The Jevon McSkimming saga continues to dominate headlines as new revelations emerge about the handling of sexual offending allegations against the former Deputy Police Commissioner. A scathing 135-page report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) first raised questions about how police managed the situation, and the fallout has only intensified.

Andrew Coster’s Claims

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has publicly stated that he briefed both former Police Minister Chris Hipkins and current Police Minister Mark Mitchell about allegations against McSkimming before they publicly admitted being aware. Speaking on TVNZ’s Q+A, Coster said he informed Hipkins in 2022, during a car trip through the South Island, that McSkimming had an affair with a “much younger woman,” which had “soured badly,” leading her to email multiple people with allegations.

Coster admitted he could not provide proof of the conversation. “It’s simply my account,” he said. Reflecting on the matter, Coster said he should have taken better notes and wrongly assumed people would not “run for the hills.”

Regarding Mitchell, Coster claimed informal discussions occurred throughout 2024. “There is no way I was only just telling him about this in my last couple of weeks in the job,” he said. Coster maintained that no one wanted to be close to the issue and emphasized, “I acted honestly, I acted in good faith, my judgements were wrong and I accept that.”

Hipkins and Mitchell Respond

Both ministers strongly denied Coster’s claims. Mark Mitchell described the allegations as “disappointing” and stated that Coster was attempting to “deflect and relitigate matters” after his resignation. He confirmed that he had not been briefed on the allegations prior to November 6, 2024, and noted that Coster’s recollections were “often found to be inconsistent and unreliable.” Mitchell added that legal recourse remains available to Coster if he truly believes in his version of events.

Chris Hipkins also denied being briefed, stating, “I was never briefed on Jevon McSkimming’s relationship with Ms Z during my time as Minister of Police or Prime Minister. Had I known what has now been detailed in the IPCA report, Jevon McSkimming would never have been appointed to the role.”

Emails and Evidence

The IPCA report highlighted over 300 emails allegedly sent by Ms Z to McSkimming’s work address between December 2023 and April 2024, containing abusive and derogatory language. Many of these emails were copied to Coster, Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Mitchell. Mitchell confirmed 36 emails reached his office but claimed they were not reviewed, due to a protocol directing staff to forward them directly to Coster’s office.

Coster disputed that this protocol prevented him from seeing the emails. He said the first he heard of the allegations was after the IPCA report was released. He noted a file prepared by police mentioned discussions about handling the emails, but he could not explain why a retrospective note was created. Police COO Andrea Conlan confirmed the file note and subsequent actions by Ministerial Services staff, ensuring documentation aligned with the process.

McSkimming’s Background and Legal Outcome

Jevon McSkimming, once a trusted police officer, pleaded guilty in Wellington District Court last month to three charges of possessing objectionable publications, including child sexual exploitation and bestiality material. He is set to be sentenced next month. During his tenure, Coster described McSkimming as a talented and innovative colleague, though he emphasized they were not personal friends.

The IPCA’s Findings

The IPCA report criticized Coster for failing to ask sufficient questions when McSkimming disclosed the affair in 2020 and for not fully informing the Public Service Commission during the 2023 Deputy Commissioner appointment process. The report noted that Coster’s preconception of McSkimming as the sole potential victim clouded his decision-making, especially in relation to Ms Z’s complaints and the FTAC involvement. Efforts to expedite the investigation to protect McSkimming’s job application were seen as inappropriate, even if unintentional.

Coster’s Response and Accountability

Coster has accepted full responsibility for shortcomings identified in the IPCA report. In a statement to RNZ, he said:

• He acted in good faith.

• He trusted McSkimming’s explanations too readily.

• He should have investigated allegations more thoroughly.

• He apologizes to the young woman affected by the matter.

Coster also acknowledged the significant personal and professional impact of the saga, saying it led him to resign from work he valued deeply. Despite the fallout, he welcomed the IPCA’s note that no corruption or cover-up was found within the Police organization.

What This Means for Police Oversight

The case highlights the complexities of organizational accountability, ministerial briefing protocols, and the handling of sensitive allegations in high-ranking positions. The discrepancies between recollections, protocols, and documented evidence show a systemic need for clearer communication and rigorous oversight. Both ministers assert they were unaware of key details, while Coster maintains he acted in line with his understanding at the time, raising questions about transparency and governance.