New Zealand’s top military commander, Air Marshal Tony Davies, resigned on Friday after acknowledging an inappropriate relationship during his time in a command position, with the matter referred to the country’s inspector-general of defence.
Davies, who served as chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, said his decision to step down followed past errors of judgement that were inconsistent with the military’s professional standards.
“The resignation is for personal reasons, and results from errors of judgement made by me in the past, for which I am taking responsibility,” Davies said in an official statement.
“The errors of judgement were contrary to the values of the Defense Force,” he added.
The outgoing military chief acknowledged that the circumstances involved a personal relationship that he had failed to disclose when he had the opportunity.
“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,” Davies stated.
New Zealand Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed the resignation and said he would recommend that Governor-General Cindy Kiro formally accept Davies’ decision, according to Radio New Zealand.
Goldsmith indicated that the previously undisclosed conduct had raised serious questions about integrity and accountability within the military leadership.
“The reasons regarding his decision relate to integrity matters, that he did not previously disclose. We both agree his position is no longer tenable,” the minister said.
The matter has been referred to the inspector-general of defence, although further details about the relationship and the circumstances surrounding it were not disclosed.
Following Davies’ resignation, the New Zealand Defence Force began arrangements to transfer his responsibilities to Rear Admiral Mat Williams, the vice chief of the defence force.
Williams will serve as acting chief of the defence force during the leadership transition.
The resignation marks a significant change in New Zealand’s senior military leadership, with the circumstances surrounding Davies’ departure now referred to the defence oversight authority.