NZ Former Police Chief Apologizes for Private Helicopter Trip to Tasmania

October 22, 2025

Melbourne, Australia – Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has publicly apologized for utilizing a police helicopter for a trip to Hobart, Tasmania, on Monday, to attend a conference with Australian and New Zealand police counterparts. Teh incident has raised eyebrows, given that a commercial flight between the cities takes approximately one hour.

Controversial Travel Decision

Commissioner Bush acknowledged the poor judgement in a statement released on Wednesday. He admitted that greater effort should have been made to secure a commercial flight, emphasizing that the helicopter journey was not the most appropriate course of action. He stated, “If we’d been patient, more diligent, we would have booked a commercial flight.”

The decision came under scrutiny despite assurances that the flight did not incur additional costs to taxpayers. Victoria Police leases helicopters, and the flight fell within the pre-paid flight hour allocation for the month of October. A fixed-wing aircraft was also considered but ruled out because of unfavorable weather conditions in tasmania, specifically strong winds.

Perception and public Trust

commissioner Bush stressed the importance of public perception, acknowledging that the optics of the situation were unfavorable. “It was the wrong call… perceptions are critically significant to the public,” he affirmed. he has vowed not to repeat the mistake.

The Australian and New Zealand Police Commissioners Forum, which Bush attended, focused on critical issues such as cross-border police operations, national security concerns, and strategic police deployments. New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers accompanied Bush on the flight, having also attended a counter-terrorism conference in Melbourne.

Previous Leadership Challenges

This incident marks the first significant misstep for Commissioner Bush as assuming the role in june.His appointment followed a period of instability within the force, marked by the resignation of his predecessor, shane Patton, amid a no-confidence vote from police union members over an 18-month pay dispute.

According to police spokespersons, the only other occasion Bush utilized a police helicopter was in August, when he traveled to Porepunkah in northern Victoria following a fatal police shooting.

Incident	Date	Location	Reason
Hobart Conference Trip	October 21, 2025	Melbourne to Hobart	attendance at Australian and New Zealand Police Commissioners Forum
Porepunkah Shooting Response	August 2025	Porepunkah, Victoria	Response to a deadly police shooting

Did You Know? according to a 2024 report by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office, government agencies are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate responsible spending and transparency in asset utilization.

Pro Tip: When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of travel options, consider not only direct financial expenses but also the potential impact on public trust and organizational reputation.

Is the use of public resources always justifiable, even if there is no direct financial cost? What steps can police forces take to ensure transparency and accountability in their travel practices?

The Importance of Public Trust in Policing

Maintaining public trust is paramount for any police force. Incidents like this can erode that trust and raise questions about accountability and responsible use of resources. Transparency, clear policies, and demonstrable commitment to public service are crucial for rebuilding confidence when such events occur. Modern policing increasingly emphasizes community engagement and proactive communication to foster positive relationships with the public.

Frequently Asked Questions About Police Resource Allocation

• What is the typical justification for using police helicopters? Police helicopters are generally used for critical incidents requiring aerial surveillance,rapid response,search and rescue operations,and traffic management.
• How are police helicopter flight hours allocated? Police forces frequently enough lease helicopters and pre-pay for a certain number of flight hours each month.
• what are the potential consequences of inappropriate use of police resources? Inappropriate use can lead to public criticism, erosion of trust, and internal investigations.
• What is the role of the police commissioner in ensuring responsible resource allocation? The police commissioner is responsible for setting the tone from the top and ensuring that all officers adhere to ethical and responsible practices.
• Are there guidelines in place regarding police travel? Most police forces have detailed travel policies that outline acceptable modes of transportation and approval processes.

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What potential conflicts of interest arise when a former Police Commissioner accepts a privately funded trip from a businessman with interests in security and infrastructure projects?

The Controversy Unfolds: A Lapse in Judgement?

Former New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush has issued a public apology following revelations of a privately funded helicopter trip to Tasmania, Australia, in early 2023.the incident, wich occurred after his retirement from the force, sparked public debate regarding potential conflicts of interest and the appropriate conduct of former high-ranking officials. The core of the issue revolves around the perception that accepting such a benefit could compromise impartiality and raise questions about undue influence.

* Timeline of Events: Bush retired as Police Commissioner in December 2020. The helicopter trip took place in February 2023, prompting scrutiny when details emerged in late October 2023.

* The Apology: Bush acknowledged the trip and stated he should have disclosed it earlier. He maintained that the trip did not influence any of his decisions while in office, but conceded it was a mistake in judgement.

* Key concerns: The primary concern centers on the optics of a former police chief accepting a meaningful gift from an individual or entity that may have dealings with law enforcement or the justice system.

Details of the Tasmania Helicopter Trip

The trip involved a privately chartered helicopter for travel within Tasmania. while the exact cost remains undisclosed, estimates suggest it was a substantial expense. The individual who funded the trip has been identified as a businessman with interests in security and infrastructure projects.

Funding Source and Potential Conflicts

The identity of the benefactor and the nature of their business are central to the controversy. Questions have been raised about weather the businessman sought to cultivate a relationship with the former commissioner for potential future benefits.

* Security Sector Links: The businessmanS involvement in the security sector is particularly sensitive, given Bush’s previous role overseeing New Zealand’s police force.

* Infrastructure Projects: His interests in infrastructure projects also raise concerns, as these projects often require police cooperation and oversight.

* Clarity Issues: The lack of initial disclosure fueled speculation and eroded public trust.

public Reaction and political Fallout

The revelation of the helicopter trip triggered a wave of criticism from the public and political commentators. Opposition parties called for a review of the rules governing the conduct of former police officials.

* Calls for Investigation: Some have demanded an independent investigation to determine whether any rules were breached or if any undue influence was exerted.

* Impact on Public Trust: The incident has damaged public trust in the integrity of the police force and its leadership.

* Debate on Ethical Standards: The case has reignited the debate on ethical standards for public officials, both during and after their tenure.

Examining New Zealand’s Regulations on Post-Employment Conduct

New Zealand has regulations in place to govern the post-employment conduct of former public officials, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain public trust. However, the effectiveness of these regulations has been questioned considering the Bush case.

Current Regulations & their Limitations

The current regulations typically involve a cooling-off period, restricting former officials from taking up employment in related sectors for a specified time. However, these regulations often don’t explicitly cover accepting gifts or benefits in kind, such as privately funded travel.

* Cooling-Off Periods: These periods vary depending on the seniority of the former official.

* Disclosure Requirements: Existing rules often lack robust disclosure requirements for gifts and benefits.

* Enforcement Challenges: Enforcement of these regulations can be challenging, relying heavily on self-reporting and public scrutiny.

Similar Cases & International Comparisons

Instances of former high-ranking officials facing scrutiny for post-employment conduct are not unique to New Zealand. examining similar cases in other countries can provide valuable insights.

* UK Examples: Several former UK government ministers have faced criticism for taking up lucrative positions in industries they previously regulated.

* Australian Precedents: australia has also seen cases of former officials accepting gifts or benefits that raised ethical concerns.

* US Lobbying Regulations: The United States has stricter lobbying regulations, aimed at preventing undue influence by former government officials.

The Role of Transparency and Accountability

The Bush case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust in law enforcement and government.

* Proactive Disclosure: Implementing a system of proactive disclosure for gifts and benefits received by former officials could help prevent similar controversies.

* Independent Oversight: Establishing an independent body to oversee the conduct of former public officials could enhance accountability.

* Strengthening Ethical Guidelines: Revising and strengthening ethical guidelines to explicitly address the acceptance of gifts and benefits is crucial.