McSkimming: Police find 'no evidence of improper process' of individual firearms licenses
Photo:
RNZ / REECE BAKER
Police have found "no evidence" former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming acted inappropriately in relation to the vetting process for firearms licences.
Last week RNZ asked police for comment on
allegations that McSkimming had interfered
with the vetting process for firearms licences.
McSkimming strongly denied the allegation, and released a statement through his lawyer.
"As the overall operational lead on firearms, at one time Mr McSkimming raised issues about how the vetting process was being applied. He took those concerns to the Executive Leadership Team and, following discussion at the ELT, the process was subsequently modified."
On Monday, Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura said the police had looked into the allegation and "found no evidence of improper process relating to individual firearms licenses".
"In August 2024, Mr McSkimming instructed the Firearms Safety Authority to make a change in the vetting process. Mr McSkimming had the appropriate delegation to instruct that change, both as executive lead for the work of the Firearms Safety Authority and as the statutory Deputy Commissioner of Police."
The matters were not related to the criminal investigation into McSkimming, Kura said.
"That change directed there be no further use of Police Infringement Bureau information when considering the suspension, refusal and revocation (including section 62) of firearms licenses and endorsements. It related to information on driving-related infringement notices.
"Driving-related convictions, charges and formal police warnings can still be considered when relevant and appropriate."
McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop earlier this month amid a four-month investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police.
His resignation came after Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he was recently informed of allegations of a "very serious nature", separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
36 minutes ago
- RNZ News
Trump tariffs worse for NZ businesses than Covid-19 pandemic
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski Two-thirds of Kiwi businesses think United States tariffs would have a more severe global impact than Covid-19 and the Global Financial Crisis over the next 12 months, with nearly 80 percent of exporters most concerned, a survey indicates. However, the Talbot Mills Research survey of more than 300 business leaders commissioned by ASB Bank indicates a quarter saw some opportunity in the tariffs. "The current market volatility and geopolitical tension may be our 'new normal', but we've been in positions of global uncertainty before and the research shows Kiwi businesses are already thinking about actions they can take to make their business more resilient and generate returns," ASB's executive general manager business banking Rebecca James said. "It's clear businesses view any proposed US tariffs as troubling, but it's pleasing that nearly a quarter of respondents see opportunity in tariffs too. New Zealand has a reputation on the world stage for ingenuity and a can-do attitude, and we want businesses to know there are things they can do to future-proof and manage risks in turbulent times." Donald Trump holds a chart with each country's tariffs, although some have been paused or changed since the announcement on 2 April, 2025. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski President Donald Trump's America First trade policy is aimed at protecting US industries and addressing the trade deficit through tariffs. While tariffs were set at 10 percent for most countries, including New Zealand, there were some notable outliers including Chinese origin goods. Negotiations between China and the US were scheduled to begin this week, while the 10 percent baseline was paused for a 90-day period. Given the uncertainty, James said businesses were shifting their focus to closer to home. "The research shows a pendulum swing when it comes to trading partners, with businesses redirecting their attention to our close neighbours. "Location seems to be king, with our customers prioritising relationships much closer to home. "We're also seeing exporters maintaining high standards and doubling down on premium products to give us an edge on the global stage, even where it costs more for consumers." She said banks were seen as a critical support function for 39 percent of respondents, specifically for working capital support (31 percent), risk advice (26 percent) and trade finance (24 percent). "ASB has provided $4.6 billion to Kiwi businesses over the past five years including considerable support to companies looking to expand and navigate opportunities abroad. "We encourage companies doing business overseas to speak with their banker and engage with a trade specialist to ensure your business is in the strongest position." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
37 minutes ago
- RNZ News
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 4 June 2025
media life and society 20 minutes ago In today's episode, according to results out on Wednesday morning, the left bloc would have enough support to govern, the Privacy Commissioner says facial recognition technology in North Island supermarkets has potential safety benefits, despite raising significant privacy concerns, after a shareholders meeting on Tuesday media company NZME - which owns the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB - has a revamped board and an historic ship at the Paihia waterfront in Northland has been 90 percent destroyed by fire.
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Trump tariffs worse for businesses than Covid-19 pandemic
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski Two-thirds of businesses think United States tariffs would have a more severe global impact than Covid-19 and the Global Financial Crisis over the next 12 months, with nearly 80 percent of exporters most concerned, a survey indicates. However, the Talbot Mills Research survey of more than 300 business leaders commissioned by ASB Bank indicates a quarter saw some opportunity in the tariffs. "The current market volatility and geopolitical tension may be our 'new normal', but we've been in positions of global uncertainty before and the research shows Kiwi businesses are already thinking about actions they can take to make their business more resilient and generate returns," ASB's executive general manager business banking Rebecca James said. "It's clear businesses view any proposed US tariffs as troubling, but it's pleasing that nearly a quarter of respondents see opportunity in tariffs too. New Zealand has a reputation on the world stage for ingenuity and a can-do attitude, and we want businesses to know there are things they can do to future-proof and manage risks in turbulent times." Donald Trump holds a chart with each country's tariffs, although some have been paused or changed since the announcement on 2 April, 2025. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski President Donald Trump's America First trade policy is aimed at protecting US industries and addressing the trade deficit through tariffs. While tariffs were set at 10 percent for most countries, including New Zealand, there were some notable outliers including Chinese origin goods. Negotiations between China and the US were scheduled to begin this week, while the 10 percent baseline was paused for a 90-day period. Given the uncertainty, James said businesses were shifting their focus to closer to home. "The research shows a pendulum swing when it comes to trading partners, with businesses redirecting their attention to our close neighbours. "Location seems to be king, with our customers prioritising relationships much closer to home. "We're also seeing exporters maintaining high standards and doubling down on premium products to give us an edge on the global stage, even where it costs more for consumers." She said banks were seen as a critical support function for 39 percent of respondents, specifically for working capital support (31 percent), risk advice (26 percent) and trade finance (24 percent). "ASB has provided $4.6 billion to Kiwi businesses over the past five years including considerable support to companies looking to expand and navigate opportunities abroad. "We encourage companies doing business overseas to speak with their banker and engage with a trade specialist to ensure your business is in the strongest position." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
