How to Complain About Police in NZ — IPCA (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If you believe Police acted unlawfully, unfairly, or with excessive force, you can complain to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA). The IPCA is an independent body created by the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 (s 12) and is separate from Police. It can investigate, refer matters back to Police with oversight, and recommend disciplinary or other action.
You can complain directly to the IPCA (you don't have to go through Police first), online at ipca.govt.nz or by phoning 0800 503 728. Keep any evidence — names, dates, photos, video and witness details — and complain as soon as you can.
When does it apply?
- You experienced excessive force, an unlawful search, or unfair treatment by Police.
- A Police officer behaved improperly toward you or someone else.
- You want an independent body — not Police — to review what happened.
What to do to complain about the Police
- Write down what happened — date, time, place, officers, and what was said and done.
- Gather evidence: photos, video, medical records, witness contacts.
- Lodge a complaint with the IPCA at ipca.govt.nz or call 0800 503 728.
- Get legal advice via Community Law if the incident is serious.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay — evidence and memories fade.
- Don't rely only on a verbal complaint — put it in writing to the IPCA.
- Don't send traffic-ticket disputes to the IPCA — those go to the Police Infringement Bureau.
About Police Encounters in New Zealand
New Zealand has no single written constitution. Your rights when dealing with Police come from the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (NZBORA), the Search and Surveillance Act 2012, the Policing Act 2008 and the common law. NZBORA protects you against unreasonable search and seizure (s 21), arbitrary detention (s 22), and guarantees rights on arrest — including the right to a lawyer (s 23). There is no general power to demand your name just for being in public; that only applies in specific situations such as driving. If your rights are breached you can complain to the independent Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA).
Emergency: 111. Police non-emergency: 105.
Common Questions
What is the making a complaint about police right in New Zealand?
If you believe Police acted unlawfully, unfairly, or with excessive force, you can complain to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA). The IPCA is an independent body created by the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 (s 12) and is separate from Police. It can investigate, refer matters back to Police with oversight, and recommend disciplinary or other action.You can complain directly to the IPCA (you don't have to go through Police first), online at ipca.govt.nz or by phoning 0800 503 728. Keep any evidence — names, dates, photos, video and witness details — and complain as...
When does it apply — making a complaint about police?
You experienced excessive force, an unlawful search, or unfair treatment by Police.A Police officer behaved improperly toward you or someone else.You want an independent body — not Police — to review what happened.
How do I complain about the Police in New Zealand?
Write down what happened — date, time, place, officers, and what was said and done.Gather evidence: photos, video, medical records, witness contacts.Lodge a complaint with the IPCA at ipca.govt.nz or call 0800 503 728.Get legal advice via Community Law if the incident is serious.
What should you NOT do — making a complaint about police?
Don't delay — evidence and memories fade.Don't rely only on a verbal complaint — put it in writing to the IPCA.Don't send traffic-ticket disputes to the IPCA — those go to the Police Infringement Bureau.