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Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Media fight injunction on McSkimming inquiry details
The High Court is set to hear arguments about whether media should be allowed to report the nature of the allegedly objectionable material found on former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming's work computer. McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful policeman last 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. RNZ earlier revealed that pornography found on McSkimming's work computer is being investigated as alleged objectionable material. He declined to comment on the allegations through his lawyer. His lawyer Linda Clark was earlier granted a rare "superinjunction" by Justice Grau that prohibited reporting that disclosed the nature of the allegedly objectionable material, as well as the existence of the injunction itself. A teleconference was then held by Justice Gwyn from the High Court at Wellington to discuss the injunction with Clark, police and legal counsel for RNZ, Stuff and NZME. Following that conference, the order prohibiting publication of the nature of the allegedly objectionable material was continued - but the order prohibiting the existence of the injunction was not continued, meaning RNZ could report the fact of McSkimming's application and the interim result. A hearing will be held in the High Court at Wellington today in relation to the injunction. RNZ, NZME and Stuff will be jointly represented by Robert Stewart, KC. The IPCA earlier announced it was investigating allegations of misconduct by McSkimming following a complaint from a member of the public. It is also investigating if there was misconduct or neglect of duty by any other police officers or employee in responding to the allegations. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said in an earlier statement that he appreciated that the resignation of McSkimming raised questions, but the criminal investigation couldn't be "compromised by commenting on the circumstances of it at this point". "However, I can say that I have always made it very clear that trust and confidence in police is a top priority for me as commissioner," Chambers said. "I take very seriously anything that puts trust and confidence and the reputation of police at risk and will act to address it." McSkimming's resignation came after Mitchell said he was recently informed of allegations of a "very serious nature", separate to the probe that led to him being suspended. Mitchell said McSkimming resigned before he could be dismissed. He did not say what the allegations were. However, the minister said the Policing Act was "very clear". "A deputy commissioner of police must be a 'fit and proper' person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming's fitness for office. "When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming's resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable."
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Jevon McSkimming resignation: ‘Super injunction' lifted but media still barred from publishing details of ‘objectionable material' allegations against former deputy commissioner
'The Policing Act is very clear: A Deputy Commissioner of Police must be a 'fit and proper' person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming's fitness for office. 'When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming's resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable.' Mitchell and the Police Commissioner Richard Chambers have not commented on the nature of the new allegations because of the ongoing investigations. The Herald revealed that detectives investigating the original complaint against McSkimming - the details of which cannot be reported currently for legal reasons - allegedly discovered pornographic material on one of his electronic work devices. It is understood that the material is being assessed as to whether or not it could be classified as objectionable, which could lead to criminal charges. McSkimming's lawyer Linda Clark has declined to comment on his behalf so far. But late on Friday, Clark filed an urgent application in the High Court seeking an injunction to stop media from publishing further details about the material allegedly found on McSkimming's electronic devices. The application was supported by lawyers for the New Zealand Police and granted on an interim basis by Justice Karen Grau. Even the fact that McSkimming had sought an injunction against the media was suppressed; a non-publication order which is sometimes referred to as a 'super injunction'. The injunction is opposed by NZME, Radio New Zealand and Stuff, which are jointly represented by Robert Stewart KC. At a High Court teleconference hearing on Monday afternoon, Clark no longer sought for the super injunction to remain in place. But the injunction to stop publication of the nature of the alleged objectionable material remains in place for now. The arguments for and against publication of those details will be aired at another High Court hearing at a future date. The legal skirmish between McSkimming and the media organisations comes as the former deputy commissioner remains under criminal investigation by the police, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority. 'This comprises oversight of a Police investigation into whether there has been any criminal wrongdoing by Mr McSkimming and a review of whether there has been any related non-criminal misconduct,' the IPCA said in written statement released on Thursday. 