New Commissioner of Police appointed
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today announced the appointment of Andrew Coster as the next Commissioner of Police.
“Andrew takes up this leadership role at a time when the Government is making our communities safer by adding 2,000 new police officers to the frontline and reforming gun laws to stop firearms from falling into the wrong hands,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“I know he’ll lead a team of 13,000 people across the country with positivity, inclusion and integrity.
“I first met Andy in his role in Central Auckland. I’ve had the opportunity to see him work on policy issues such as recent gun law reforms, but most of all I’ve observed his passion for a police force that knows its strength lies in what it can achieve with the community it serves.
“I want to thank Mike Bush MNZM who has led the Police for six years including during the significant affront to the safety of New Zealanders that occurred on March 15,” Jacinda Ardern said.
Police Minister Stuart Nash said Andrew, who is currently Acting Deputy Commissioner, Strategy and Partnerships and who has dedicated nearly 25 years to police service, was incredibly deserving of the role.
“The Commissioner of Police is focused on preventing crime and making our communities safer,” Stuart Nash said.
“Andrew Coster has a strong history of accomplishments following his graduation from Police College in 1997, including serving in frontline and investigative roles in Counties Manukau and Auckland.
“He rose to Area Commander in Auckland City Central before becoming the District Commander for the Southern Police District in 2013.
“On moving to Police National Headquarters in 2015 he was Assistant Commissioner, Strategy and Transformation. Before taking up his current role, he was Acting Deputy Commissioner, Resource Management.
“He has been a Solicitor in the office of the Crown Solicitor in Auckland, and more recently was seconded as Deputy Chief Executive at the Ministry of Justice,” Stuart Nash said.
The Commissioner of Police is appointed by the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The State Services Commission managed the recruitment process.
The term of the current Commissioner of Police ends on 2 April 2020. Andrew Coster has been appointed for a five-year term from 3 April 2020.
SUMMARY CURRICULUM VITAE
ANDREW DAVID COSTER
Employment History:
New Zealand Police
July 2018 – present Deputy Commissioner, Strategy and Partnerships (Acting)
March – June 2018 Deputy Commissioner, Resource Management (Acting)
Ministry of Justice
2016 – 2018 Deputy Chief Executive
New Zealand Police
2015 – 2016 Assistant Commissioner, Strategy and Transformation
2013 – 2015 District Commander, Southern Police District
2011 – 2013 Armed Offenders Squad Commander, Auckland
2009 – 2013 Area Commander, Auckland City Central
2006 – 2008 District Deployment Manager, Counties Manukau
2005 – 2006 Response Manager / Section Supervisor, Counties Manukau West
Legal Practice
2004 Solicitor, Meredith Connell, Auckland (Office of the Crown Solicitor)
2004 Admitted as Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
New Zealand Police
1997 – 2003 Various frontline and investigative roles, Counties Manukau and Auckland Metro Crime
1996 Police recruit, Royal New Zealand Police College (graduated April 1997)
Memberships:
Member, Institute of Directors New Zealand
(Previous) Trustee, Mangere Genesis Youth Trust