The officer who repeatedly warned complaints about former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming were not being handled properly has been awarded for her efforts.
Detective Superintendent Kylie Schaare, police's Director of Integrity and Conduct, won the Integrity and Courage Award at the 2026 Australasian Council of Women and Policing awards last night, according to police Ten One Magazine.
Prior to and during the investigation into complaints made by a former police staffer with whom McSkimming had an affair, Schaare repeatedly shared concerns the matter was not being handled properly. These warnings went as high as then-commissioner Andrew Coster.
In its report into the handling of the complaints, the Independent Police Conduct Authority said police's handling was "characterised by inaction and an unquestioning acceptance of Mr McSkimming’s narrative of events".
The IPCA said it was "conceivable that Ms Z's complaint may never have been heard, and the IPCA may never have been made aware of the concerning developments during 2024"without Schaare's actions.
"When she felt her concerns were not being heeded, she sought our support in elevating the matter. We commend her moral courage."
In awarding Schaare, the Australasian Council of Women and Policing said she "sustained courage in insisting that proper process, victim-centred practice and independent oversight be upheld".
When she received the award, Schaare said: "While my name may be on this award, it certainly doesn't belong to me alone.
"I want to acknowledge my teams in Integrity and Conduct, and in particular those in the National Integrity Unit for the commitment they demonstrated during this investigation. The work they do is often unseen, sometimes unpopular and frequently carried out under immense pressure.
"They come to work every day committed to fairness, accountability and doing the right thing, and I'm incredibly proud of them."
Police commissioner Richard Chambers said the award was "well deserved".
Victoria Little and her supporters believe the outcome fails to reflect the gravity of the offending and risks undermining public confidence. (Source: 1News)
“While I know Kylie would say she was simply doing her job, she has a challenging role and has demonstrated consistent and strong leadership of the National Integrity Unit."
The complaints against McSkimming included allegations of sexual interaction without consent and misuse of a police credit card to further a sexual relationship.
McSkimming later pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material found on his work devices and was sentenced to home detention.
Chambers condemned the actions of his predecessors, calling it "a total lack of leadership and integrity at the highest levels of New Zealand Police".
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