Police Minister Mark Mitchell does not regret previous criticism of Police Commissioner Andrew Coster

The letter set out the government’s new policy, Mitchell’s expectations that the police would use the powers granted to them, focus on youth crime and “core policing”, including an expectation that Coster would overcome law and order challenges and address Mitchell’s concerns about declining public confidence.

Mitchell said today he did not regret his criticism as it was the “opposition’s job”.

“(Coster) worked under a Labour government that had very bad policies, which meant we were getting very poor results and going backwards in terms of public safety, so that wasn’t the case at all.”

He admitted he did not approve of Coster’s approach to policing by consent, but was confident Coster had worked to achieve the government’s objectives and the historical criticism would not disrupt future relationships with National Party MPs.

Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis said she was delighted with Coster’s appointment as head of her agency, adding she had recognised his “passion for these issues”.

“Andy saw first-hand the role that government, the ambulance at the foot of the cliff, has too often had to play in the lives of New Zealanders.

“Now, as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, he will work with our government to build cliff-top fences.”

In 2023, Act leader David Seymour dubbed Coster the “Gaslight Commissioner” for his response to concerns from east coast communities about crime levels following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Seymour stood by his comments today and believes it was a fair response to what he deemed “inappropriate” behaviour.

He ignored questions about whether this would impact his future work with Coster.

“Ultimately, we need to be big boys and focus on what is functional rather than being biased toward people.”

Greg O’Connor, a Labour MP and former head of the Police Officers’ Association, said Coster was a “very competent guy”.

“I know him (…) and he has faced enormous political pressure at a time when the police have probably been more politicized in recent years than ever, if ever.

“I think history will be very kind to Coster.”

Adam Pearse is a political reporter with the NZ Herald Press Gallery team, based in Parliament House. He has worked for NZME since 2018, covering sport and health for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei before moving to the NZ Herald in Auckland, where he covered Covid-19 and crime.