(Most of the comments in the “Andrew Coster” section also apply to Richard Chambers)
Richard Chambers became Police Commissioner on 25 November 2024. On his first day, I was ‘delighted’ he outlined one of his high-level priorities was “Leadership – that is accountable, connected, supportive & visible”. I was also ‘delighted’ he said in the below video “Police are not always going to get it right. So long as we learn from those experiences & focus on being better, we have the right approach”.
My ‘delight’ was premature & subsequently unwarranted!
On 20 November 2024, “IMPORTANT: Required PNHQ Disciplinary Actions & Restructuring” emailed this complaint to Chambers – requesting “I look forward to your timely – by 13 December – commitment to follow through on my recommended disciplinary actions”. Despite 7 follow-up emails, including updated versions of this complaint, zero response.
On 12 March 2025, frustrated with his non-response, couriered a physical copy of this letter – marked “Personal/Private: To be opened by Richard Chambers Only”. Courier company confirmed my package was delivered on 17 March.
The following covering note accompanied the complaint.
Widespread PNHQ Corruption and
(Serious) Misconduct & Neglect of Duty
Hi Richard,
Attached is a complaint I have been unsuccessfully (via email) trying to bring to your/predecessor’s attention since 20 November 2024/11 October 2023!
The complaint overviews the widespread PNHQ corruption and (serious) misconduct & neglect of duty I have experienced since lodging an 89 pages report on 28 January 2021 about a $US16.37M (which probably subsequently increased to $US1.045B) fraud. As the criminals were European based, I very simply requested Police properly refer my report to Euro/Interpol or – if that was inappropriate for a valid reason – to the European Countries’ Police (which non-citizens, like me, can’t access).
I reasonably expected its very simple Euro/Interpol referral would be properly completed by Police within 3 months. 4.5 years later & am no closer to such referral than I was in January 2021 – while a ‘swamp’ of PNHQ corruption and (serious) misconduct & neglect of duty has been exposed!
It has been a shocking experience as to how many obstructive people have been repeatedly unwilling to take just 1 minute to forward this letter to you/your predecessor, including:
– as identified in my complaint, numerous (senior) Police personnel
– despite 173 emails to your predecessor, zero response! Also, zero response to my 7 emails to you!
– IPCA & Paul Goldsmith (continue to totally ignore my January 2024 lodged complaint)
– Chris Cahill (since December 2023), Casey Costello (since June 2024), Christopher Luxon (since February 2024), Mark Mitchell (since October 2023) & Winston Peters (since February 2024)
As you will see, I updated the complaint with more ‘misbehaviour’ 13 times! Had Cahill, Costello, Luxon, Mitchell, Peters, numerous (senior) Police personnel or your predecessor’s office staff taken very simple action in a timely manner; some of the named Police personnel would not have been exposed. All of these people were a disservice to Police!
As overviewed in my complaint, you definitely have some rogue (vindictive) personnel within PNHQ who are a disgrace to Police:
– Greg Cramer
– Integrity & Conduct unit, who blocked me from activating their Public complaint process!
– Jason Guthrie
– Jevon McSkimming & your Public facing office staff
– Liam Clinton
– Megan Winch
– Michael Rusbatch
– Paul Hamlyn
– Steve Dunn
As it is non-debatable Police have a huge PNHQ escalation & resolution problem, I recommend a “Service Accountability & Resolution” Deputy Commissioner be appointed to the Executive Team. Nobody should again ever go through the Police ‘nightmare’ I have over the last 4.5 years. This Service Accountability & Resolution Deputy Commissioner appointment should avoid such nightmares reoccurring. Another benefit of this appointment is the public declaration Police are committed to improving their service performance.
I look forward to your timely commitment to follow through on my recommended disciplinary actions. If you legally require my evidence to demote & dismiss personnel, I am willing to provide.
Best regards
Andrew Flanagan
Having read “Attached is a complaint I have been unsuccessfully (via email) trying to bring to your/predecessor’s attention since 20 November 2024/11 October 2023!”, a truly accountable & visible leader with a growth-oriented mindset (as Chambers claims to have in the above video) would have timely emailed me along lines of “Confirming receipt of your letter. I have (summarise implemented action). You can expect to hear further from me(/assigned subordinate) by (date)”.
