From chief to civilian: Tony Davies leaves NZ Defence Force as fallout from affair grows

Résumé détaillé

Former Chief of Defence Force Tony Davies has left the military after admitting an inappropriate relationship with a junior airwoman. Experts warn such breaches of trust can leave…

Former Air Marshal Tony Davies (left) is now a civilian after a letter from former flight sergeant Kate Staunton (top right) made reference to an "inappropriate relationship". Mission Homefront co-founder Hayden Ricketts (bottom right) says the impact will reverberate across the NZ Defence Force.

Former Chief of Defence Force Tony Davies has left the military after admitting an inappropriate relationship with a junior airwoman. Experts warn such breaches of trust can leave lasting damage among those who serve under military command. Katie Harris and David Fisher report.

Former Chief of Defence Force Tony Davies has formally left the New Zealand Defence Force after resigning as its most senior commander because of what he called an “inappropriate relationship”, the Herald has learned.

After his departure, those who have served and those who have studied veterans have spoken of the deep damage military personnel can suffer when their commanders fail to maintain the standards they demand from subordinates.

Davies’ departure from NZDF came a week after his resignation from the job of Chief of Defence Force and the $684,000 annual salary package that came with it.

In that role, Davies, who had served for 42 years, was the commander who oversaw our Air Force, Army and Navy and was the direct link between the Beehive and the military.

While no longer Chief of Defence Force after resigning on October 23, Davies had retained his senior rank of Air Marshal.

But when the Herald approached NZDF this week with questions for Davies, it responded saying “former Air Marshal Davies ... is no longer a member of the New Zealand Defence Force”.

The departure is unusual by NZDF standards, which generally requires members of the regular force to provide three months’ notice.

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