New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) chief Air Marshal Tony Davies resigned Friday after acknowledging an inappropriate relationship during a unit command role, and the force referred the matter to the Inspector-General of Defence.
Davies said his choices fell short of the standards expected of NZDF personnel. He also said he wished he had raised the relationship sooner. The NZDF’s announcement did not give details about when it occurred or identify anyone else involved.
Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith said the departure was effective immediately and involved integrity matters Davies had not previously disclosed. Goldsmith said he and Davies agreed that “his position is no longer tenable.” He also said the circumstances would disappoint Defence Force personnel.
According to the NZDF, the chief is the force’s senior professional leader and the government’s main military adviser. Davies joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1984 and became chief on June 6, 2024, according to his NZDF profile.
Goldsmith said Major General Rose King would act as chief through Sunday, followed by Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Mat Williams. The NZDF separately said Williams would serve as acting chief during the transition, without giving the same sequence. Goldsmith said he would recommend that the Governor-General accept Davies’ resignation, but did not set a timetable for that recommendation.