On 24 March, emailed Chambers the above covering note & current version of this complaint. Despite another 68 follow-up emails, zero response. As of today – 1.5 years later, no response or action from Chambers or any of his subordinates.
Chambers has twice violated Police investigations of complaints. Specifically, “Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 (Act) contains provisions relating to the notification, investigation, oversight and review of complaints & incidents which fall within the jurisdiction of the Authority. The Act requires the Commissioner of Police to notify the Authority as soon as practicable, but in any case within 5 working days, of every complaint or notifiable incident.” Chambers should have notified IPCA of this complaint within 5 working days after 20 November 2024 & 17 March 2025.
On 28 August, “Police Executive restructure” emailed Chambers (ccing his Advisors Alix Wood, Claire Trevett & Kyle Sherson):
Firstly, ‘thanks’ to the ‘delightful’ megan winch of Ministerial Services who declined my January OIA request, it took another 7 months for me to finally source your consultation documents!
I am shocked/very disappointed to see the restructure has failed to address Police’s major ‘culture, leadership, people & service’ issue. In fact, the restructure puts even less emphasis on addressing this major issue – hence, it is likely to get worse!
(Police research reference) overwhelmingly painted bleak picture of culture, which was commonly seen as autocratic culture based on diversity of thought intolerance.
• Significant number of those in managerial positions have little emotional intelligence & few managerial or people skills
• Organisation lacks caring & empathy
* Code of Conduct values (empathy, integrity, professionalism & respect) were not seen as being modelled by organization – particularly at senior level
• Tribal culture which values loyalty over integrity
While this internal research is 4.5 years old, my direct experience over same time period guarantees no improvements have been made since! It is undeniable fact Police have poor/unacceptable culture, where quality leaders are ‘needle in haystack’!!
…
Your restructure looks as if you believe ‘culture, leadership, people & service’ state of Police is fine – that the previous structure was ‘addressing’ an issue that did not exist. Again, I can guarantee you from 4.5 (almost daily) extensive years’ experience with many/several PNHQ/Districts senior constabulary above bleak research outcomes are still ‘alive & well’ within police. Total apathy loyalty first ‘heart’ is ‘pumping strongly’ all way up to & including all members of your Executive Leadership Team ☹
I strongly recommend an externally appointed (maverick/superstar) “Service Accountability & Resolution” Deputy Commissioner in the Executive Team … Their main objectives are: – to ensure ‘resolution’ matters are handled with efficiency, empathy, integrity, professionalism & respect – develop a quality leadership talent pool (which is currently non-existent!)
… PNHQ & Police culture – currently one of accountability hatred – needs to change to a growth-mindset oriented one. Specifically, every accountability opportunity is an opportunity for the organisation & its personnel to grow, improve & learn – to become a better performing organization & people. Addressing accountability is seen as an organisational/personal strength.
…
A Service Accountability & Resolution Deputy Commissioner publicly declares Police are committed to improving their service performance. “The appointment of an Accountability & Resolution Deputy Commissioner shows Police’s commitment to better serve the Public. Perfection will never be achieved, though we will get a little closer to it every day”.
https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/ shows what is possible – Police accountability & resolution unit which is a major asset to the organisation as the Public ‘loves’ their highly visible empathy, engagement, integrity, professionalism & respect😊
…
Send accountable message to your organization you are bringing (long overdue) end to Police’s tribal culture which values loyalty over integrity. Dismiss the likes of … Despite all/most of them being 10-40 years Police veterans; they engaged in corruption and serious misconduct & neglect of duty even with my extremely simple Europol referral request & by totally ignoring my numerous performance complaint investigation requests!!
…
By ignoring this letter, please do not further disrespect me. I have already experienced 4.5 years of shocking Police disrespect. Even though part of me is “F**K the police – they don’t deserve in the slightest your insight”, I spent 2 hours compiling this letter in the hope it will lead to much needed improvement in Police. By ignoring this letter, please do not further confirm my above thoughts about Police are 100% spot on.
I look forward to your confirmation by 5 September Police are finally investigating my performance complaint.
