Tony Davies resignation: vetting and disclosure questions
Tony Davies's resignation has prompted questions about military vetting and disclosure. Ron Mark blames the Public Service Commission and military leadership, the Herald reports an earlier letter to Davies, and officials cite an Inspector-General referral.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
The question is how integrity information was handled before and during Tony Davies's resignation. The Herald reports that the woman involved in a 2006 relationship allegation was investigated and that the relationship was denied at the time. The record does not establish what Davies's 2024 vetting found or who knew.
Read the full background
Tony Davies resigned as Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force on 23 October 2026. In NZDF's statement, he acknowledged an inappropriate relationship while in unit command and regretted not disclosing it when he had the opportunity. Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith said both agreed Davies's position was no longer tenable. This case examines the handling of integrity information through vetting, disclosure and the public explanation of the resignation. NZDF statement (opens in a new tab) Goldsmith statement (opens in a new tab)
The 2024 appointment recommendation says Davies underwent comprehensive vetting, including probity and personnel-file checks and references from direct reports, peers and current or former managers. Cabinet considered the recommendation on 13 May 2024. The papers establish how officials described the appointment process; they do not establish whether the relationship was known to anyone involved. Appointment papers, paragraph 26 and CAB-24-MIN-0161 (opens in a new tab)
RNZ reports that former Defence Minister Ron Mark, a New Zealand First candidate, called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances, including what was known and when, and saw a possible failure of Defence Force processes. RNZ gives those concerns in paraphrase. The next morning, Mark told Newstalk ZB that the investigation must tell the minister why they did not know. In a Facebook post later that day, he said the events pointed to incompetence in the military hierarchy and the Public Service Commission, and that the Commission had failed the Minister. RNZ report (opens in a new tab) Newstalk ZB bulletin, 01:00-01:09 (opens in a new tab) Mark's Facebook post (opens in a new tab)
Military lawyer Matthew Hague described security vetting as rigorous in an interview with Heather du Plessis-Allan. He said an integrity breach would raise questions about Davies's earlier disclosures during that process. Hague said he was limited in what he could discuss, referring to an unspecified connection to someone involved. Du Plessis-Allan asked whether Davies had volunteered the matter or whether it had emerged another way. Those alternatives remain unresolved. Hague is also an ACT candidate for Wellington North. The Herald later reported that he acts for Kate Staunton, whose letter to Davies is described below. Full interview (opens in a new tab) ACT biography (opens in a new tab) NZ Herald report (opens in a new tab)
On RNZ Checkpoint, political editor Jo Moir described receiving Goldsmith's release and then asking NZDF for its statement, which it supplied immediately. Lisa Owen asked when disclosure opportunities arose and how the matter came to light. Moir said the timeline remained unanswered and noted the late-Friday announcement before a long weekend. The sequence alone does not establish deliberate concealment or coordinated news management. RNZ discussion, especially 02:59-03:59 (opens in a new tab)
The NZ Herald reported that former RNZAF flight sergeant Kate Staunton wrote to Davies days before he resigned about a relationship he was alleged to have had in 2006 with a woman under his command at 40 Squadron. The Herald says the woman confirmed the letter's account that she was formally investigated and later left the service, and that it understands the relationship was denied at the time. Staunton wrote that others who knew of the alleged conduct said nothing. Asked whether NZDF had a cultural problem, Goldsmith said large organisations have issues but declined to make a sweeping judgment. NZDF said it would answer the Herald's questions in due course. We could not locate a public response from Davies to the Herald's account. NZ Herald report (opens in a new tab)
NZDF referred the matter to the Inspector-General of Defence and said it had no further comment. Goldsmith also declined further comment because of the referral. These announcements do not establish the inquiry's scope, findings or publication timetable. The public statements leave the missed disclosure opportunity and the knowledge of earlier vetters unexplained. NZDF statement (opens in a new tab) Goldsmith statement (opens in a new tab)
The NZ Herald reports that retired Air Marshal Kevin Short, Davies's former commander and predecessor, ordered a command investigation around 2006 into the alleged relationship. Short says nobody substantiated it and that Davies denied it, and he describes the Commission's selection process as asking candidates about past conduct. The Commission says Davies was appointed before its probity checks were strengthened and that it has begun an internal assurance review of the appointment. Goldsmith says he considers the changes made to appointment processes after the McSkimming case appropriate. Herald report (opens in a new tab)
People in this case
- Tony DaviesDirectly involved
Paul GoldsmithDirectly involved
Timeline
6 timeline entries on this page. Dates: May 13, 2024 to October 27, 2026
May 2024
Cabinet considers Davies's appointment
Cabinet notes the recommendation to appoint Tony Davies as Chief of Defence Force for a term starting 6 June 2024 and authorizes submission of the appointment documents to the Governor-General. The accompanying recommendation describes comprehensive vetting and reference checks.
