New Zealand military chief resigns over undisclosed ‘inappropriate relationship’

New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force Air Marshall Tony Davies gives a doorstop interview at the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Chiefs’ Conference in Singapore May 29, 2025.

New Zealand Defence Force chief Tony Davies resigned on Friday after admitting to an undisclosed “inappropriate relationship” while serving in a position of unit command, saying he was taking responsibility for past errors of judgement.Davies informed Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith of his decision to step down, 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.He added, "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."Goldsmith said he agreed that Davies' position was "no longer tenable", citing concerns over integrity matters that had not previously been disclosed."The reasons regarding his decision relate to integrity matters that he did not previously disclose," Goldsmith said.He added, "I will be recommending to the Governor-General that she accepts Mr Davies' resignation."Vice Chief of the Defence Force Mat Williams will serve as acting chief, according to the military's statement.Davies joined New Zealand's military in 1984 and was appointed to the top post in 2024.