Regards
Andrew Flanagan
Despite 4 follow-up emails, zero response.
20 November 2025 was the 1 year anniversary of Chambers’ total apathy!
On 2 December, Chambers appeared in front of the Justice select committee. From the 2 hours 18 minutes mark of this video, he said (paraphrased) “Even don’t have to, I’m implementing the robustness & throughness of the Deputy Commissioners integrity checks standards at the District Commissioners & Commanders levels”.
Chambers, the Public should not be reassured in the slightest by your statement! Public Service Commission’s Deputy Police Commissioners integrity check process was Below standard!
Despite the main purpose of Police being to serve the Public & one of your high-level priorities being “Leadership – that is accountable, connected, supportive & visible”, there is no Public involvement in the District Commissioners & Commanders appointment process. There is no “Police are evaluating appointing Fred Lowe as Southern District Commissioner. I invite Public submissions to be emailed to me at richard.chambers@police.govt.nz by xx/yy/zz”.
As my experience proves, Police merely checking the potential appointment’s personnel record (with Integrity & Conduct) is unreliable! Despite my extensive attempts since 11 October 2023! (actually, prior to this date), this substantial Police performance complaint does not reside in any appropriately visible internal place!
As per the Public Service Commission’s section, there is no way the Public can trust them to compensate for any Police internal check ‘cracks’/inadequacies!
(In July 2024, Jason Guthrie – DEFINITE Dismissal recommendation – was promoted to Southern District Commander! In December 2025, Will Loughrin – Written Warning recommendation – was promoted to Bay of Plenty District Commander)
Chambers did his subordinates & the Public a huge disservice by ignoring this complaint in November 2024. Then, it was ‘only’ 26 pages in length. Now, it is 64 pages. Chambers’ neglect of duty meant another 38 pages of his (potentially) own & subordinates’ corruption and serious misconduct & neglect of duty over an additional 1.5 years was exposed & remains unaddressed!
Chambers has done himself a disservice by repeatedly ignoring this complaint. If he had accountability based decision making/ forethought, he would have started to address my:
– Police performance complaint in November/December 2024. Then, he could have quite rightly said “This misbehaviour has nothing to do with me/it happened under my Coster’s tenure”. Instead, he decided to engage in neglect of duty!
– Couriered complaint in March/April 2025. Then, he could have still ‘saved face’. Instead, he decided to continue to engage in neglect of duty!
Now, 1.5 years after Chambers first became aware of my complaint, his neglect of duty is inexcusable!
New Zealand has yet another Police Commissioner who does not ‘walk his own talk’/talks a ‘good’ game only 🙁
I do not understand why it is so difficult for Police to say “Sorry” – to do so is a strength, not a weakness. I do not understand why Police are not interested in addressing widespread PNHQ corruption and serious misconduct & neglect of duty experienced over 5.5 years – every truly world-class organisation would do so. I do not understand how Police can seriously claim their values include empathy, integrity, professionalism & respect.
Unfortunately now, I really do understand Police have – as per research of their personnel – a super stubborn toxic tribal culture which values loyalty over integrity!
As previously stated, Police are in dire need of a quality true leader ‘shake up’ – somebody who isn’t tainted with (long term) friendships within the organisation & “This is the way we have done things around here for years”. The circa $700k salary would have be appealing to international candidates. (The precedent existed to attract crème de crème international applicants i.e. somebody – Police refuse to identify who – received a $1.15M salary in 2023)
Yet, despite internal research confirming Police’s ‘talent’ pool of quality leaders is extremely limited, Mark Mitchell in his ‘wisdom’ decided to internally appoint the new Commissioner. The only other interviewed – from 9 total applicants – ‘serious’ contender was Jevon McSkimming, who Mitchell knew 2 weeks before the interviews was under IPCA investigation at their most serious classification level. For fear McSkimming would potentially subsequently bring Police into disrepute, there was no way he could be considered for the Commissioner role while the investigation was ongoing.
But, despite 7 other applicants, only ‘Mitchell’s guy’ Chambers & McSkimming were interviewed – Far from a free & fair competitive process – NZ probably did not get the best Police Commissioner! (McSkimming ‘resigned’ in disgrace on 12 May 2025)
My 5.5 years experience 100% confirms PNHQ, all the way up to & including Chambers, have a super stubborn toxic tribal culture which values loyalty over integrity!!
