PM Declares No Inquiry Needed into McSkimming Allegations

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has declared that no further inquiry will take place regarding the allegations surrounding Jevon McSkimming, asserting that the establishment of an Inspector General represents the government’s most effective response. This announcement follows former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster‘s claims on TVNZ’s Q+A program that senior ministers were privy to more information than they have publicly acknowledged.

Coster stated he had briefed both former Police Minister Chris Hipkins and current Police Minister Mark Mitchell about the allegations against McSkimming prior to their statements of ignorance. In response, both ministers have firmly rejected Coster’s assertions. Mitchell described the claims as “absolute total nonsense,” asserting he had no knowledge of the allegations before November 6, 2024.

Luxon expressed confidence in Mitchell’s handling of the situation, saying, “You can go through the process story of who said what, when, and where, but from my point of view, the matter’s settled.” The Prime Minister emphasized that Mitchell had adequately addressed the issues at hand and praised his performance in office.

Government’s Focus on Solutions

Luxon indicated that a further inquiry, such as a Royal Commission, was unnecessary. Instead, he insisted that the government’s priority lies in addressing the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report and ensuring that the issues do not recur. “What we need to do is jump to the solution that any inquiry would generate, which is to give us the strongest statutory oversight mechanism possible,” Luxon stated.

In the wake of Coster’s allegations, Hipkins reflected on his past conversations with the former Police Commissioner. He denied ever being briefed on the allegations during their travels, asserting that Coster’s claim of discussing the matter in a car simply “never happened.” Furthermore, Hipkins noted the importance of formal disclosures during the appointment process, stating that an informal conversation would not suffice.

In addressing the broader implications, Hipkins remarked on a potential culture within the police that might downplay allegations of misconduct. He supported the government’s discretion regarding the necessity of further investigation but emphasized the importance of transparency.

Calls for Comprehensive Examination

The controversy has drawn reactions from various political figures. Marama Davidson, co-leader of the Green Party, stressed the importance of addressing systemic failures and prioritizing the needs of victims and survivors. “I’m hearing a lot of them protecting themselves. I suppose that’s natural, but I would really like to hear any voices involved, especially men in power, to really direct their voices back to fixing the system and to supporting victim survivors,” she said.

Meanwhile, Rawiri Waititi, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori, has called for an independent investigation separate from the IPCA, citing the emergence of new allegations following the report’s release. “If there are facts coming outside of the IPCA, then obviously the IPCA report hasn’t done its thorough job,” Waititi asserted. He advocated for a Royal Commission to ensure a comprehensive examination of all relevant facts, allowing for a complete understanding of the situation.

As the government stands firm on its decision, the discussions surrounding accountability and the need for systemic reform continue to resonate within political circles and among the public. The outcome of the McSkimming allegations will likely shape future policies and oversight mechanisms within law enforcement in the region.