Mitchell confirmed to RNZ in an Official Information Act request that he had received two complaints related to Chambers.
“The first on November 21, 2025 and the second on February 1, 2026. These complaints were both referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Police National Integrity Unit (NIU).”
It can now be revealed that Andersen also received the letter from the former staffer.
A Labour spokesperson confirmed to RNZ that Andersen received the complaint on the same day that Mitchell did.
“[She] referred this to the Minister of Police’s office and no one else, with the understanding that this would be referred to IPCA and professional conduct group,” they said.
“This is now part of an IPCA inquiry and we won’t be commenting further until the investigation is complete.”
It’s understood the other complaint is from a woman who Chambers dated more than two decades ago and her allegations are historical. As part of the investigation, RNZ understands staff from the National Integrity Unit visited the complainant in Australia.
RNZ understands the allegations have not been substantiated at this time.
Police watchdog began investigation last year
In response to questions from RNZ, an IPCA spokesperson earlier confirmed that the IPCA received an anonymous letter raising concerns about Chambers in November last year.
“We received a complaint concerning the commissioner on December 1, 2025,” they said.
“We decided we would independently investigate both matters on December 3, 2025. Our investigation began shortly after this. The complainant was interviewed by police on June 4, 2026.”
In a statement, Chambers earlier said he had been advised the IPCA and police were investigating complaints against him.
“I strongly reject the claims that have been made.”
He said he would co-operate fully with the investigation and looked forward to having the 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.”
In a note to staff, seen by RNZ, Chambers reiterated that he strongly rejected the claims.
“It is important to let that investigation take its course without any interference. That is what anyone would expect, including myself.
“I am advised it is not necessary for me to take leave at this point. I will continue to turn up to work and do my job.”
Questions remain
RNZ earlier asked police when the investigation began, and why it was still ongoing in June, on Thursday evening.
They said at this time they have “nothing further to add”.
RNZ also asked the commissioner’s office when he was notified, and if he was frustrated it had taken so long for it to be investigated, given the IPCA and NIU had been aware for several months.
A spokesperson said he was unable to say anything further at this time.
Chambers earlier told RNZ he had expressed concerns about matters involving employees taking too long to investigate.
He said that last year he set an expectation that employment matters should be resolved within 60 days and criminal matters involving staff slightly longer.
“While some issues might require a longer time frame, it should still be completed as promptly as possible.
“As far as I am aware NZ Police has not set timeliness targets for this in the past, but I was concerned many of the matters we deal with were taking too long, and unnecessarily so. That has a significant impact on all of those involved.”
Approached on the nature of the allegations, a spokesperson for the IPCA earlier said “we will not be making any comment about the substance of these complaints until the investigations are concluded”.
RNZ asked the Public Service Commission for comment on whether he had been stood down, and if it was appropriate Chambers remained in his role while the investigation was ongoing.
It said, “based on the information available, the commissioner does not consider that is required at this time”.
– RNZ