Minister Defends Against Allegations Over Former Deputy Commissioner

New Zealand’s Minister of Police, Minister Mitchell, has publicly refuted claims made by former police chief Jevon McSkimming regarding the timeline of allegations against him. The controversy centers around allegations that McSkimming engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, referred to as Ms Z.

According to Mitchell, he was first made aware of concerns related to McSkimming on November 6, 2024. He stated that his office received 36 emails detailing allegations against McSkimming, but he never personally reviewed them. Instead, a protocol required that police staff in Mitchell’s office forwarded those emails directly to Commissioner Coster‘s office.

Conflicting Accounts Emerge

In a recent interview with TVNZ, Commissioner Coster suggested that there were ministers, including Labour leader Chris Hipkins, who were more informed about the allegations than they publicly acknowledged. Coster contested Mitchell’s assertion that he was unaware of the allegations prior to November 2024, claiming they had been discussed informally throughout the year.

Mitchell responded to these claims during an appearance on RNZ’s Morning Report. He reiterated, “I did not know anything about the allegations before November 6, 2024, and I would have taken action sooner if I had.” He emphasized that had he been informed about the affair involving McSkimming and Ms Z, he would have addressed the situation immediately.

Mitchell described the matter as serious, stating, “Had Mr. Coster brought forward to me the fact that Jevon McSkimming had entered into an affair that involved a big age gap and a power imbalance, I would have acted.” He asserted that such issues are not ones to be discussed casually, especially given McSkimming’s position as Deputy Commissioner at the time.

Investigations and Protocols

Mitchell confirmed that the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) notified the Public Service Commission that they were assessing information related to McSkimming in October 2024. However, he stated he was not privy to the details of that information.

“The IPCA was assessing information they had on him,” Mitchell explained. “The PSC acted correctly by instructing Coster to brief me on the matter. Unfortunately, Coster did not volunteer that information.” He maintained that as soon as he learned about the allegations involving Ms Z, he took immediate action.

This unfolding situation highlights ongoing tensions within New Zealand’s police leadership and raises questions about the protocols in place for handling allegations against senior officials. As the inquiry continues, both Mitchell and Coster’s statements will be scrutinized as the public seeks clarity on the matter.