Air Marshal Tony Davies resigns as Chief of Defence Force

Air Marshal Tony Davies has resigned as Chief of Defence Force, effective immediately. Davies said his resignation stemmed from an inappropriate relationship he had while in a position of unit command, according to RNZ.

The Chief of Defence Force is the most senior officer in the New Zealand Defence Force, the country's armed forces. Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith said Davies's position was no longer tenable because of integrity matters. Goldsmith will recommend that the Governor-General, the Crown's representative in New Zealand, accept the resignation.

Rear Admiral Mat Williams, the Vice Chief of Defence Force, will serve as acting Chief of Defence Force while the role is filled.

The integrity matters had not been disclosed before Davies's resignation. The matter involving Davies has been referred to the Inspector-General of Defence, the office that oversees the armed forces.