Michael Forbes police investigation

The story so far

In July 2025, an investigation found that a police officer had sexual activity with a civilian woman after a routine traffic stop, and had inappropriately accessed her details and shared images of police activity, but there was insufficient evidence to prosecute and the officer resigned.^{16 Jul 2025} In August 2025, released documents showed police had escalated allegations about former Beehive press secretary Michael Forbes to senior leadership, and that Forbes was told the responsibility to inform his employer rested with him.^{13 Aug 2025} The investigation involved allegations that Forbes covertly recorded audio sessions with sex workers in Wellington, and he resigned from the Prime Minister's office.^{13, 14 Aug 2025} A sex worker involved in the case described the police handling as unacceptable, and questions were raised about why government officials were not told of the allegations for a year.^{14 Aug 2025} The Department of Internal Affairs has nearly finished a deep-dive investigation into Forbes, requested by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. In September 2025, charges were dismissed against a police officer accused of accessing a national intelligence database to help the family of two brothers convicted of drugging and violating more than 20 women at Mama Hooch and Venuti between 2015 and 2018.^{29 Aug 2025; 5 Sep 2025}

Latest

In September 2025, charges were dismissed against a police officer accused of accessing a national intelligence database to help the family of two brothers convicted over attacks on women at Mama Hooch and Venuti.^{5 Sep 2025}

What's next

The Internal Affairs investigation into Forbes is nearly finished, but it remains uncertain when and what information will be released to the public.^{29 Aug 2025}

Key moments

1. 16 Jul 2025Investigation finds officer had sexual activity with civilian after traffic stop; officer resigns.
2. 13 Aug 2025Documents show police escalated Forbes allegations to senior leadership.
3. 14 Aug 2025Sex worker criticises police handling; questions raised over year-long non-disclosure to officials.
4. 29 Aug 2025Internal Affairs deep-dive into Forbes nearly complete; release timing uncertain.
5. 5 Sep 2025Charges dismissed against officer accused of helping Mama Hooch offenders' family.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.