Sir Brian Roche responds to the IPCA findings and outlines the next steps for restoring confidence in police leadership. Video / Herald NOW
The recently appointed boss of the aviation security service in the upper North Island – who was previously a senior police officer – is “on leave” following the damning report into the handling of sexual misconduct complaints against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Chris de Wattignar started his senior rolein aviation security at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on May 5, and was criticised in the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s (IPCA) report when it was released publicly this week.
Chris de Wattignar, who left police to take on a leadership role at the Civil Aviation Authority, is on leave following the bombshell IPCA report.
In his previous role with police, de Wattignar was the deputy commissioner of people, leadership and culture and had responsibilities for integrity and conduct.
“As such, he was in a position to advocate at the highest level, to ensure police followed the correct policies and procedures in dealing with a complaint against an officer,” the IPCA report said.
However, the IPCA found that despite his colleague’s “continued expressions of concern” about the case, de Wattignar failed to act and exercise independent judgment.
“The understanding I was given was that it was an old matter that had been dealt with, and there were no complaints from the young lady but to speak to Tania [Deputy Commissioner Kura],” de Wattignar told the IPCA.
Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
“In our view, he [de Wattignar] had the ability to raise concerns and ensure appropriate responses once he became aware of the situation,” the IPCA said in its report.
A spokesperson for the CAA told the Herald de Wattignar is on leave.
“He will take some time away as we work through an employment process and any implications for him in his role at CAA,” the spokesperson said.
It was not known when or if he would return to work.
Chris de Wattignar is the head of aviation security for the upper North Island. Photo / Ben Dickens.
“We will work through these processes as quickly as possible. We are bound by legal processes and obligations as an employer, and we won’t be able to discuss employment matters publicly,” the spokesperson said.
Coster is also on leave from his new role as the chief executive of the Social Investment Agency.
The woman who made the allegations of sexual misconduct against McSkimming had engaged in an affair with him over several years.
McSkimming maintained the sexual relationship was consensual and that dozens of emails she sent to police, politicians and media alleging sexual misconduct were motivated by revenge to destroy his career.
Senior police did not adequately investigate the allegations, which continued as McSkimming sought the top job of Police Commissioner.
The IPCA report noted the former police executive prioritised McSkimming’s ambitions in the force above investigating the complaints.
At the start, the young complainant was never contacted or asked whether she wanted to make a formal complaint.
Instead, McSkimming lodged a complaint under the Harmful Digital Communications Act against the woman, and she was arrested in July 2024.
Michael Morrah is a senior investigative reporter/team leader at the Herald. He won News Journalist of the Year at the 2025 Voyager Media Awards and has twice been named reporter of the year at the New Zealand Television Awards. He has been a broadcast journalist for 20 years and joined the Herald’s video team in July 2024.
