Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has been placed on leave from his role as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, following the release of a damning Independent Police Conduct Authority report.
The report found serious misconduct at the highest levels of police, including Coster, over how police responded to accusations of sexual offending by former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
The allegations arose from an affair between McSkimming and a woman who was a non-sworn police employee at the time.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report said when police did eventually refer the woman's claims to the authority, several months after it was recommended they do so, senior police attempted to influence the investigation.
Coster took on the role as Secretary for Social Investment in November 2024, after stepping down as Police Commissioner.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins said it was agreed between Coster and the Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche that Coster would be on leave while Sir Brian undertook his own "investigation".
Public Service Minister Judith Collins. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
She said the report showed a "massive" failure of leadership, and while it was now an employment matter, she said the report spoke for itself.
"If this was me being named in this report, I would be ashamed of myself. And I think that's what I can say. I would be deeply ashamed."
Collins said the findings that leadership attempted to influence the investigation into the woman's complaint and persuade the IPCA that the matter could be resolved quickly were "very serious".
"Let's put it this way. If a minister tried to do that, I'm sure that the Prime Minister would have them out the door that way."
She expressed thanks for the people who did stand up and send the matter to the IPCA as a complaint.
A spokesperson for the Public Service Commissioner said it would be inappopriate to comment on any employment matters.
Social investment minister Nicola Willis said she was "shocked and appalled" by the IPCA report's findings.
"I have conveyed my views to Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche. The matter now sits with him as Mr Coster's employer," she said.
Police minister Mark Mitchell said Coster first briefed him on 6 November 2024 about McSkimming.
"The issues around Andrew Coster, we all now clearly see in that report that yes, without a doubt, he was the leader of the executive. He should be held to account for that, because of what we're dealing with."
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said while many of those involved in the report were no longer Police staff, he had appointed an independent King's Counsel to undertake employment investigations where required.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he was "extremely disappointed" in police leadership.
"The report and evidence confirm that senior police failed to hold Jevon McSkimming to account for his actions, or appropriately manage complaints made about him. This is inexcusable and a complete failure of duty. People should have every confidence that if they take a compliant to Police it is investigated fully."
Hipkins, who as Prime Minister appointed McSkimming as Deputy Commissioner, said none of this was ever raised during his time as Prime Minister or Police Minister, or during the vetting process for the Deputy Commissioner role.
"If it had he would never have been appointed and further action would have been taken."
