Incoming Police Commissioner Peter Marshall says it was not inevitable that the deputy had to step down.
Rob Pope announced on Wednesday that he will retire from his post as deputy commissioner in April this year. Police Commissioner Howard Broad will also step down.
Mr Pope's announcement comes a day after an independent police conduct report was highly critical of the performance of senior police managers and of a failure to change the culture of the organisation.
The report reviewed changes made after rape accusations against officers prompted a Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct in 2007.
Mr Pope says he has informed Police Minister Judith Collins of his intention to retire at the end of his five-year term.
Mr Marshall, the acting Police Commissioner of Solomon Islands at present, says it was not at all inevitable that Mr Pope had to leave.
He says Mr Pope's position was up after five years and it was his own decision to step down after 35 years of distinguished service.
Mr Pope says he is proud to have led and implemented on the Police Commissioner's behalf a number of key changes, including the response to the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct in 2007.
Mr Marshall says the deputy commissioner position will be advertised soon.
Time for a change - Nicholas
Rotorua woman Louise Nicholas, whose rape allegations sparked the 2007 inquiry, says she does not know if Mr Pope is leaving because of the latest report.
Ms Nicholas says police still have a long way to go to, but there is now more space for the new commissioner to make the necessary changes.
"I just think it's time for new people to come in, take over the reins and keep pushing forward - and that's what the New Zealand Police needs.
"Rob Pope's has done his dash, I guess, and it's time to move on, as we all do at some stage."
Ms Nicholas says she feels more confident police will fix the way they deal with sexual violence cases.
