Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has been appointed as the new secretary for social investment and chief executive of the Social Investment Agency.
In his new role, he will serve as the lead advisor to the government and be responsible for delivering on social investment initiatives.
He will hold the position for five years, starting from November 11.
Coster’s term as Police Commissioner was set to end next April, and it remains unclear who will serve as acting commissioner in Coster’s place.
This news brings a mix of emotions
— Andrew Coster
Coster wrote in a statement he had been looking forward to seeing many initiatives through until the end of his term but was confident they would still continue once he was gone.
“My focus for the next few weeks will be to ensure I leave the organisation in as strong a position as possible.
“In terms of my appointment, I know full well the impact social investment will have on our communities, so this opportunity is an exciting one, and there is much to be done in the lead-up to Budget 25.
“Social investment is one of the current government’s key pillars for improving outcomes from government investment. The SIA has been established as a new central agency to lead and oversee this programme of work, reporting to Minister Nicola Willis,” he said.
Working for New Zealand Police for decades, he is confident he will be able to approach his new job.
“Whilst it might seem like a big shift, from running one of our largest operational agencies to heading up a small central agency, there is an important consistency from my perspective - the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of New Zealanders.
“Policing is an incredibly rewarding and satisfying career and I am proud to have been part of this organisation for nearly 28 years. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that my career with New Zealand Police has given me and I am especially proud to have seen, up close how our police staff dedicate themselves to keeping their communities safe, often putting themselves in harm’s way to do so.
“I am incredibly proud of this fantastic organisation not least because of the outstanding commitment from all staff who work so hard for their communities. I have had the opportunity to work alongside some amazing people, who are doing outstanding work for our country.
The appointment process for the new Police Commissioner will commence soon with an interim commissioner being announced “soon”.
“In the meantime, I will continue to focus on my role as commissioner and ensure a solid platform for transition. I am fortunate to have been supported by a very competent and confident executive team, who will continue to lead the organisation through this next phase,” Coster said.
Acting Public Service Commissioner Heather Baggott felt Coster was a good choice.
“I’m very pleased to appoint Mr Coster to this important central agency role. He is a highly respected and impressive public service leader, who has considerable experience delivering initiatives to address complex social issues,” Baggott said.
Coster has been Police Commissioner since 2020 and previously held acting titles.
With his extensive background in the police force, Baggott noted that Coster had a “deep understanding” of the social sector and was committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable New Zealanders across Aotearoa.
“Coster is a proven leader with a pragmatic, realistic, and delivery-focused approach to achieving change,” Baggott said.
“He has experience advising ministers on complex issues, significant experience working with public sector chief executives, and has credibility with key stakeholders and community leaders. He understands the challenges ahead and is well-prepared to lead the Social Investment Agency, working alongside other central agency heads.”
In addition to his professional experience, Coster holds a LLB with honours from the University of Auckland and a masters of public management from Victoria University of Wellington.
Police minister congratulates Coster
Police Minister Mark Mitchell wished Coster well in his new capacity.
“I have passed on my congratulations to the commissioner and have thanked him for his service to police and for his contribution to delivering on this government’s law and order agenda.”
Mitchell said he had worked with Coster for several years, and was eager to work with him in this “critically important role”.
“He has served with integrity, and with his background and experience I know he will do an outstanding job leading the Social Investment Agency.”