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Police are refusing to discuss whether Clint Rickards was given a golden handshake to hasten his retirement.
Mr Rickards, who was found not guilty in two sex trials in the past two years, was set to face internal disciplinary charges but said his resignation meant all employment issues between him and police were resolved.
Police national headquarters would not comment on how the standoff came to be resolved.
It confirmed only that Rickards had resigned and that the resignation had been accepted.
"The resignation is effective as of today," police spokesman Rob Lee said.
"In keeping with employer-employee relationship requirements, the conditions under which NZ Police's contract with Mr Rickards were met will remain confidential."
Police Association president Greg O'Connor said it was likely Mr Rickards would have received a payout.
"We don't know. We can only surmise that but I would imagine that there would be some mutually beneficial terms agreed," he told Radio New Zealand.
"Like all these employment settlements, it will be confidential."
The association had not been involved in any negotiations.
Mr Rickards' resignation was a "good result".
"Obviously there has been some good talking between police hierarchy and the lawyers but I think this is a good result and it probably reflects well on him that he has finally made this decision.
"I think he has made the right decision."
- NZPA