Appreciate you sharing & signing my “Independent Commission of Inquiry into Tribal NZ Police Culture is Warranted” petition. Thanks in anticipation
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
While not directly relevant to my Police performance complaint:
– this article provides insight into Chambers shockingly poor prioritising
Before Chambers even began the Commissioner role, he had time on a Saturday around 10pm & Sunday afternoon to email the documentary producer … yet, for 1.5 years!, Chambers has totally ignored the widespread PNHQ corruption and serious misconduct & neglect of duty I have experienced!
Chambers went beyond ‘the call of duty’ to facilitate a Publicly funded police force to freely collaborate with the global streaming giant Netflix to turn an unfolding tragedy into a carefully produced entertainment despite the family’s objection!
– this article provides further insight into Chambers shockingly poor prioritising
Chambers probably spent more than $500 to recoup just $500 from McSkimming! “You have confirmed 8-10 times you stayed with Ms Z in hotels at the expense of … taxpayers” – so an average of $50-62.50 per stay, yeah right. “I am pleased he has made a contribution & now consider this matter closed” said grandstanding & petty Chambers!
In summary of these 2 articles, ‘good’ to see Chambers $700k salary comes with prioritising the ‘most important’ matters – not!
– this video provides some insight into Chambers very low emotional intelligence & poor managerial or people skills
– this article provides insight into Chambers appalling integrity judgement
The “accountable & visible leadership” – as above – guy hid from the Public for 7 months his own serious allegations investigation & would have continued to do so if not Media exposed, while having the delusional gall to repeatedly claim Police do not have any culture & integrity issues – look in your mirror!
By not standing down from his role while being investigated, Chambers ironically potentially put himself in a very similar situation as he accused Coster of doing with McSkimming – covering up/influencing an internal investigation to conclude “nothing to see here”! (As per this article, 3 junior Corrections staffers were ‘stood down’ while their similar allegations were being investigated – yet Police Commissioner is not!) It looks as per Public Service Commission reported in April: 2-tier internal justice system/senior officers are held to lesser standard than junior officers!
After all the Police scandals under this government, I believe Chambers (& Mitchell) should have ‘got out front’ with this issue in November/December 2025 or February 2026. Proactively announced the allegations & investigation, and explained why he is not standing down, appropriate ring fencing (totally excluded from being involved in all sexual offence investigations, policy work etc since November) put in place etc. Actually show integrity based leadership!
The Police Manual states “Sexual offences are amongst most serious offences … Police recognise all matters of sexual assault & abuse can have destructive long‐term consequences for victims – psychological & emotional trauma can be extreme &/or permanent. Response must therefore carefully balance the need to … meet the victim’s … emotional needs. Manner Police respond to these crimes can have a major effect on how … well a victim recovers. Police aspire to provide best possible service to crime victims from initial contact through to investigation resolution.
Compliance with Sexual offences chapter & linked guidelines will: … greatly improve outcomes for victims including ability to … stay engaged with investigative … processes. Compliance with Sexual offences chapter … will ensure victims of sexual offences receive a high‐quality Police response, leading to … the Public having greater trust & confidence in Police. … ensure victims have a sense of empowerment (which can facilitate recovery) & to encourage their co‐operation throughout the process (hence improving the investigation quality). The victim’s well‐being … is paramount”.
But with his sexual offence investigation(s), Chambers has totally ignored the empathetic approach of the Police Manual! Especially considering Chambers is Police Commissioner, I object to his aggressive potentially emotional/psychological trauma inducing “I strongly reject the claims that have been made” ‘narrative framing’. Effectively; he is using his ‘power imbalance/privileged’ public platform to send a defiant “I’m Innocent!” message even before the investigations have been completed & belittling his accusers as liars – Terrible behaviour from a Police Commissioner! If a member of the Public behaved like this, in accordance with the Police manual principles, I expect the Police would have a “Let’s not play this out in the court of public opinion – the fair for everybody approach is via our investigation &, if appropriate, the Court” ‘word’ with them.
