A government-ordered review into the scandal involving former Beehive press secretary Michael Forbes has concluded that police should have notified ministers earlier under the “no surprises” convention.
The inquiry, initiated by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon after Forbes was exposed for secretly recording Wellington sex workers, found that police investigated him in 2023 but did not inform the Beehive until the story broke in the media.
The Department of Internal Affairs’ report said its own processes were generally sound but could be strengthened, recommending 14 measures—including a formal protocol requiring police to alert the government if a DIA-issued device is accessed.
The department has already begun implementing the changes to ensure “better communication and accountability”.
So the crime was government being “surprised” and caught flat footed.
Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming was Acting Commissioner and received the email escalation
Oh dear, did the poor old National govt get embarrassed. Could not give two shits.