New Zealand Police Clear Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo of Wrongdoing

The New Zealand Police have cleared Rakesh Naidoo of any wrongdoing following an investigation into whether the Superintendent improperly leaked sensitive information to the Labour Party. The probe focused on the timing of Naidoo's disclosure regarding his selection as a list-only candidate for the party, which Commissioner Richard Chambers initially described as creating an untenable role.

Discrepancies emerged regarding when Naidoo first alerted his superiors. While Commissioner Chambers and Police Minister Mark Mitchell criticized Naidoo for a lack of transparency, Official Information Act documents revealed Naidoo first discussed his political intentions with Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson during the week of May 25. Anderson did not brief Chambers until June 4, treating the initial conversation as confidential. Anderson has since apologized to both Naidoo and Chambers for the confusion and for providing incorrect information to the media.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell expressed disappointment that Naidoo attended sensitive government briefings while pursuing his candidacy. Conversely, Labour leader Chris Hipkins defended Naidoo, stating he acted with integrity by informing his manager. An internal email audit found no correspondence between Naidoo and the Labour Party that influenced his decision to stand, with most communications relating to his official duties as National Ethnic Partnerships Manager.

Naidoo is currently performing alternative duties until he takes leave at the end of August. He intends to remain in his police role in an apolitical manner until September 30, 2026, before the November 7 general election.