New Zealand defence chief Tony Davies resigns over inappropriate relationship
Air Marshal Tony Davies quit as Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force after admitting an undisclosed relationship from his time as a unit commander. Rear Admiral Mat Williams takes over as acting chief on Sunday.
At a glance
- Air Marshal Tony Davies resigned as Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force on Friday, October 23, with immediate effect.
- He admitted an 'inappropriate relationship' while commanding a unit and said he regretted not disclosing it earlier.
- Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith called it an integrity matter and agreed the position was no longer tenable.
- Chief of Army Major General Rose King acted as chief until Sunday, October 25, when Vice Chief Rear Admiral Mat Williams takes over as acting Chief of Defence Force.
- The matter has been referred to the Inspector-General of Defence.
New Zealand's top military officer, Air Marshal Tony Davies, has resigned as Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) after admitting to an "inappropriate relationship" during his time as a unit commander. His resignation on Friday, October 23, took effect immediately. Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Mat Williams takes over as acting chief on Sunday, October 25, and the case has been referred to the Inspector-General of Defence.
What happened
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who | Air Marshal Tony Davies, Chief of the NZ Defence Force since 2024 |
| When | Resigned Friday, October 23, 2026, with immediate effect |
| Reason | An inappropriate relationship while in command of a unit, not previously disclosed |
| Acting chief (Oct 23–25) | Chief of Army Major General Rose King |
| Acting chief (from Oct 25) | Vice Chief Rear Admiral Mat Williams |
| Investigation | Referred to Inspector-General of Defence Tim Brewer |
Davies told Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith of his decision, and Goldsmith said he would recommend that the Governor-General accept the resignation. Davies did not say when the relationship took place or give other details. In a statement he described his decision as personal, said it followed "errors of judgement" in the past that were contrary to the values of the Defence Force, and said he regretted not disclosing the matter when he had the chance. He asked for privacy for his family.
The Defence Force said it would not comment further while the Inspector-General looks at the matter.
Background
Davies served for 42 years. He joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1984, studied at the US Air Force's Air Command and Staff Course in Alabama and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, and in 1998 was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for helping evacuate a critically ill American from Antarctica in midwinter. He became Chief of Defence Force in 2024.
He took charge at a time of major change for the NZDF, which has been dealing with staff shortages, ageing equipment and a government plan to raise defence spending. According to reports, a letter from a former Air Force officer raised concerns about his conduct while he commanded an RNZAF squadron; the NZDF has said it will respond in due course. These claims have not been tested.
Reactions
Goldsmith called it an "integrity matter" that Davies had not previously disclosed, and said both agreed the position was "no longer tenable". He thanked Davies for his long service but said the circumstances would be "a great disappointment" to Defence Force personnel.
Why it matters
The resignation leaves New Zealand without a permanent military chief at a sensitive time. The country is in an election campaign ahead of the November 7 vote, and its armed forces are part of wider Western efforts in the Pacific, where competition between the United States, Australia and China is growing. The case also adds to pressure on the NZDF over its culture and how it handles complaints about senior officers.
What happens next
- Sunday, October 25: Rear Admiral Mat Williams becomes acting Chief of Defence Force.
- Investigation: The Inspector-General of Defence will review the matter; no timeline has been given.
- Permanent appointment: The government has not said when a permanent new chief will be named.
Questions people are asking
Why did Tony Davies resign?
Air Marshal Tony Davies resigned because of an inappropriate relationship he had while commanding a unit, which he had not disclosed. He said it was an error of judgement contrary to the Defence Force's values.
Who is New Zealand's acting Chief of Defence Force?
Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Mat Williams becomes acting chief from Sunday, October 25, after Chief of Army Major General Rose King filled the role for the first two days.
When did Tony Davies become Chief of Defence Force?
Davies, who joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1984, became Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force in 2024.
