By Sam Sherwood of RNZ

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers has been provisionally appointed to the role on a fulltime basis.

After the initial shock at Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming‘s resignation in May, one of the questions that emerged was who would replace him.

Then in July, Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura announced her retirement after 37 years in police, leaving both Deputy Commissioner roles vacant.

Mike Pannett was announced as the statutory Deputy Police Commissioner in December.

Rogers, who was widely considered to be the front-runner for the role, was announced as the other Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers also announced the appointment of Cassandra Anderson as the chief of staff.

Chambers said Rogers was “an outstanding leader of people, is strongly connected to the communities she has worked in and has dealt with some particularly challenging operational matters”.

He said Anderson had “extensive experience” working for the police since 2007, including as chief of staff to former Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

“She returned to [the] police last year after two years in a Tier 2 role as a deputy chief executive at Oranga Tamariki. She has a strong knowledge of the public sector environment and takes on a key role in the executive team.”

Chambers said the appointments meant the police began 2026 with a “stable and strong executive”.

Superintendents Corrie Parnell, Jeanette Park and Tim Anderson will also begin as Assistant Commissioners from February 9.

“I have full confidence in my refreshed leadership. They bring the experience, competence and integrity that is needed to deliver on the priorities of [the] police.

“I know they will serve the front line and staff of [the] New Zealand Police and the communities of New Zealand well.”

Chambers earlier announced the focus for 2026 was on the four priorities he outlined a year prior: core policing, supporting the front line, leadership and accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

Specifically, he had set specific goals around service, safety and trust, including getting trust and confidence up from 69% to 80%.

The other benchmarks included getting satisfaction for services to 80% from its current 71%, a 15% rise in resolutions for retail crime, and a 15% reduction in violence in public places.

Chambers also pointed to a 20% increase in Māori working for the police over the past five years.

– RNZ