'In addition, the Authority is conducting an independent investigation into whether there has been misconduct or neglect of duty by any other police officer or employee in the course of responding to the allegations.' The IPCA said no further comment would be made until the investigations are complete, but would not give a timeframe on when that might be. McSkimming was the second-most powerful police officer in the country until last week. Given his seniority in the ranks, the Herald understands that it is expected that former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster and other members of the police executive - past and present - would be interviewed by the IPCA about their knowledge of the 'complaint by the member of the public'. Coster is now the chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, and declined to comment about McSkimming when questioned by media. 'I can't comment on the details of this because there are multiple investigations underway and we need to let those investigations take their course,' Coster said. 'It might be appropriate for me to comment when that's occurred, but in the meantime, it's most appropriate for me to say nothing.' The sudden resignation of McSkimming is a shocking development given he was one of the top candidates to replace Coster as the Commissioner of Police in late 2024. McSkimming graduated from Police College in 1996 and spent the first 10 years of his career in frontline roles in Auckland, Southland and the West Coast. He shifted to the Wellington district for several years in leadership positions, before moving to Police National Headquarters (PNHQ) in 2010 and rising through the ranks there. In 2023, McSkimming was promoted to deputy commissioner on the recommendation of Chris Hipkins, who was Prime Minister at the time, following a Public Service Commission selection process. 'Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming brings a relatively unique career path within New Zealand Police,' according to a report presented by Hipkins to Cabinet. 'He has been a police officer for 27 years but, since 2010, McSkimming has used his operational skills across the organisation to shape strategy, service delivery and resolutions, financial planning, arms administration, ICT and infrastructure.' The departure of McSkimming means there is now a vacancy for an influential position in the police executive. He was one of two statutory Deputy Commissioners, an appointment made by the Government, which is an important role within the constitutional framework of police and carries a safeguard of independence from the Police Commissioner. If Chambers was to be incapacitated, for example, the most senior statutory deputy commissioner takes charge until a new commissioner is appointed. Similarly, if any allegations were made against Chambers, the statutory deputy has the independence to investigate without interference. Following McSkimming's departure, Tania Kura is now the only possible replacement for Chambers until a new statutory deputy is appointed. Jared Savage covers crime and justice issues, with a particular interest in organised crime. He joined the Herald in 2006 and has won a dozen journalism awards in that time, including twice being named Reporter of the Year. He is also the author of Gangland, Gangster's Paradise and Underworld.
NZ Herald
14-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Jevon McSkimming investigation: Former top cop selling properties
The nature of the original allegations against McSkimming, which led to his suspension, cannot be reported for legal reasons. Now it has been revealed multiple properties McSkimming is listed as owning have been sold or are for sale. A property listing for a Waikanae property he owns with his wife is priced at $595,000, having earlier been bought for $605,000 in 2023. The listing states 'with a motivated vendor, we need to sell!' Another listing for a different Waikanae property of his, which asked for buyer enquiries over $715,000, is now updated as sold. In January, McSkimming's lawyers said he was cooperating with the police and expected to 'resume his duties' after being cleared by the investigation into the original complaint. However he resigned suddenly after being confronted with allegations of a 'very serious nature'. 'I instructed the Public Service Commission to commence the process to remove Mr McSkimming from office after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended,' Police Minister Mark Mitchell said. 'The Policing Act is very clear: A Deputy Commissioner of Police must be a 'fit and proper' person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming's fitness for office. 'When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming's resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable.' Mitchell did not reveal the nature of the new allegations. However the Herald earlier revealed that detectives investigating the original complaint against McSkimming allegedly discovered pornographic material on one of his electronic work devices. It is understood that the material is being assessed as to whether or not it could be classified as objectionable, which could lead to criminal charges. The alleged pornographic material was not relevant to the original complaint, but was evidence to start a new investigation. McSkimming then resigned after the existence of the alleged pornographic material was disclosed to him. - With reporting by Jared Savage Jared Savage covers crime and justice issues, with a particular interest in organised crime. He joined the Herald in 2006 and has won a dozen journalism awards in that time, including twice being named Reporter of the Year. He is also the author of Gangland, Gangster's Paradise and Underworld.
