Former Police Chief Andrew Coster Set to Resign Amid Scandal

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is expected to resign from his position as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency following a critical report from the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA). The report detailed serious misconduct within the police regarding the handling of allegations against former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Coster’s resignation is anticipated to be formally announced shortly.

Coster was placed on leave after the IPCA released its findings last month, which revealed significant failures in police leadership. The report highlighted how police responded inadequately to accusations of sexual misconduct involving McSkimming and a non-sworn police employee. According to the IPCA, there were attempts by senior police officials to influence the investigation, delaying the referral of the woman’s claims for several months.

Public Service Minister Judith Collins has expressed profound disappointment regarding the findings. She characterized the leadership failures as “massive,” stating, “If this was me being named in this report, I would be ashamed of myself.” Collins noted that the allegations of interference in the investigation were “very serious” and implied that such actions would lead to immediate repercussions if executed by a government minister.

Collins confirmed that Coster had agreed to go on leave while Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche conducted an investigation. The implications of the IPCA report prompted significant scrutiny of Coster’s leadership during his tenure as Police Commissioner, which ended in November 2024 when he transitioned to the Social Investment Agency.

In light of the report, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis indicated her shock at the findings, stating, “I have conveyed my views to Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche. The matter now sits with him as Coster’s employer.”

Coster’s potential resignation follows the departure of Chris de Wattignar, a senior police leader who also resigned from his position at the Civil Aviation Authority after being implicated in the IPCA’s findings. Both resignations underscore the gravity of the misconduct outlined in the report, which spans 135 pages.

The IPCA’s review detailed how police leadership’s attempts to resolve the matter quickly compromised the integrity of the investigation. Coster has not publicly commented on the situation, with his spokesperson stating that he would refrain from media engagement while the employment matter is addressed.

The findings have drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders. Labour leader Chris Hipkins, who previously appointed McSkimming as deputy commissioner, expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the failures of senior police to adequately address complaints against McSkimming. He remarked that had he been aware of these issues during his tenure, McSkimming would not have been appointed.

As New Zealand grapples with the implications of this scandal, the focus remains on the accountability of those in leadership positions within the police force. The expected announcement of Coster’s resignation marks a significant moment in addressing the issues raised by the IPCA report and the broader conversation around police conduct and accountability in the country.