Air Marshal Tony Davies resigns after admitting an 'inappropriate' relationship

Air Marshal Tony Davies, commander of the New Zealand forces, resigned on Friday after admitting to an "inappropriate relationship" during his period commanding a military unit, according to a statement.

Davies said in his statement: "I am sorry that I did not disclose this matter when I had the opportunity to do so," and he did not provide further details about the circumstances or timing of the relationship, according to the Associated Press.

Davies said the resignation came "for personal reasons" and was the result of errors in judgment he made in the past, adding that he takes responsibility for those errors which, he said, "conflict with the Defence Force's values."

Davies joined the New Zealand Air Force in 1984 and assumed the post of head of the New Zealand Defence Force in 2024.

The military institution said command duties will transfer to the deputy commander, Commodore Matt Williams, and that it will make no further comment, noting the matter has been referred to an independent Inspector‑General to investigate related military conduct.

Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith said he had received the resignation, described the matter as one of "integrity," and added that he agreed with Davies that remaining in the post was no longer possible.