Sir Brian Roche responds to the IPCA findings and outlines the next steps for restoring confidence in police leadership. Video / Herald NOW
The boss of the Civil Aviation Authority won’t confirm if former CAA security boss Chris de Wattignar received a golden handshake – saying he must speak to de Wattignar first.
But just hours after those comments, the CAA claimed it legally cannot disclose details of de Wattignar’s final payout.
Chris de Wattignar started his role as CAA’s head of aviation security for the upper North Island in May.
He was previously a deputy commissioner of police and had responsibilities for integrity and conduct.
He was criticised in the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s (IPCA) report into the handling of complaints against another deputy commissioner, Jevon McSkimming.
The IPCA found that despite his colleague’s “continued expressions of concern” about the case, de Wattignar failed to act and exercise independent judgment.
He went on leave from the CAA shortly after the release of the report, before quitting on November 21.
Chris de Wattignar, who left police to take a top job at the Civil Aviation Authority, resigned after the bombshell IPCA report. Photo / Police
CAA chief executive Kane Patena appeared before Parliament’s transport select committee as part of scrutiny week yesterday, and was questioned by Labour MP Tangi Utikere on the resignation.
He confirmed de Wattignar was paid in lieu of his notice period – but wouldn’t confirm the sum.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB after the hearing, Patena wouldn’t confirm if the exit package went further than just payment in lieu of de Wattignar’s notice period.
“I’m not going to comment on the specifics of the arrangement.”
“We’ve agreed with Chris that he resigns from his position. If there’s to be any further public comment about that, I’d want to talk to him first.
“I’m not saying I’m not prepared to release that information, what I’m saying is that we reached an agreement with Chris. We have an ongoing responsibility as his employer to maintain good faith obligations to him.”
The CAA later confirmed Patena spoke in error, and de Wattignar is no longer an employee.
Just five hours later, the CAA said in a statement that the details couldn’t be released.
“Chris de Wattignar’s departure from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) was by way of resignation. We are legally prevented from disclosing further information.
“This isn’t about avoiding transparency; it’s a requirement of employment and privacy law.
“What we can say is that the matter was handled in accordance with the Crown Entities Act and standard public-sector employment processes.”
Yesterday, Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche confirmed former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster had resigned from his role as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency.
He was paid around $124,000, equivalent to three months’ pay in lieu of notice.
Unrelated to the IPCA investigation, it was also revealed this week that former Director-General of Health Diana Sarfati was paid $350,000 after resigning.
That included three months’ salary, payment in lieu of notice and other contractual obligations.
Ethan Griffiths is a political reporter with Newstalk ZB, based in the Parliamentary Press Gallery. He joined NZME as a print journalist in 2020, previously working as an Open Justice reporter in the Bay of Plenty and Wellington, and as a general reporter in Whanganui.
