A public dispute has erupted between Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers over the decision to launch a review into Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo's conduct during the period he was engaging with the Labour Party before being announced as one of Labour's highest-ranked election candidates.
Naidoo, who currently serves as New Zealand Police's Ethnic, Iwi and Community Relationships Manager, was unveiled this week as Labour's number 13 list candidate, a ranking that would almost certainly see him enter Parliament after the election.
The announcement prompted Chambers to order a review into meetings Naidoo attended, information he may have had access to, and whether any material was improperly shared with third parties while he was considering a political career.
Hipkins Accuses Commissioner Of Poor Employment Practice
Chris Hipkins strongly criticised the Police Commissioner's handling of the situation, arguing that Naidoo had done nothing wrong by seeking elected office and that Chambers should not be discussing the matter publicly.
"Rakesh Naidoo has done nothing wrong in putting his hand up to be a member of parliament."
Hipkins described Naidoo as a distinguished and highly respected police officer and said police employees have every right to pursue a political career.
He argued that any issues arising from that decision should be managed as an employment matter rather than through public statements.
"I'm very surprised to see the police commissioner choosing to negotiate that through the public - that does not seem like good employment practice to me."
Hipkins went further, claiming Chambers had made public comments without evidence and appeared to be implying wrongdoing before any investigation had been completed.
Commissioner Launches Internal Review
The review was announced after Chambers stated Naidoo's continued role within police had become untenable following his decision to stand for Parliament.
The review will examine the period during which Naidoo was engaging with Labour while still serving in a senior police position.
RNZ reported that when asked to respond to Hipkins' criticism and explain why the review had been made public, Chambers declined to comment further through a spokesperson.
National Backs The Commissioner's Actions
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon rejected suggestions the Police Commissioner had overstepped his role.
Luxon said both he and Police Minister Mark Mitchell respected the independence of the Police Commissioner and did not believe Chambers had acted politically.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis also pushed back against Labour's criticism, arguing it was Naidoo who had entered politics rather than the commissioner.
Chris Hipkins says the Police Commissioner is handling the matter poorly. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Debate Over Access To Sensitive Information
The controversy intensified after Police Minister Mark Mitchell raised concerns that Naidoo may have had access to sensitive police information and government policy matters while considering a move into politics.
Hipkins dismissed those concerns outright.
He argued there was no evidence that Naidoo had shared any confidential information with Labour and questioned why the issue was being raised publicly at all.
"There is no evidence whatsoever that Rakesh Naidoo has shared any of that with the Labour Party, because he hasn't."
Hipkins also challenged what he described as a double standard, pointing to historical examples of senior public officials moving directly into National Party politics.
He cited former Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash and former diplomat Tim Grosser as examples of individuals who transitioned from senior public sector positions into National Party candidacies.
Naidoo At Centre Of Election-Year Political Storm
Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo has served with New Zealand Police for 21 years. Photo: Supplied
Naidoo's elevation to Labour's list has quickly become one of the first major political controversies of the election campaign.
What began as the announcement of a new Labour candidate has evolved into a broader debate about political neutrality within the public service, the rights of public servants to seek elected office, and the way such transitions should be managed by government agencies.
With the Police review now underway and politicians from both sides defending their positions, the issue appears likely to remain part of the election conversation in the weeks ahead.
Source: This report is based on original reporting by Jo Moir, Political Editor, Radio New Zealand (RNZ), published 10 June 2026, with additional context and analysis by elocal.