The Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies MNZM has tendered his resignation, Defence Minister, Paul Goldsmith, has announced.
“Air Marshal Tony Davies has informed me that he’ll be resigning from his position as Chief of Defence Force, effective immediately,” Mr Goldsmith said in a statement.
“The reasons regarding his decision relate to integrity matters, that he did not previously disclose. We both agree his position is no longer tenable.
“I will be recommending to the Governor-General that she accepts Mr Davies’ resignation.”
In a statement, Air Marshal Davies said the reason for his resignation involved an “inappropriate relationship”.
“The resignation is for personal reasons, and results from errors of judgement made by me in the past, for which I am taking responsibility. The errors of judgement were contrary to the values of the Defence Force,” he said.
“These matters revolved around an inappropriate relationship I had when in a position of unit command, and I regret not disclosing this when I had the opportunity to do so.”
Minister Goldsmith acknowledged Air Marshal Davies’ 42 years of service and his contribution to the New Zealand Defence Force, but noted the circumstances of his resignation “will be a great disappointment to the men and women of the Defence Force”.
The Chief of Army, Major General Rose King, will act as Chief of Defence Force until Sunday. From then, Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Mat Williams, will act as Chief of Defence Force.
“Since this matter has now been referred to the Inspector General of Defence, I have nothing further to add,” Mr Goldsmith said.
