The current Police Minister's standing by his criticism of the Police Commissioner while in opposition, and believes things have changed. 

Andrew Coster will lead the new Social Investment Agency, exiting the role of Commissioner earlier than anticipated. 

During the last Labour Government, National's Mark Mitchell slammed Coster's approach to policing, once suggesting it was like having cups of tea with gang members. 

Coster's acknowledged there's a view he was 'soft'. 

Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking the Commissioner has to serve the Government of the day. 

He says in opposition he didn't agree with the Government's policy direction. 

Labour’s Ginny Andersen believes he went above and beyond to do everything he could do while in the job.  

She said that he did a great job in the role and had some really challenging things to deal with. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• Barry Soper: Luxon wouldn't hear a word against Andrew Coster
• 'The perfect fit': Police Minister hopeful Andrew Coster will succeed in new Social Investment Agency role
• "I couldn't recommend it more": Outgoing Police Commissioner on his career, crime, new role