1News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- 1News
Porn on McSkimming's computer investigated as alleged 'objectionable material'
Pornography found on the work computer of former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming is being investigated as alleged objectionable material, RNZ understands. McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop on Monday amid a four-month investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police. RNZ understands his resignation came after he was confronted with allegations that pornography, being investigated as alleged objectionable material, was found on his work computer. McSkimming declined to comment on the allegations through his lawyer. A spokesperson for Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said in a statement to RNZ that he had nothing further to add and would "not be commenting on any aspects of the criminal investigation" beyond his earlier statements. In a statement released on Monday Police Minister Mark Mitchell said McSkimming resigned before he could be dismissed. "I can confirm a process had been underway for the Prime Minister to consider recommending the Governor-General immediately remove the Deputy Commissioner of Police from office. "I instructed the Public Service Commission to commence the process to remove Mr McSkimming from office after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended." He did not say what the allegations were. Mitchell said the Policing Act was "very clear". "A Deputy Commissioner of Police must be a 'fit and proper' person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming's fitness for office." "When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming's resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable." Police advised Mitchell that their investigations into McSkimming would continue, notwithstanding his resignation. "As the latest information remains subject to ongoing Police investigation, I am unable to provide further comment at this time," Mitchell said. In January, McSkimming released a statement through his lawyer confirming he had been suspended since before Christmas. "He remains on full pay, pending a criminal investigation. When any police officer faces an investigation of this nature, they are typically suspended from duty," the statement said. "Mr McSkimming is cooperating fully with Police and looks forward to the investigation being concluded swiftly, after which he expects to resume his duties as Deputy Commissioner." Earlier, Chambers said he had been advised of Jevon McSkimming's resignation from his position with NZ Police. "The criminal investigation will continue and is not affected by the resignation. I have no further comment at this stage." Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had not said why McSkimming resigned. Luxon was asked multiple times by the media on Monday afternoon for comment, but did not offer any explanation. "I'm not going to get into any of this," said Luxon. "The reality is I'm aware of the resignation, aware of the circumstances around it. "We can say as much as we can say at this point... ongoing investigation, nothing further to say." He said there will be more to say later on. McSkimming, through his lawyer, declined to comment. Labour leader Chris Hipkins said there were no red flags raised about McSkimming when he was appointed deputy police commissioner under the previous government. Hipkins said both the police commissioner and the public service commissioner recommended McSkimming's appointment at the time. "Things have obviously subsequently come to light. I can't comment on those because I don't know anything of the detail of any of those, but I can say categorically none of them were raised during the appointment process," he said. Hipkins said he hasn't been told anything about what the allegations are against McSkimming. By RNZ's Sam Sherwood
NZ Herald
14-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Jevon McSkimming probe: Police watchdog reveals nature of investigation into former deputy commissioner
McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop on Monday after a four-month investigation by the IPCA and police. In response to questions from RNZ on Wednesday, IPCA investigations manager Stu Graham said in a statement it was conducting an investigation 'into the way police handled allegations made against former Deputy Commissioner McSkimming'. 'We therefore have no further comment at this time.' It is the first time the IPCA has commented on what its investigation was focused on. The investigation was launched before McSkimming was suspended. Police declined to comment on the investigation on Wednesday. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said in a statement on Tuesday that he appreciated that the resignation of McSkimming raised questions, but said the criminal investigation couldn't be 'compromised by commenting on the circumstances of it at this point'. 'However, I can say that I have always made it very clear that trust and confidence in police is a top priority for me as commissioner,' Chambers said. 'I take very seriously anything that puts trust and confidence and the reputation of police at risk and will act to address it. 'I have high expectations of all police staff and will address it if those standards are not met, irrespective of rank or role.' Police Minister Mark Mitchell on Monday said McSkimming resigned before he could be dismissed. In a statement released on Monday he said: 'I can confirm a process had been under way for the Prime Minister to consider recommending the Governor-General immediately remove the Deputy Commissioner of Police from office. 'I instructed the Public Service Commission to commence the process to remove Mr McSkimming from office after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended.' He did not say what the allegations were. Mitchell said the Policing Act was 'very clear'. 'A deputy commissioner of police must be a 'fit and proper' person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming's fitness for office. 'When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming's resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable.' Police advised Mitchell that their investigations into McSkimming would continue, notwithstanding his resignation. 'As the latest information remains subject to ongoing police investigation, I am unable to provide further comment at this time.' In January, McSkimming released a statement through his lawyer confirming he had been suspended since before Christmas. 'He remains on full pay, pending a criminal investigation. When any police officer faces an investigation of this nature, they are typically suspended from duty,' the statement said. 'Mr McSkimming is co-operating fully with police and looks forward to the investigation being concluded swiftly, after which he expects to resume his duties as deputy commissioner.' Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has not said why McSkimming resigned. Luxon was asked multiple times by the media on Monday afternoon for comment, but did not offer any explanation. 'I'm not going to get into any of this,' said Luxon. 'The reality is I'm aware of the resignation, aware of the circumstances around it. 'We can say as much as we can say at this point... ongoing investigation, nothing further to say.' He said there will be more to say later on. Labour leader Chris Hipkins said there were no red flags raised about McSkimming when he was appointed deputy police commissioner under the previous Government. Hipkins said both the police commissioner and the public service commissioner recommended McSkimming's appointment at the time. 'Things have obviously subsequently come to light. I can't comment on those because I don't know anything of the detail of any of those, but I can say categorically none of them were raised during the appointment process,' he said. Hipkins said he had not been told anything about what the allegations were against McSkimming.
