New Zealand Military Chief Resigns Over Inappropriate Relationship

Air Marshal Tony Davies, the chief of New Zealand’s military, resigned Friday after admitting to an inappropriate relationship he held as a unit leader. Davies stated, “I regret not disclosing this when I had the opportunity to do so.” He did not provide further details about the circumstances or timing of the relationship.

Davies joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1984 and was appointed Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force in 2024. He acknowledged in his resignation statement that the "errors of judgment were contrary to the values of the Defense Force." He added, "The resignation is for personal reasons, and results from errors of judgment made by me in the past, for which I am taking responsibility."

The military confirmed that its vice chief, Rear Admiral Mat Williams, will assume leadership responsibilities. In a statement, the Defense Force indicated it would not comment further on the matter, which has been referred to an independent inspector-general tasked with investigating military conduct.

Defense Minister Paul Goldsmith accepted Davies’ resignation, calling the situation an "integrity matter." Goldsmith stated that he agreed with Davies that his position was no longer tenable. While acknowledging Davies' 42 years of service, Goldsmith expressed that the circumstances of his resignation would likely be a disappointment to members of the Defense Force.

Davies' career included graduating from the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff Course at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama in 2000 and the Royal College of Defense Studies in London in 2013. He was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1998 for his role in an Antarctic evacuation of a critically ill U.S. citizen.