Richard Chambers Named New Police Commissioner
- Richard Chambers will lead New Zealand Police after Andrew Coster's recent departure.
- Chambers brings decades of experience, including key roles in New Zealand and Interpol.
- The Government focuses on core policing and delivering on law and order promises.
The Government has announced that Richard Chambers will take on the role of Police Commissioner, succeeding Andrew Coster, who recently began a new role at the Social Investment Agency. Chambers, a seasoned police officer with nearly 30 years of service, officially starts the five-year position next Monday.
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Currently a police assistant commissioner, Chambers has been on secondment to Interpol in France since February, serving as director for organised and emerging crime. He is well-regarded within the force, with frontline officers reportedly supporting his appointment.
Chambers expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, calling it “the highlight” of his career. “It is good to be home. New Zealand has always been my home, and to be able to come back and be with my family here, to be with my colleagues, is special for me,” he said.
“Leading the organisation that I’ve been a part of for nearly 30 years is something that is perhaps the highlight—one of the highlights of my life so far.”
Police Minister Mark Mitchell praised Chambers as a “highly respected leader” with extensive operational experience. He emphasised Chambers’ ability to deliver effective change in complex environments, which aligns with the Government’s focus on law and order.
Chambers first joined the police in 1996 as a beat officer in Auckland’s Avondale and steadily rose through the ranks. He became an assistant commissioner in 2016, taking on responsibilities that included tackling organised crime, cybercrime, and financial crime. He also co-led the police's Covid-19 response and was instrumental in managing the force’s actions during the 2022 Parliament occupation.
The appointment comes during a time of renewed emphasis on core policing. Upon taking office, Mitchell set clear expectations for the police, indicating a shift to a back-to-basics approach. In a letter to Coster in December, he stated: “I have been open about the fact I do not agree with the direction policing has taken under the previous Government and I expect the Police Commissioner to focus on core policing with a back-to-basics approach.”
The role of Police Commissioner is appointed by the Governor-General upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Chambers’ leadership will be integral to delivering t