Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM has today been announced as the new Chief of Defence Force.
The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence and international security sectors.
The role is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Defence Minister.
“Air Vice-Marshal Davies is an outstanding military officer who has served New Zealand with distinction for many years,” said Defence Minister, Judith Collins.
“With his exemplary leadership and broad experience, I am confident Air Vice-Marshal Davies will lead our defence force with integrity and a commitment to safeguard New Zealand’s interests.”
Air Vice-Marshal Davies is currently Vice Chief of Defence Force, a role he has held since 2018. He has been a career officer in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) since joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1984. In 1999, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his role as Mission Commander of a winter medical rescue mission from McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
“Air Vice-Marshal Davies is a well-respected, strategic leader who will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and capability. He is well positioned to achieve an integrated defence force that is more connected, coordinated and agile,” Ms Collins says.
“I also thank the outgoing Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Kevin Short, for his dedicated service.”
Air Vice-Marshal Davies has been appointed for three years from 6 June, when he will also be promoted to Air Marshal.
As well as being a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, he has studied at the Royal College of Defence Studies, London, the United States Air Force Air University in Alabama, and the Asia Pacific Centre for Strategic Studies in Hawaii.