Instead, Chambers should only be saying “I am confident the investigations will reveal the full truth of the alleged events”. Such a statement is in accordance with the Police manual & encourages sexual misconduct victims to contact the Police – to be taken seriously by Police is the victims’ main interest. But Chambers’ defiant narrative approach further discourages sexual misconduct victims from contacting the Police (of which up to 90% currently do not)! Their reaction to Chambers framing is likely to be along the lines of “If the Police Commissioner is going to be so defiant about the allegations against him even before they’ve been investigated, there’s no way I’m taking the risk of similar Police aggression by conducting them with my sexual abuse experience”.
In short, unable to temporarily detact himself from his personal situation, Chambers has ‘forgotten’ he is a Police Commissioner who should be framing his words in accordance with the people he is supposed to serve – crime victims.
I am in alignment with the first 16 minutes of the below video. After that point, I strongly disagree with the ‘police are making cultural progress’ comments. For 20 years, 4 independent reviews concluded the same core culture issues! Police have made progress in patches, but underlying cultural rot persists! Without sustained, uncomfortable & publicly accountable effort to drive generational change; next review will find the same problems, name the same failures & recommend the same solutions!
For 20 years, NZ has ‘insanely’ expected Commissioners – who, by nature, have loyalty over integrity ‘pumping through their veins’; and inadequate emotional intelligence/leadership & people skills – to transform Police culture! No ‘sane’ world class organisation would put such woefully inadequate people in charge of such a crucial initiative!
That destined-to-fail cycle has to be FINALLY Broken – with an EXTERNALLY appointed (maverick/superstar) Culture, Leadership & Service Deputy Commissioner in the Police Executive.
– While a satire article, has element of truth.
THURSDAY – I told staff at morning tea “I strongly reject 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 & do my job”
If Chambers had adequate integrity, his stance would be “As I’m the Police Commissioner, my situation is soon after Coster-McSkimming saga which I criticised so heavily & I’m trying to rebuild the Public’s confidence & trust in the Police; at the very least for optics sake it’s best I stand down during the investigation”.
Instead; Chambers (and Luxon, Mitchell & Roche) threw out the ‘rulebook’ they applied to Coster-McSkimming & introduced a lower standards Chambers rulebook! Even if the investigations do not result in any charges, the Public will forever wonder what undue influence was applied to the investigators with Chambers continued workplace presence! Given Police’s super stubborn tribal culture which values loyalty over integrity, it is already hard enough for the investigators to face the potential of charging their Boss – let alone his continued (at least physical) workplace presence ‘reminding’ them of their loyalty!
As I experienced, Police’s “integrity” personnel are Far from such! Richard Bourne is quite likely to be one of the lead investigators of the allegations against Chambers!!
– Knowing he had been hiding from the Public for 7 months his own serious allegations investigation, audacity of Chambers to make his “accountability, integrity training, and Public confidence & trust is absolutely critical piece of work” statement from 40 to 43.5 minutes in below video from the Justice Parliamentary Committee hearing.
Chambers patting himself on the back for his claimed improvement in Public confidence & trust, while knowing reporting of his serious allegations investigation would deliver yet another ‘blow’ to that metric! By trying to hide his own serious allegations investigation, Chambers put his self interests ahead of the organisation he heads!
Like the above Police manual, Chambers is not conducting himself in accordance with Police’s Code of Conduct – which states:
– Police is committed to ensuring all our people clearly understand … how their actions impact on the reputation of Police … and on Public trust & confidence
– From Chambers own statement: “Every action we take matters, because we represent an organisation that must earn & keep the trust & confidence of the people we serve. Our Code is … our commitment to doing what’s right, every time. These standards … are the foundation of professional policing to meet the expectations the Public rightfully hold us to. We have learned from past conduct issues & independent investigations… These lessons strengthen our commitment to integrity & accountability. Let me be clear, there will be times when tough decisions are necessary to protect the integrity of our organisation & the trust of our communities”.
– EMPATHY: We … consider the … perspective of those we serve
– INTEGRITY: We are honest & uphold excellent ethical standards
– Our Code reflects our commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism & respect
– Ask yourself “Would I be proud of this decision if it were made known to the Public?”
