New Zealand Defence Force chief resigns over undisclosed relationship

New Zealand Defence Force chief Air Marshal Tony Davies has resigned after acknowledging that he failed to disclose an inappropriate relationship from his time in unit command, prompting a leadership transition and an independent military conduct investigation. Davies said the relationship occurred while he held a unit command role and that he regretted not disclosing it when he had the opportunity. He described his resignation as resulting from past errors of judgment for which he accepted responsibility, adding that the errors were contrary to Defence Force values. He did not detail the relationship’s circumstances or when it occurred. Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith said Davies had informed him of the resignation and that he agreed the chief’s position was no longer tenable. Goldsmith said he would recommend that the Governor-General accept the resignation. The reporting described Davies as having resigned, but did not confirm that the Governor-General had formally accepted it. The New Zealand Defence Force said responsibilities were transitioning to Vice Chief Rear Admiral Mat Williams, who would serve as acting chief. The matter has been referred to the independent...