News Journalist of the Year at the 2025 Voyager Media Awards and has twice been named reporter of the year at the NZ Television Awards. He has been a broadcast journalist for 20 years and joined the Herald’s video team in July 2024.