New Zealand’s top military officer resigns over ‘inappropriate relationship’

The chief of New Zealand’s Defence Force resigned on Friday over an “inappropriate relationship” ​he failed to disclose while in a ‌position of command.

Tony Davies has informed Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith of his resignation, the New Zealand ​Defence Force said in a statement.

“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,” Davies 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.”

Vice Chief Mat Williams would serve as acting chief, the Defence Force’s statement ​said.

Goldsmith said ​he agreed ⁠Davies’ position was “no longer tenable”.

“The reasons regarding his decision relate to ​integrity matters that he did not ​previously ⁠disclose,” he said.

“I will be recommending to the Governor-General that she accepts Mr Davies’ resignation.”

Davies joined ⁠New ​Zealand’s military in 1984 ​and was appointed to the top job in 2024.