NZ News

‘He was a liar, he schemed’: Public Service Commissioner on Jevon McSkimming ‘wake-up call’

Published

1 year ago

November 13, 2025

The Public Service Commissioner says Jevon McSkimming is a liar who went to extreme efforts to cover up accusations against him.

Sir Brian Roche said since appointing McSkimming to his role near the top of police the commission has improved its hiring processes, calling the case a “wake-up call”.

He said he was confident they would now detect someone like McSkimming during the hiring process.

He told Morning Report the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report was confronting.

“It’s just shameless and shameful that we’re in this position, that one of the key institutions of the state being the police is now being questioned and that questioning is appropriate at this point,” he said.

“A few people behaving poorly have created problems for us all.”

The report recommended that the Public Service Commission could have pushed on a particular line of enquiry when McSkimming was appointed. Sir Brian said that had been taken on board and its processes had been strengthened.

“I’m really confident that we would [now] have detected the likes of Mr McSkimming,” he said.

“But I do not wish to underestimate he was a liar, he schemed and he created a story that just was so pervasive and it wasn’t until 2024 that it began to unravel. But even then he was confident enough to put himself forward for Commissioner of Police. This was a a person who lacked serious judgement.”

Sir Brian admitted that it was extraordinary that issues around McSkimming had not come up during the interview process.

“And that’s the detail that I’m working through about who said what to who when. But the fact remains this person was a flawed character and it was about this time last year that it became clear about the nature of this person – at that point no one knew about the issues associated with the devices.”

Sir Brian agrees the commission should have probed further regarding “a strange relationship” McSkimming had that had been mentioned.

“But as the review found, it is highly unlikely we would’ve learned anything because of the curated story that Mr McSkimming had over many years managed to cement in that organisation and everything around it.

“We have to make sure we get behind that filtering – it’s a very big wake up call for us.”

The commission had had some confidence because McSkimming had a very high level security clearance from the SIS, he said.

But where the SIS was focused on security, the Public Service Commission’s focus was “probity and character”, he said.

“I’m still going to push really hard that we are able to get access to that, at the moment it is against the law for the SIS to make that information available to us,” he said.

“This person was able to mislead the majority of the system, this system now has to make sure we’re not going to get captured by that again.”

Sir Brian said the commission now checks all applicants’ devices for certain appointments within the public sector.

“We’re making it very very clear to the candidates that if there is any blemish once they’re appointed, we find anything about them that they haven’t disclosed, that would result in immediate sanctions. There’s no misunderstanding about the critical nature of what it is we’re looking for and their obligations to continually disclose to us.”

The public can have confidence and the current circumstances must never be repeated, he said.

Meanwhile, Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has been placed on leave from his role as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, with an employment process underway.

Sir Brian said the commission was currently working through an employment process which would be done as quickly as possible.

‘Members of the police executive hadn’t learned from history,’ former top cop says

Former Assistant Police Commissioner Nick Perry said the people who failed to properly investigate allegations against Jevon McSkimming broke the first rule of learning from history.

Perry was given the job of cleaning up the police ranks 20 years ago, after Louise Nicholas brought historic rape allegations against former and serving officers.

He retired as Assistant Police Commissioner in 2013 and told Morning Report that he felt “deep disappointment” when he saw the damning IPCA report.

Perry said he used to present adult sexual assault courses at the police college and in his opening comments he would say that those who did not learn from history were bound to repeat it.

“I couldn’t help thinking about that when I was reading the IPCA report because it was clearly the fact that certain members of the police executive hadn’t learned from history, although I must add there were clearly those within the organisation who had and did their very best to address the issue that they confronted.”

The police culture had changed for the better in the last 20 years, he said.

Perry said despite retiring in 2013 he had remained in contact with police.

“Last year for example I was speaking to a number of front line officers who had graduated in the previous 18 months, I’ve got to say I’m extremely impressed with the quality of the people, the motivation, it’s all there.”

Police needed to follow a basic process which was not followed with Louise Nicholas nor in this case, he said.

“In terms of investigations it’s relatively simple in terms of whether it’s an investigation into a criminal offence or a complaint. You have to keep an open mind, you have to be unbiased, follow policy procedures and just see where the evidence takes you.

“If you start missing out any of those, particularly the keeping the open mind and being unbiased, that really starts to damage the integrity of the investigation itself and it’s clearly what’s happened in this particular case.”

Both this case and the Louise Nicholas case involved a complainant making a complaint about sexual offending by police officers, he said.

