Andrew Coster Resigns from Social Investment Agency Amid IPCA Misconduct Scandal Following Jevon McSkimming Case

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster Steps Down from Social Investment Agency Amid IPCA Scandal

Andrew Coster, former Police Commissioner, has reportedly stepped down from his role as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency (SIA). This significant development comes in the wake of a highly critical report from the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), which revealed severe misconduct within the highest echelons of the police force.

Coster's resignation, an announcement for which is said to be imminent, follows his being placed on leave last month after the IPCA report’s release. The report specifically scrutinised the police's handling of sexual offending allegations against former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.

Damning Findings of the IPCA Report

The comprehensive 135-page IPCA report exposed "serious misconduct" by senior police leaders, including Coster, concerning their response to accusations made against McSkimming. These allegations originated from an affair between McSkimming and a non-sworn police employee. A particularly troubling detail from the report was the revelation that senior police attempted to influence the IPCA's investigation, occurring several months after it was initially recommended that the woman's claims be formally referred.

This isn't the only high-profile departure linked to the scathing report. Chris de Wattignar, a former police officer who later moved into an executive role at the Civil Aviation Authority, also resigned. De Wattignar was another senior figure explicitly mentioned in the IPCA's findings.

Ministerial Outcry and Scrutiny

The revelations have drawn sharp criticism from senior government figures. Public Service Minister Judith Collins did not hold back, labeling the situation a "massive" failure of leadership. While acknowledging it was now an employment matter, she emphatically stated, "If this was me being named in this report, I would be ashamed of myself." Collins also raised grave concerns about attempts by leadership to influence the investigation and persuade the IPCA to expedite its resolution, hinting at potential corruption without directly using the term: "If it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck, it's not looking good, is it?"

Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis conveyed her "shock and appalled" reaction to the IPCA's findings, confirming she had communicated her strong views to Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche, who was overseeing Coster's employment situation.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell also underscored Coster's accountability as the executive leader at the time: "He should be held to account for that, because of what we're dealing with."

Labour Leader Expresses Disappointment

Opposition Labour leader Chris Hipkins, who as Prime Minister had appointed McSkimming as Deputy Commissioner, expressed profound disappointment in the police leadership. He asserted that senior police failed to hold McSkimming accountable for his actions or to appropriately manage the complaints against him, branding it "inexcusable and a complete failure of duty." Hipkins clarified that no such issues were ever raised during McSkimming's vetting process or his own tenure as Prime Minister or Police Minister, stating unequivocally that McSkimming would not have been appointed had these facts been known.

Andrew Coster took on his role as Secretary for Social Investment in November 2024, following his tenure as Police Commissioner. Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche had been conducting his own "investigation" during Coster's period of leave. The public service commissioner's office has declined to comment on specific employment matters.

The IPCA's report serves as a potent reminder of the paramount importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability within public service, especially at the highest levels of law enforcement.