Media releases 2026

In a report released today, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that the force used to arrest a man in Kaikohe on 17 May 2025 was justified.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found a Police officer was justified in shooting a man, who was moving away from him but who he believed posed a serious and imminent threat to himself and others. The man was seriously injured but survived. While we ultimately found all the uses of force were justified, we had residual concerns with the way officers handled the situation.

At around 3.30am on Monday, 8 September 2025, a Police officer shot and killed Thomas Phillips in the King Country. Police had sought Mr Phillips since December 2021 when he disappeared with his children.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found a Police motorcycle officer was not justified in pursuing a man on a motorcycle in Auckland on the morning of 13 July 2023. The man died when he hit a lamppost in Greenhithe, after being pursued at high speeds for 11km.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that the force used by a Police officer involved in arresting a man in Whangārei was unjustified.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that the multiple uses of force by Police arresting a man at Ōrere Point, Auckland, did not contribute to his death a short time later.

The IPCA has received complaints which concern the Commissioner of Police. These are being investigated by the IPCA and Police. We are actively overseeing the Police component of the investigation; this includes ensuring the integrity of the investigation is maintained.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police were unjustified in issuing a Police Safety Order (PSO) against a woman in Counties Manukau who was protected by a Temporary Protection Order (TPO). The Authority also found Police failed to serve the TPO in a timely manner.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police in Central District were unjustified and acted unlawfully in issuing a Police Safety Order (PSO) against a father and using it to remove his child from his care on 10 December 2024.