A shocking case of overtime fraud has rocked New Zealand's police force, with a former staffer in Northland admitting to claiming nearly $30,000 for shifts he never worked. The incident, which unfolded over more than a year, highlights vulnerabilities in internal processes and raises questions about financial pressures facing public servants amid the country's ongoing cost of living challenges.

Riki Toby, a 32-year-old authorised officer at Kaitaia Police Station, exploited the 'My Police' system to log false overtime hours. Working a demanding 10-day roster—six days on followed by four off—he began fabricating extra shifts during his off periods. What started as a one-off claim escalated into a systematic deception spanning from August 3, 2024, to December 22, 2025.

🔍 The Mechanics of the Deception

Toby manually entered bogus shift details into the digital timesheet platform, which were initially approved by the custody sergeant responsible for oversight. The sergeant, handling a high volume of submissions, did not immediately spot the irregularities. Toby's claims added up to approximately 42 fraudulent timesheets, totaling around $29,000 in illicit payments.

The scam came to light when Toby submitted a timesheet that violated police policy requiring a minimum nine-hour break between shifts. This blatant breach triggered scrutiny, leading the sergeant to review previous submissions. An internal investigation, overseen by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), confirmed the fraud across roughly 40 timesheets. Toby was confronted, admitted the wrongdoing, and resigned before formal employment proceedings could begin. He faces charges of obtaining by deception and is awaiting sentencing.

Personal Struggles Behind the Fraud

In court documents released under the Official Information Act, Toby attributed his actions to personal turmoil. The offending reportedly began after a relationship break-up that imposed 'extra financial pressure.' This candid admission underscores how individual hardships can intersect with professional temptations, particularly in roles with overtime opportunities.

New Zealand's cost of living crisis has intensified such stresses. Household expenses have risen sharply, with economists forecasting a $55 weekly increase in 2026 due to global fuel shocks from Middle East tensions. Police staff, including authorised officers on base salaries around $60,000-$80,000 annually, are not immune. The New Zealand Police Association's 'Repay the Risk' campaign, launched in April 2026, highlights officers struggling with rent, mortgages, and basics, often relying on food parcels or family aid. Official bargaining started May 1, 2026, demanding pay rises to match inflation-eroded purchasing power and frontline hazards.

Police Response and Procedural Fixes

Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj labelled the behaviour 'totally unacceptable,' emphasising zero tolerance. Police reviewed timesheet approvals, identifying staffing shortages and review gaps as contributors. Adjustments include enhanced procedures and bolstered staffing to curb future risks. The IPCA, satisfied with the probe's thoroughness, endorsed the outcomes, including prosecution and reparation pursuits for the $29,000.

This case prompted a broader audit of overtime practices, revealing no widespread abuse but highlighting the need for vigilant oversight in high-pressure environments like custody operations.

Broader Police Integrity Challenges

The Toby case coincides with a damning April 2026 review of New Zealand Police, calling for an 'integrity reset urgently needed.' Findings expose a culture where seniors face lesser scrutiny than juniors, tribalism among executives, and flawed complaint systems. Skill fade in investigations—homicide finalisation rates dropped to 21% within 12 months—compounds issues, alongside rising insider threats from corruption and criminal links, exacerbated by financial strains.

Historical echoes from Dame Margaret Bazley's 2007 inquiry persist, with calls for zero-tolerance embedding, 10-year capability plans, and modernised training. Commissioner Richard Chambers backs the Integrity Action Plan, body-worn cameras, and 111 upgrades.

Photo by Grant Charsley on Unsplash

Public Sector Fraud Landscape in NZ

Toby's fraud fits a pattern: A February 2026 Serious Fraud Office (SFO) pilot across seven agencies uncovered 446 alleged internal fraud/corruption cases in 15 months, with $361.5 million detected/prevented/recovered (including tax fraud). Procurement and third-party dealings are hotspots, with under-reporting rife due to inconsistent thresholds.

Police handle most fraud responses but struggle with referrals. Transparency International NZ notes public sector corruption losses at 0.45-5.6% of spending, urging better controls. While NZ ranks high globally on integrity, vigilance is key.

Eroding Public Trust?

Trust in police remains stable at 69% per March 2026 surveys, but integrity lapses erode confidence. Professional conduct stats show rising complaints, though specifics on dishonesty vary quarterly. High-profile cases like Toby's amplify scrutiny, especially amid complex crimes (transnational drugs, online fraud).

Stakeholders—from Police Association to IPCA—stress transparency rebuilds faith. Frontline morale dips from pay woes and risks, impacting retention; recruitment lags targets.

Financial Pressures Fueling Risk

NZ's 2026 cost of living bites: Inflation at 3.1%, CPI up, fuel surges from Hormuz tensions add $55/week burdens. RBNZ notes 26% price rises since pandemic, essentials worse. Police salaries lag; Association reports officers in Auckland/Wellington facing impossible rents.

'Repay the Risk' demands reflect this: Risks (violence, trauma) unmet by pay. Vulnerabilities rise—insider threats via compromise detection gaps. Solutions: Robust vetting, ethics training, support like financial counselling.

Preventive Measures and Reforms

• Tech upgrades: AI timesheet audits, biometrics for shifts.
• Training: Fraud awareness, ethics modules.
• Staffing: Reduce overloads enabling oversights.
• Whistleblower protections: Safe reporting channels.
• Pay equity: Association bargaining for inflation-beating rises.

IPCA oversight vital; recent review's 10-year plan prioritises integrity. Broader: SFO taskforce expands anti-fraud data-sharing.

Lessons for Public Service

Toby's case spotlights how personal crises exploit systemic gaps. While isolated, it signals needs: Proactive audits, empathetic support, cultural shifts valuing integrity equally.

NZ Police, committed to community safety, must lead reforms. Public demands accountability; rebuilding via transparency sustains trust. As cost pressures persist, holistic approaches—pay, welfare, oversight—prevent repeats, ensuring taxpayer funds serve justice, not fraud.

Photo by Hans-Joachim Kaiser on Unsplash

Stakeholder views: Association president notes 'officers treading water financially'; experts urge mental health, debt support. Future: Bargaining outcomes, tech pilots could transform resilience.