Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has provisionally appointed four new District Commanders for Waikato, Wellington, Bay of Plenty and Eastern, with all four expected to take up their roles in February 2026.

Superintendent Scott Gemmell (Ngāpuhi) has been named Waikato District Commander. He has previously relieved in the role and is currently the Partnerships Director across Tāmaki Makaurau. Gemmell joined Police in 2002 and has worked across investigations, special tactics, Armed Offenders Squad, and as an Area Commander.

Superintendent Penny Gifford has been appointed Wellington District Commander. She began policing in the 1990s, served in CIB and AOS, and was Area Prevention Manager for Kāpiti Mana. Gifford has held roles at Police National Headquarters, relieved as Director of the Royal New Zealand Police College, acted as an Assistant Commissioner, and is currently the Director of Tactical Operations.

Inspector Will Loughrin (Ngāti Whakaue) has been appointed Bay of Plenty District Commander. He began his career in Counties Manukau before moving to Waikato in 2011. An experienced investigator, he has led workgroups and held senior roles including Area Commander for Waikato West. He is currently the Acting District Commander for Waikato and has recently acted as Director of Integrity and Conduct at Police National Headquarters.

Superintendent Joel Lamb will take up the Eastern District Commander role. He has served in Auckland and Southern District, was Southland Area Commander, and has relieved as a District Commander. More recently he has worked offshore in liaison posts and is currently the Director of Major Operations.

All four appointments are provisional. Police say the new commanders are expected to start in February 2026. The announcement does not detail interim arrangements or who the appointees will replace.