A group of former Race Relations Commissioners, community leaders and human rights advocates have publicly defended Labour Party candidate Rakesh Naidoo as a growing political dispute over his transition from senior police officer to politician continues to escalate.
The open letter, released on Friday, expresses concern about public attacks on Naidoo’s character before any formal review process has been completed. The signatories state they have worked alongside Naidoo for many years and describe him as a person known for integrity, professionalism, fairness and public service. They argue that principles of natural justice and due process should be upheld while reviews are undertaken.
Among those backing Naidoo are former Race Relations Commissioners Dame Susan Devoy and Gregory Fortuin, justice advocate Tā Kim Workman, human rights advocates, academics and community leaders from across Aotearoa. The letter stops short of commenting on the outcome of any review but calls for a fair process and warns against premature judgments.
The controversy began after Naidoo, a Police Superintendent and New Zealand Police’s national partnerships manager for ethnic, iwi and community relationships, was unveiled as a Labour Party list candidate ranked 13th, making him highly likely to enter Parliament if Labour performs strongly at the election.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers subsequently criticised Naidoo for not informing police leadership earlier of his political ambitions, saying existing policies require staff intending to stand for public office to disclose those plans as early as possible to manage potential conflicts of interest and protect the political neutrality of the organisation.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell has also publicly questioned the timing of Naidoo’s disclosure, arguing that as a senior officer he had access to sensitive briefings and should have advised police leadership sooner.
The dispute has now widened into a political confrontation, with questions being raised over communications between the Police Minister and Police Commissioner. Critics have accused the minister of influencing police actions surrounding the matter, an allegation that has added another layer of controversy to an already heated election-year debate.
Labour has maintained confidence in Naidoo and has rejected suggestions of wrongdoing, describing him as a candidate with extensive experience working alongside Māori, Pacific and ethnic communities across New Zealand.
The row has sparked wider discussion about the balance between the political rights of public servants and the need to preserve confidence in the neutrality of public institutions, particularly during an election campaign.
For now, attention is likely to remain fixed on the outcome of reviews underway and whether the dispute causes lasting damage to trust in either the Police or the political process.
