An Auckland police officer facing charges relating to the alleged possession of objectionable material has now been publicly identified after appearing before the Manukau District Court.
The officer, Matthew Rogers, appeared in court after previously having interim name suppression. The charges allege offending occurred between August 2023 and October 2025 and carry a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000 if convicted.
Report by elocal
The case emerges amid wider scrutiny of police staff internet usage following the resignation of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming after child sexual exploitation and bestiality material was allegedly discovered on work devices.
Review Triggered by Internal Police Investigation
Police initiated a rapid review of staff internet usage following the McSkimming investigation.
Deputy Commissioner Tim Anderson confirmed earlier this month that police intended prosecuting three staff members following separate investigations arising from that review process.
Matthew Rogers. RNZ / Nick Monro
According to court proceedings, Rogers appeared before Judge Frances Eivers and did not seek to continue his name suppression.
His lawyer, Todd Simmonds KC, indicated that not guilty pleas may ultimately be entered, although it was too early to confirm the defence position.
Rogers was remanded at large without plea and is expected to reappear in court in August.
Multiple Cases Before the Courts
Court documents viewed by RNZ reveal a second Auckland-based police officer, a man in his 60s, is facing 11 charges relating to the alleged possession of objectionable publications.
That officer has been granted interim name suppression and also appeared before Judge Eivers.
Judge Frances Eivers. RNZ / Nick Monro
The second officer is alleged to have possessed a range of objectionable material between May 2023 and May 2024. Court documents indicate the charges include material described as child exploitation, child sexual exploitation, bestiality and a rape image.
He is also represented by Todd Simmonds KC and is scheduled to reappear in August.
Todd Simmonds KC. RNZ / Nick Monro
Third Officer Due to Appear
Police have also confirmed that a third police staff member is scheduled to appear before a Wellington court at a later date as part of the same broader review process.
All three police employees have been stood down from their duties pending the outcome of the court proceedings.
An officer appears in the Manukau District Court on 11 charges of possessing objectionable material. RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Wider Questions for Police
The cases continue to raise questions about internal oversight, workplace monitoring and the effectiveness of systems designed to identify inappropriate material being accessed or stored on police equipment.
The matters remain before the courts and no findings of guilt have been made. Both Auckland officers are scheduled to reappear in August, while the Wellington-based case is expected to proceed separately.
Source: Finn Blackwell, Radio New Zealand