New Zealand

New Zealand: Report Claims Police Failed to Investigate Misconduct Allegations

Published NOV 12 2025

Story

Above: New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Police Minister Mark Mitchell at a press conference at Parliament, Wellington, New Zealand, on Nov. 11, 2025. Image credit: Mark Mitchell/New Zealand Herald/Getty Images

The Facts

New Zealand's Independent Police Conduct Authority on Tuesday released a report finding that senior police officers failed to properly investigate sexual misconduct allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, instead prosecuting the complainant.
Independent Police Conduct Authority
Stuff
Law News
McSkimming allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 21-year-old unsworn police staffer in 2016–2017 while he was 40 and held a senior leadership role. This later gave rise to multiple allegations of non-consensual sexual activity and abuse of power, with the woman sending hundreds of anonymous emails, posting on social media, and lodging formal complaints with police.
Post
The Spinoff
The report claims that former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster attempted to influence the IPCA investigation timeline and failed to disclose his knowledge of McSkimming's relationship during the appointment processes for deputy commissioner in 2023.
1 News
Chris Lynch Media
The police reportedly charged the complainant under the Harmful Digital Communications Act using her emails as evidence, allegedly labeling her formal complaints through the 105 system as false reports without conducting any investigation. They investigated her allegations a month later, but the IPCA found the process sat “in stark contrast” to usual practice and prioritized McSkimming’s career.
Stuff
NZ Herald
guardian
The New Zealand government has announced the creation of an inspector general role following the IPCA report, while Coster has been placed on leave from his role as Social Investment Agency chief executive.
guardian
Radio New Zealand (RNZ)
Current Police Commissioner Richard Chambers apologized to the complainant and confirmed that most officers involved in the misconduct have left the organization, with employment investigations ongoing for three remaining staff members.
guardian
Eastern Times

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Police leadership completely failed a vulnerable woman by covering up serious sexual misconduct allegations against Deputy Commissioner McSkimming. The former executive prioritized protecting their own careers over justice, prosecuting the victim instead of probing her complaints. Corruption at the highest levels has shattered public trust in law enforcement.

Newstalkzb.Co.Nz

Inside Government NZ

Ani O'Brien on X

Narrative B

New Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is taking decisive action to rebuild integrity after inheriting this mess from previous leadership. Enhanced monitoring systems are already catching misconduct, proving the new safeguards work effectively. The current police force shouldn't be judged by past failures when strong reforms are actively protecting the public.