Inspector-General of Police
The Government has decided to establish an Inspector-General of Police to strengthen oversight, accountability and transparency of the New Zealand Police.
The new Inspector-General of Police will be modelled on existing Inspector-Generals of Intelligence and Security and Defence, which provide oversight of the intelligence, security and defence agencies respectively. A Bill was introduced to Parliament on 22 September 2026.
The establishment of an Inspector-General of Police follows a report(external link) by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) into the handling of complaints against a Deputy Commissioner.
The Government has introduced legislation to respond to the findings of the IPCA’s report and to establish a new oversight body. The package of reforms includes establishing the Office of the Inspector-General of Police as an independent Crown entity with enhanced powers and functions. Specifically:
- the Inspector-General will have the express authority to launch ‘own motion’ investigations without having to wait for a complaint to act;
- the Inspector-General will have a strengthened role in relation to Police employment investigations, mechanisms to ensure better visibility of Police integrity issues, and stronger information-gathering powers; and
- there will be greater transparency and accountability with the Inspector-General publishing an annual oversight report, a forward work programme, and may establish a public register of completed investigations and Police responses.
Meanwhile, safeguards within the Police will be strengthened. The Inspector-General will work with Police in a preventative capacity, and an Executive-level team member within Police will be responsible for integrity. The Inspector-General will also decide if Police must refer criminal cases involving Police employees for an independent charging decision.
The Office will be led by the Inspector-General and up to two Deputies who, along with up to three other members, will form the board of the new organisation. Board members will be appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the House of Representatives.
Legislation is being progressed to give effect to these changes, and to support the IPCA transitioning into the new entity.