Judith Collins and Richard Chambers answer media questions after former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster was placed on leave following a damning report.
The acting head of the Social Investment Agency maintains the entity’s work is progressing as expected, despite its chief executive going on leave for almost three weeks.
Andrew Coster, the former Police Commissioner, is under investigation by the Public Service Commission following the scandal surrounding his former Deputy PoliceCommissioner Jevon McSkimming, who used police devices to view child exploitation and bestiality images as well as facing allegations concerning a relationship he had with a junior police staffer.
A report released by the Independent Police Conduct Authority criticised how senior police leadership handled an investigation into McSkimming’s relationship once the woman began airing allegations.
Speaking three weeks ago, Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the report highlighted a massive failure in leadership. She wouldn’t state clearly the report proved corruption but said: “If it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck, it’s not looking good, is it?”
Public Service Minister Judith Collins, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Police Minister Mark Mitchell speak about the IPCA report. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Coster became the chief executive of the Social Investment Agency in November last year after stepping down as commissioner. He had been highly rated by Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis.
Three weeks ago, he was placed on leave amid an investigation led by Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche.
Since then, no significant update has been provided.
Asked when a resolution could be expected, a spokesperson for Roche simply stated the “matter is ongoing”.
A statement from both Collins and Willis did not answer similar questions, referring the Herald to Roche.
A spokesperson for Coster said: “Andrew will not be commenting while this process is underway.”
Alistair Mason, Acting Secretary for Social Investment Alistair Mason speaks to reporters after his select committee appearance. Photo / Azaria Howell
Social Investment Agency officials today fronted Parliament’s Social Services and Community select committee, led by acting chief executive Alistair Mason.
The investigation into Coster was not raised during the select committee session but Mason told reporters afterwards the agency was continuing with its work undisturbed.
“We’re just putting our heads down and getting on with the really important business of social investment work.”
He stated multiple times his inability to comment amid an employment process.
Mason refused to comment on when the process might be resolved, how long he might remain in the acting role and wouldn’t say whether he considered Coster a good agency chief executive.
Asked whether he was prepared to remain acting in the chief executive role, Mason said: “I’ll do whatever I’m asked to do.”
Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.
