Police officer Matthew Rogers appears in Auckland on objectionable publication charges
The identity of one of the police officers charged with possessing objectionable publications following internal reviews in the wake of the Jevon McSkimming scandal can now be revealed.
Matthew Rogers, 59, made his first appearance in Manukau District Court this morning to face nine charges of possessing objectionable publications.
The charges relate to offending that allegedly occurred in Auckland between May 2023 and October 2025.
Rogers’ lawyer Todd Simmonds KC did not seek the suppression of his client’s name.
Two weeks ago, police announced that three “constabulary staff” had been arrested and charged with multiple counts of possessing an objectionable publication under the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act.
One made his first appearance in Wellington last week, while another appeared in Manukau District Court in Auckland this morning.
A third is set to appear in the same court this afternoon. All have been stood down from their duties.
Former Deputy Police Commissioner McSkimming was sentenced to nine months’ home detention in December after he admitted three representative charges of possessing objectionable publications, namely child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.
In respect of the nine charges, Simmonds sought a “longer than normal” remand without plea for all parties to have “useful” and “meaningful” conversations.
Judge Frances Eivers granted NZME, RNZ and Stuff to take photos of the man in the dock.
She declined media applications for the alleged summary of facts.
Police issued a press release announcing the arrests earlier this month.
“Prosecution of our own staff is a serious but important step to take as it recognises the significance of the alleged offending that has been identified,” Deputy Commissioner Tim Anderson said.
“I would like to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment by our investigators in the National Integrity Unit for their work to this point.
“Our investigations have involved the analysis of a significant volume of web activity.
“It is important we now let these matters progress to the court process, which limits the level of information we can provide at this point.
Rogers was remanded at large without plea until August 7, where Simmonds said “informed pleas” would be entered on his client’s behalf.
Ella Scott-Fleming has been a journalist for three years and previously worked at the Otago Daily Times, Gore Ensign and Metro Magazine. She has an interest in court and general reporting. She’s currently based in Auckland covering justice related stories.