Vice Chief of Defence Force (New Zealand)

Vice Chief of Defence Force
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Incumbent
Rear Admiral Mat Williams
since 27 August 2024
Member ofNew Zealand Defence Force
Reports toChief of Defence Force
Inaugural holderAir Vice Marshal
David Bamfield
FormationFebruary 2004

The Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF) is a senior appointment in the New Zealand Defence Force. The position was established in February 2004 in response to the Review of Accountabilities and Structural Arrangements between the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force undertaken by Don Hunn (known as the "Hunn Review") and reported on in September 2002. Hunn recommended greater integration between top-level military and civil personnel responsible for the command and governance of the New Zealand Defence Force, and suggested the position of VCDF be created to assist the Chief of Defence Force as a chief staff officer.[1] The current VCDF, since 27 August 2024, is Rear Admiral Mat Williams.[2]

Appointees

  This along with the * (asterisk) indicates that the individual was subsequently appointed Chief of Defence Force.

The following list chronologically records those who have held the post of VCDF, with rank and honours as at the completion of the individual's term.

Rank Name Postnominals Service Term began Term ended
Air Vice Marshal David Bamfield ONZM, DSD RNZAF February 2004 February 2008[3]
Rear Admiral Jack Steer ONZM RNZN February 2008[4] November 2012
Major General Tim Keating* MNZM Army December 2012[5] January 2014
Air Vice Marshal Kevin Short* RNZAF 31 March 2014[6] 30 June 2018
Air Vice Marshal Tony Davies* MNZM RNZAF 10 September 2018 6 June 2024[7]
Rear Admiral Mat Williams MNZM RNZN 27 August 2024[2] present

References

  1. ^ Hunn, D.K. (30 September 2002). "Review of Accountabilities and Structural Arrangements between the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force" (PDF). New Zealand Government. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  2. ^ a b McCulloch, Craig (28 August 2024). "Army gets first woman chief as new Defence Force leadership announced". RNZ News. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  3. ^ "New Year Honours". Air Force News. No. 89. February 2008. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  4. ^ "New Vice Chief of Defence Force appointed". Media release. New Zealand Government. 27 July 2007. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  5. ^ "Lieutenant General Timothy (Tim) Keating, MNZM". NZDF Senior Leaders. New Zealand Defence Force. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  6. ^ "Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short". NZDF Senior Leaders. New Zealand Defence Force. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  7. ^ "Change of Command Ceremony for the Chief of the Defence Force". gg.govt.nz. Government House. 6 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.