Police Commissioner cleared of criminal wrongdoing following investigation

Wednesday 2 September 2026 · 7 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 2 Sep, 5:16pm

In this story NZ Police, Independent Police Conduct Authority, Richard Chambers, National Integrity Unit, Mike Pannett

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing after an investigation into historical allegations regarding his conduct with women. Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett confirmed the criminal probe is complete. The Independent Police Conduct Authority is expected to release its findings in due course.

How they headlined it

5:07pm

1. 1NewsWed 2 Sep, 5:07pm

   Police Commissioner cleared of criminal conduct, IPCA findings to come (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesWed 2 Sep, 5:15pm

   Top officer cleared of criminal wrongdoing (opens in new tab)

3. The Press via RNZWed 2 Sep, 5:16pm

   Police Commissioner RIchard Chambers cleared of criminal wrongdoing following police investigation (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab), NZ Herald (opens in new tab), Stuff (opens in new tab)