– There is no place for behaviour that compromises trust … or the integrity of Police
– Leaders have an elevated responsibility for integrity in Police. Leaders are expected to ensure transparent … decision-making that maintains … Public trust
– Integrity & professionalism are the foundation of policing. Acting ethically means doing what’s right, even when no one is looking. It means being honest, fair, and transparent in everything we do.
– NZers expect Police to uphold the highest standards. Every choice we make … has the potential to impact trust & confidence in our organisation.
– Avoid taking part in decisions where your impartiality could reasonably be questioned.
– We … act with transparency … & strengthen confidence in Police
– Accountability is fundamental to who we are & the trust communities place in Police. We must act responsibly so our behaviour doesn’t compromise the credibility & integrity of Police.
– What is serious misconduct? It is behaviour or actions that … seriously undermines or damages the trust & confidence Police has in you, calling into question if the employment relationship can continue. It is behaviour or actions that, if substantiated, may justify termination of employment. Examples of potential serious misconduct … Sexual misconduct
Chambers, you have not “have learned from past conduct issues & independent investigations”! These lessons did not “strengthen your commitment to accountability & integrity”! You did not make a “necessary tough decision to protect the integrity of Police & the trust of our NZers”! You did not “consider the perspective of those you serve”! You did not “uphold excellent ethical standards”! Are you proud of your decision to try to hide from the Public the serious allegations against you? Your ‘hiding’ behaviour “compromised the credibility, integrity & trust of Police”! You did not “act ethically with transparency”!
Again; accountable, credible, empathetic, ethical, learned, responsible, transparent, trustworthy & with integrity behaviour would have been Publicly declaring your issue in November/December 2025 or February 2026.
– After all their recent scandals & while their Commissioner is being investigated for sexual misconduct, Police deviod of integrity – despite claiming to be one of their main values – & tone deaf shamelessly nominated themselves for NZ brand of the year!
I am guessing this nomination is (mostly) due to their new recruits promotions. Police’s usual annual new recruits promotion budget is $1M – increased to $2.75M this year. Even with that massive increase, their training wings are mostly only at 49-67% of 100 capacity! Of course, a much bigger budget can make your marketing ‘look’ better. But, that additional money has not increased the volume of quality applicants – the extra $1.75M made no difference/was a complete waste of Taxpayers’ funds, they only ‘funded’ the advertisers & Police’s egos!
The only award Police would easily win is “Toxic” brand of the year.
“When failures keep emerging at most senior levels of an organisation, problem is not a few individuals. It is culture in which safety of institution is still, too often, weighed above safety of victims” (FOR 20+ YEARS, INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATORS HAVE REPORTED POLICE TRIBAL CULTURE WHICH VALUES LOYALTY OVER INTEGRITY!)
“police commissioner, now under investigation, was one who called McSkimming’s conduct inexcusable“
“how has government responded? police minister declared within hours commissioner “still holds my confidence”… ministers must avoid prejudging investigations. Publicly vouching for 1 party while 2 women’s complaints are still being investigated is not neutrality; it is thumb on the scale. Every survivor weighing whether to complain about a powerful person hears that message loud & clear: institution has already decided whose account is credible”
“commissioner investigations must be demonstrably Independent, thorough & free of interference that so disgracefully shaped McSkimming case – & free, too, of political signalling about outcome before process has run” (FOR 20+ YEARS, INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATORS HAVE ALSO REPORTED ‘SPEAKING UP’ WITHIN POLICE IS CAREER ENDING/LIMITING! POLICE INVESTIGATORS WILL BE UNDER HUGE PRESSURE, FOR THEIR OWN CAREER PROSPECTS, TO CONCLUDE THEIR BOSS IS INNOCENT. FURTHER PRESSURE IS BEING APPLIED TO THEM, WITH LUXON & MITCHELL ALREADY CONCLUDING CHAMBERS IS INNOCENT!)
Appreciate you sharing & signing my “Independent Commission of Inquiry into NZ Police’s Tribal Culture is Warranted” petition. Thanks in anticipation
Click here for “Public Service Commission – Appallingly Irresponsible Recruiters!” section
I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!