Auckland (Avneet Kaur)
A senior New Zealand Police officer who has been selected as a Labour Party candidate for the upcoming general election will be removed from his current duties, with Police Commissioner Richard Chambers saying it would be inappropriate for him to continue in the role while standing for political office.
Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, who currently serves as New Zealand Police’s National Manager for Ethnic, Iwi and Community Partnerships, was today confirmed as Labour’s 13th-ranked list candidate, placing him in a strong position to enter Parliament after the November election.
The announcement has sparked political debate, with both Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Police Minister Mark Mitchell expressing concerns about the timing and disclosure of Naidoo’s political ambitions.
In a statement, Chambers said he was disappointed that Naidoo had not informed him earlier that he was considering standing for Parliament. He noted that police staff intending to seek public office are expected to disclose their intentions as early as possible so that any potential conflicts of interest can be properly managed.
Chambers stressed that he had never previously questioned Naidoo’s professionalism or impartiality during his time with New Zealand Police. However, given the senior nature of his position and the need for police to remain politically neutral, he believed Naidoo could no longer continue carrying out his current responsibilities while contesting the election.
Police will now consult with Naidoo regarding the leave arrangements required during the election campaign period.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell also voiced concerns, saying public confidence in the political neutrality of police was essential. He questioned whether Naidoo should have disclosed his intentions sooner, particularly given his access to briefings and information relating to public safety and government policy.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has defended Naidoo, describing him as a valuable addition to the party’s election team. Hipkins said Naidoo brings extensive experience working with Māori, Pacific and ethnic communities and has developed strong relationships across New Zealand through his work in the public sector.
According to Hipkins, Naidoo will not immediately begin campaigning as discussions continue regarding his transition from a politically neutral police role to that of a Labour candidate.
Naidoo’s selection has attracted significant attention because of his high ranking on Labour’s party list. Based on current polling, a position of 13 places him in a strong position to become an MP if Labour performs close to expectations at the election.
The development comes hours after Labour unveiled its full candidate list today, with Naidoo emerging as one of the party’s highest-ranked new candidates and one of the most prominent representatives of New Zealand’s ethnic communities seeking election to Parliament.
