Key Takeaways
- Angela Brazier, the founding director of the New Zealand Firearms Safety Authority (FSA), is retiring from her position in April
- Brazier’s retirement comes after the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report criticized her for inadequate disclosure regarding her knowledge of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming’s affair
- The IPCA report led to the resignation of several high-ranking police officials, including former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster and former Deputy Commissioner Chris de Wattignar
- A "health check" of the police agency has begun, focusing on workplace culture, including intimate relationships and financial practices
- The review found that the FSA operated in accordance with police policies in almost all cases, but identified areas for improvement, including financial oversight and conflict-of-interest management
Introduction to the Situation
The New Zealand police force has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding the retirement of Angela Brazier, the founding director of the Firearms Safety Authority (FSA). Initially, it was reported that Brazier was on "pre-planned leave," but it was later revealed that she would be leaving her role. This news came after the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a report criticizing Brazier for her handling of a situation involving former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, who was found to have had an affair with a colleague.
The IPCA Report and Its Findings
The IPCA report stated that Brazier had known McSkimming for approximately 20 years and was aware of his affair, as well as the fact that he was being "harassed" with emails from the woman involved. Despite this knowledge, Brazier told the Public Service Commission (PSC) that she had nothing relevant to disclose when they approached her for a reference check on McSkimming. The IPCA found that Brazier’s disclosure was inadequate, given her knowledge of the situation at the time. This lack of transparency has raised questions about Brazier’s judgment and her ability to manage sensitive information.
Consequences of the IPCA Report
The IPCA report has had significant consequences for the police force, with several high-ranking officials resigning or retiring in the wake of the report. Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster resigned as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, while former Deputy Commissioner Chris de Wattignar quit as the Upper North head of aviation security at the Civil Aviation Authority. Former Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura and former Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham both retired before the report was released. These departures have created a sense of upheaval within the police force and have raised concerns about the culture and leadership within the organization.
The Health Check of the Police Agency
In response to concerns about the police agency’s workplace culture, including intimate relationships and financial practices, a "health check" of the organization has been conducted. The review, which was completed in October, found that the FSA operated in accordance with police policies in almost all cases sampled from December 2022 to June 2025. However, the review also identified areas for improvement, including financial oversight, conflict-of-interest management, and the need for clearer policies and procedures. The police force has accepted the findings and recommendations of the report and has begun to implement changes to address the identified issues.
Brazier’s Retirement and Its Implications
Brazier’s retirement, which is set to take effect in April, has been seen as a consequence of the IPCA report and the controversy surrounding her handling of the McSkimming situation. While Brazier has challenged the IPCA’s findings, her decision to retire suggests that she recognizes the need for change and accountability within the police force. The retirement of a high-ranking official like Brazier also highlights the need for the police force to re-examine its culture and leadership, and to ensure that those in positions of power are held to the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The controversy surrounding Angela Brazier’s retirement and the IPCA report has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within the police force. The "health check" of the police agency has identified areas for improvement, and the force has begun to implement changes to address these issues. As the police force moves forward, it will be important to ensure that those in positions of power are held to the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and that the organization is committed to creating a culture of trust and respect. The retirement of Brazier and the departure of other high-ranking officials may be seen as a step towards creating a more accountable and transparent police force, but it will be important to continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the necessary changes are implemented.