In the Nicolas case her allegations weren’t accepted, the word of police officers were accepted and it was well down the track before an investigation was commenced, he said.

In the latest case, the IPCA report indicates it appears that Jevon McSkimming’s future and potential as a commissioner was foremost in the mind of a number of upper level police staff involved in the investigation, he said.

The case raises the question about the selection processes in terms of selecting senior leadership within the police, he said.

The IPCA report recommended the establishment of an Inspector-General to have oversight of police, a move which the government is moving to do.

Perry said it remained to be seen what their powers would be and what resources they would get.

He said he would encourage strengthening the powers of the IPCA as they did some very good work but really had no teeth so they could not ensure they were followed through.

A joint IPCA inspector general could be a way forward but that remained to be seen, he said.

Finlayson favours new role as part of IPCA

An Inspector-General of Defence was established following revelations out of Operation Burnham that Ministers and officials were not given the full story on events that had transpired in Afghanistan.

And an Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security exists to oversee the GCSB and the NZSIS.

RNZ’s Nine to Noon has spoken to current and former investigators within the IPCA who say it is unclear how the new role will work, what powers it might have and what it means for how the IPCA operates.

Former National Cabinet Minister Chris Finlayson told Nine to Noon it was possible the new Inspector General of Police could sit within the IPCA itself.

Finlayson held multiple roles including Attorney General, and the Minister for the SIS and the GCSB.

“The IPCA, I think back [to] who’s chaired it, people like Sir John Jeffries, Justice Lowell Goddard – highly independent, very competent judges – so that’s actually a possibility.”

The IPCA has long-agitated to be given great powers itself, so that it can undertake a wider range of investigations, and have prosecutorial powers.

Finlayson said he agreed those calls had merit.

“That’s not in any way to criticise the IPCA, because I do think they do a good job.”

An Inspector General could have the power to force compliance – which the IPCA does not currently have.

Source: RNZ

Latest News

Police say person who fired gun at officers still at large

Published

3 days ago

November 12, 2026

News Staff

Police say a person who fired a gun at officers in Napier is still at large.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Joel Lamb said Police tried to stop a vehicle in the Pirimai Area at about 10pm on Tuesday.

He said someone in the back seat pointed what was presumed to be a firearm at officers pursuing the vehicle.

“Staff have then heard two distinct gunshots as the firearm was discharged.

“Fortunately, neither of our officers were injured, and the patrol vehicle did not sustain any damage.”

He said hours later, the vehicle was seen travelling north on the Waikato Expressway towards Auckland.

Police seized the vehicle at an address in Manurewa, but they had not found the alleged offender.

Lamb said people who lived at the Manurewa address were engaging with Police.

He said Eastern District and Counties Manukau Police were making enquiries.

“Presenting a firearm at a Police officer is a serious escalation that puts our staff and the wider community at risk. This behaviour is entirely unacceptable.

“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will be pursuing all lines of enquiry to locate the offender and hold them accountable.”

Police asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Police on 105 or online using the reference number 261111/3764.

Information could also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

rnz

Latest News

New Zealand sides named for RLWC finals

Published

3 days ago

November 11, 2026

News Staff

The players tasked with ending Australia’s Rugby League World Cup dominance have been named.

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns have announced their squads for this Sunday’s World Cup finals in Brisbane.

Both sides are chasing their first titles since 2008, and both are looking to end their opponents run of three crowns in a row.

“Our Kiwi Ferns have been so dominant in years gone by, and we want to bring dominance back to this jersey, so I think it will be a case of who wants it more,” said co-captain Georgia Hale of the impending clash.

The Kiwis get a major boost for the final as they welcome back Ronaldo Mulitalo after he served a one-match ban for a high tackle against Fiji Bati.

Mulitalo replaces Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who moves to the six-man bench, which again includes utility Te Maire Martin, middle forwards Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark and Xavier Willison plus fullback Keano Kini.

Loose forward Joseph Tapine will make his 30th Test appearance in a familiar pack again, including second-rowers Isaiah Papali’i and Briton Nikora, and props James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota.

Winger Jamayne Isaako is on the cusp of claiming the New Zealand record for most Test points.

His five goals against Tonga lifted his career points tally to 225 – level with Shaun Johnson – while centre Casey McLean goes into the final with 16 tries in just eight Tests.

Fisher-Harris will again captain the team.

Fullback Ponga said the goal of the group was clear.

“We have high expectations around what we want to achieve, and obviously winning a world Cup is one of them.”

Meanwhile, Ricky Henry has selected a settled side to take on the Jillaroos, led by their lethal centre combination of Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga.

