A former senior leader at police is on leave from his job at the Civil Aviation Authority following the police watchdog’s scathing report into how police handled allegations of sexual offending by former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
RNZ earlier revealed the identities of some of the senior leaders referred to in the IPCA’s 135-page report.
Among them is Chris de Wattignar, referred to in the IPCA’s report as Deputy Commissioner PLC, now works as the Upper North head of aviation security at the Civil Aviation Authority.
Asked for comment on Wednesday, a CAA spokesperson said the matters discussed in the IPCA’s report “relate to events that occurred during Chris de Wattignar’s previous employment with New Zealand Police”.
“As this was a police matter and is now the subject of extensive public reporting and oversight, it would not be appropriate for the Civil Aviation Authority or for Chris in his current role to comment.”
The CAA had no involvement in the police investigation or the IPCA’s findings, the spokesperson said.
“We are focused on our statutory responsibilities for aviation safety and security, and we continue to support our people to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
However, on Thursday, a CAA spokesperson confirmed de Wattingar was on leave as of Thursday.
“He will take some time away as we work through an employment process and any implications for him in his role at CAA,” the spokesperson said.
“We will work through these processes as quickly as possible. We are bound by legal processes and obligations as an employer, and we won’t be able to discuss employment matters publicly.”
The IPCA said de Wattignar had an obligation to exercise independent judgement and take any necessary action to ensure senior officers were acting in an appropriate way.
“Despite his Director of Integrity and Conduct raising her concerns with him in the clearest language, he clearly failed to fulfil that obligation.”
The IPCA acknowledged his responsibility was “to a degree mitigated” by the fact he sought advice from former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.
“His failing lies in the fact that he simply relied upon Commissioner Coster’s and Deputy Commissioner Kura’s assurances without further enquiry of his own, despite the continued expressions of concern from Officer M.”
De Wattignar’s perception that once he became aware of concerns he lacked the necessary authority was proof of the “inadequate status and independence of Police Integrity and Conduct”.
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“While we do not doubt there was significantly more he could have done, the status of Integrity and Conduct within Police no doubt needs reframing.”
RNZ asked a spokesperson for Associate Minister of Transport James Meager for comment on de Wattignar’s suitability for his role at the CAA.
The spokesperson said it was a question for the CAA to respond to.
“It’s an operational employment matter so would be inappropriate for Minister Meager to comment.”
rnz.co.nz
