Former police commissioner Andrew Coster has resigned from his recent position at the Social Investment Agency following the Jevon McSkimming scandal.
Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has confirmed the announcement.
Coster stepped down after only one year of a five-year term.
Coster has faced criticism since the publication of a damning IPCA report, which stated it uncovered “serious misconduct” among the senior ranks of police during the management of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
“I also acknowledge that the IPCA found no evidence of corruption or cover-up when undertaking their review,” Sir Brian said.
“While the IPCA found serious leadership failures occurred, there was no evidence of senior officers consciously doing the wrong thing or setting out to undermine the integrity of the organisation.”
Sir Brian said there was substantial proof of shortcomings within the organisation that Coster was responsible for at the time.
“Systems, processes, delegations and behaviours that you would expect to be embedded were not followed.”
He said he acknowledged “with hindsight that he should have and could have done better, and as evidenced by his decision, has taken accountability.”
In a statement, Coster acknowledged full responsibility for the deficiencies highlighted in the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s review.
“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.”
“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.”