Veteran Apii Nicholls takes the number one jersey, Leianne Tufuga and Mackenzie Wiki on the wings.

Henry has stuck with his halves pairing of Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Raecene McGregor with Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale and Otesa Pule up front.

Rounding out the starting pack is Shaniece Monschau, Kaiyah Atai, and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.

“We have been building well throughout the tournament; we understand the Jillaroos side, and will give it our all to make New Zealand proud this weekend,” said Henry.

RLWC Finals:

Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos- 6.10pm

Kiwis vs Kangaroos – 9.35pm

Sunday November 15

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Live blog updates on RNZ

Kiwi Ferns:

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Stacey Waaka 5. Mackenzie Wiki 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Alexis Tauaneai 9. Georgia Hale 10. Otesa Pule 11. Shaniece Monschau 12. Kaiyah Atai 13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.

Interchange: 14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Annessa Biddle 16. Shannon Mato 17. Ivana Lauitiiti.

Reserves: 18. Brooke Anderson 19. Zahara Temara 20. Brianna Clark 21. Abigail Roache 22. Tenika Willison.

Kiwis:

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine (v/c).

Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison.

Reserves: 18. Keano Kini, 19. Phoenix Crossland, 20. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 21. Scott Sorensen, 22. Leo Thompson.

rnz

Latest News

Opportunities to mitigate multi-million-dollar RNZ budget blowout likely missed – experts

Published

4 days ago

November 10, 2026

News Staff

Multiple opportunities to identify and mitigate a multi-million-dollar budget blowout at RNZ appear have been missed, according to the former executive director at Audit New Zealand.

The public broadcaster on Monday revealed a near $12 million shock financial loss after a litany of financial blunders, which will now lead to sweeping job cuts.

The $11.8m loss is more than 25 times the $470,000 RNZ had expected to lose over the year to June.

CEO Paul Thompson took responsibility for the result, and said internal reports gave an inaccurate picture of the finances, meaning the scale of the loss only became clear in October.

RNZ’s former chief financial officer Hilary Parker resigned unexpectedly in early October.

The board said it would commission an independent review into what went wrong.

Independent contractor Stephen Walker, who left the Audit Office earlier this year, said the size of the loss was surprising, as was the length of time it took to identify it – months after the financial year ended.

“Probably more of a concern is that they had seemingly been unaware that they were running up a significant deficit until they were in the preparation stage of their annual report in October.”

Walker said public entities typically produced monthly financial reports.

An interim audit also took place before the end of the financial year, he said, but if the organisation hadn’t identified significant losses at that stage, the auditor could also be in the dark.

“It seems that there’s a real weakness in forecasting and budgeting that’s occurred here and that the monthly accounts, when they’re produced, either haven’t identified these significant variances against budget or the magnitude of them really hasn’t come to light until right towards the end of the financial year,” Walker said.

“And really at that point, there’s no opportunity for the chief executive, the leadership team to take, and the board to take, any corrective action because the year has effectively been completed.”

Walker said the “significant miss” was difficult to account for given it was more than 10 percent of RNZ’s total funding.

He said based on RNZ’s annual report, financial complexity didn’t appear to be a factor.

“This $11.8m loss isn’t made up of one particular item … it seems to have been contributed to by a number of separate expense lines running over budget. So I don’t think it’s necessarily to do with complexity.”

Among the errors, RNZ wrongly counted $2m from land sales as income in its budget. Staff costs also came in $3.2m over budget, including $1.4m in redundancy payments.

Professor at Auckland University’s business school Norman Wong said based on media reports the issues identified were “significant and troubling”.

“But recognising the sale of land as income in their budget is a basic error that one would have expected to have been caught and corrected well before it got to this point.”

With funding reductions at RNZ over the past two years, Walker expected greater scrutiny of financial results.

“Virtually every public entity has had their annual budget reduced. And so you would expect … the leadership team on a monthly basis and board – I’m not sure how frequently the board will consider the information – but you would expect them to be interrogating the results on a regular basis throughout the year,” he said.

Walker said initiating an independent review was the correct course of action and that he’d want to understand what information the leadership team and the board were regularly receiving.

He said he’d “love to say” surprising financial results were rare, but conceded they occured on a semi-frequent basis during his time leading the Audit Office.

“The benefit of independent scrutiny by the Audit Office – and the auditors providing that support to the Auditor General – [is] that the reporting is fairly presented at the end of the year, whether it’s good, bad or ugly.”

rnz