The Mike Hosking Breakfast Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on Andrew Coster's claims he knew about McSkimming allegations earlier
Dec 7, 2025
Mark Mitchell, New Zealand's Police Minister and MP, confronts controversial claims made by former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster regarding the McSkimming allegations. Mitchell insists he was first informed about the situation on November 6, 2024, dismissing Coster's narrative as "utter nonsense." He emphasizes his expectations for transparency from senior staff and critiques how McSkimming has been portrayed, expressing concerns about the power dynamics involved. Mitchell also discusses his immediate actions to ensure the welfare of those affected.
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Implausibility Of Unknown Email Diversions
- Mark Mitchell says it's implausible Andrew Coster didn't know his office diverted emails away from the minister's inbox.
- Mitchell argues senior staff would not run such a protocol without the commissioner's awareness.
Minister's Claimed First Awareness Date
- Mitchell insists he first learned of Miss C on 6 November when the Public Service Commission instructed Andrew Coster to brief him.
- He says he immediately rejected the narrative that McSkimming was a victim and pushed for welfare scrutiny.
Act Quickly To Protect Vulnerable Parties
- Mitchell pushed for immediate meetings with the PSC and Solicitor-General to address Miss C's welfare.
- He demanded active ministerial intervention to protect someone facing state power.