Senior New Zealand Police Leader’s Fall Sparks Public Outrage and Calls for Stronger Oversight

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Once a frontrunner for the country's top policing job, Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has become the centre of a scandal that has reignited public anger and scrutiny of New Zealand Police. McSkimming faced separate allegations that he sexually abused a young staff member and was later charged with possession of illegal sexual images, including child sexual abuse material, found on a work device. He admitted some charges in November and is due to be sentenced in December, facing up to 10 years in prison.

Watchdog finds serious leadership failings

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) this month released a scathing report concluding that senior police leaders downplayed the complainant's allegations while prioritising the career prospects of a senior officer who was seeking promotion. The report found senior colleagues accepted McSkimming's denials without adequate scrutiny and, in some cases, pursued the woman who raised concerns for alleged online harassment.

Court documents indicate investigators discovered thousands of sexual images viewed on workplace devices over roughly four and a half years, and that about a third of McSkimming’s internet searches during work hours were for sexual content. The illicit material was uncovered while probing separate complaints from a woman who says she was sexually abused during an affair when she was a police employee and 21 years old; McSkimming was then about 40.

Resurfacing memories of an earlier scandal

The case has revived painful memories of another high-profile controversy two decades ago when survivor advocate Louise Nicholas challenged police handling of sexual-violence allegations. That earlier episode resulted in mistrials and acquittals, the jailing of a lead investigator for obstructing justice, and a critical 2007 review of police practices. Nicholas, who later advised police on reforms, said many institutional improvements have been made but called the recent handling of the new case ‘‘deja vu.’’

Leadership shake-up and new oversight

In the wake of the IPCA report several senior officers criticised in the review have left the force, others have been placed on leave or announced retirements, and internal investigations continue. The government has accepted all of the watchdog's recommendations and announced the appointment of an independent Inspector‑General of Police to strengthen external oversight.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the episode is a major blow to public confidence. "This is a big hit to integrity and trust for the police," he told 1News. "It’s got to be built back." Public Service Minister Judith Collins commented that the situation "is not looking good," while Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has emphasised his independence from past leadership.

What comes next

McSkimming faces sentencing in December. The woman who made the abuse allegations was previously charged with online harassment; that harassment charge was recently dropped, though other legal matters remain pending. The IPCA recommendations and the appointment of independent oversight aim to rebuild trust, but officials and survivors say restoring confidence will require sustained transparency and accountability across the force.

Note: This account reports on allegations, charges and official findings. Some legal matters remain before the courts.