Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has issued a public response to the Independent Police Conduct Authority report into the handling of complaints against Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, confirming he has resigned effective from 3 December 2025.

The announcement has been made through a formal written statement released by Coster.

Coster said his resignation followed the decision reflected in the public statement issued by Sir Brian Roche, Public Service Commissioner.

He said, “I have decided to resign from my role as Secretary of Social Investment and Chief Executive of the Social Investment Agency, effective from 3 December 2025.”

“This decision is a result of my acceptance of full responsibility for the shortcomings identified in the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s review of the handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming during my tenure as Commissioner of Police.”

Coster acknowledged the impact on the complainant. He said, “I regret the impact on the young woman at the centre of this matter and sincerely apologise to her for the distress caused.”

“I accept that I was too ready to trust and accept at face value Deputy Commissioner McSkimming’s disclosure and explanations to me. I should have been faster and more thorough in looking into the matter.”

Coster also said he should have conducted a more complete inquiry. “I acknowledge that I should have more fully investigated the allegations when they were brought to my attention, rather than assuming that their previous disclosure to senior Police staff a few years earlier would have resulted in an investigation if necessary.”

He said the authority’s findings showed the organisation’s processes had fallen short. “It is clear that Police’s handling of the whole matter was lacking and that I was ultimately responsible for those matters. It was sobering to read of a number of missed opportunities which should have proceeded differently and more appropriately.”

Coster went on to welcome the finding that there had been no evidence of corruption or intent to cover up wrongdoing. “I welcome Sir Brian’s acknowledgement that the report made no finding of corruption or cover up, nor did the IPCA find any evidence of any actions involving officers consciously doing the wrong thing or setting out to undermine the integrity of the organisation.”

He said he had acted honestly during the period in question. “I made decisions honestly. I acted in good faith. I sought to take all important factors into account with the information I had at the time. While it is not possible to alter past events, I am prepared to take responsibility I got this wrong.”

Coster also apologised to Police staff. “I want to apologise to all members of the NZ Police. They work hard every day to keep our communities safe. I know they have been adversely affected by these events.”

“This has been a very challenging time for my family and me the support we have received has been deeply appreciated. I have devoted my professional life to the service of others it is my intention to do so again at some point in the future.”

The Taxpayers’ Union says the resignation of former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is long overdue and should never have required weeks of costly garden leave.

Executive Director Jordan Williams said: “This resignation should never have been necessary; Coster should have been fired as soon as the damning IPCA report was finalised, given the Public Service Commissioner had been provided the draft report.”

“It was always questionable why it took until the IPCA report was made public before Coster was suspended.”

“Coster cost the taxpayer more than $33,000 on gardening leave, which still amounts to an unjustified gold handshake.”

“Given recent examples of taxpayers’ being told that someone has resigned only to find out later that there was a huge exit payment, taxpayers will be looking for an assurance from the Public Sector Commission that this isn’t another ruse.”