[01]Chief of Defence Force appointment papers, 2024
Released appointment papers describe the checks undertaken for Davies and record Cabinet's consideration of the appointment. The vetting description does not identify what was known about the relationship disclosed in 2026.
Chief of Defence Force appointment papers, 2024PDF page 28, paragraph 26; CAB-24-MIN-0161, minute dated 13 May 2024.
October 2026
NZDF announces resignation and Inspector-General referral
Incident
NZDF announces Davies's resignation. He acknowledges an inappropriate relationship while in unit command and regrets not disclosing it when he had the opportunity. NZDF confirms a referral to the Inspector-General of Defence.
[02]Chief of Defence Force resigns
NZDF announces Tony Davies's resignation, quotes his account of an undisclosed inappropriate relationship while in unit command, and confirms referral to the Inspector-General of Defence.
Chief of Defence Force resignsStatement dated 23 October 2026; Davies quotation and final three paragraphs.[03]Defence Force chief admits inappropriate relationship
Moir describes receiving Goldsmith's release and then requesting NZDF's statement. Owen asks about timing and disclosure opportunities. Moir says the timeline remains unanswered and comments on the late-Friday timing before a long weekend.
Defence Force chief admits inappropriate relationshipFull 4:12 discussion; disclosure sequence around 01:52-02:20 and unanswered timeline at 02:59-03:59.Goldsmith sets out interim defence leadership
Reaction
Goldsmith says Davies's position is no longer tenable because of previously undisclosed integrity matters. He says Chief of Army Rose King will act until Sunday, followed by Vice Chief of Defence Force Mat Williams.
[04]Chief of Defence resigns: Paul Goldsmith statement
Full reprint of Goldsmith's government statement. He agrees Davies cannot remain in office, sets out interim leadership and declines further comment after the referral. The original release is at https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/chief-defence-resigns.
Chief of Defence resigns: Paul Goldsmith statementNew Zealand Government press release, 23 October 2026, 4:26 pm NZDT; final paragraph.Herald reports letter sent to Davies before his resignation
The NZ Herald reports that former flight sergeant Kate Staunton wrote to Davies days before he resigned about a relationship he was alleged to have had in 2006 with a woman under his command at 40 Squadron. The Herald says the woman confirmed she was investigated at the time and later left the service, and that it understands the relationship was denied then. NZDF said it would answer questions in due course.
[05]The Chief of Defence, the alleged affair and the letter he read before he quit
The Herald reports that former RNZAF flight sergeant Kate Staunton wrote to Davies days before his resignation about a relationship he was alleged to have had in 2006 with a woman under his command at 40 Squadron. It reports that the woman confirmed the letter's account that she was formally investigated and later left the service, and that it understands the relationship was denied at the time. The article also covers Staunton's separate complaint about how NZDF handled another alleged relationship. NZDF said it would answer the Herald's questions in due course, and the article identifies lawyer Matthew Hague as acting for Staunton.
The Chief of Defence, the alleged affair and the letter he read before he quitOpening section on Staunton's letter; Goldsmith's answer on NZDF culture; NZDF and Hague responses near the endFormer defence chief says his inquiry into the allegation around 2006 found no evidence
Retired Air Marshal Kevin Short tells the NZ Herald he ordered a command investigation around 2006 into allegations about Davies and a junior member of 40 Squadron. He says nobody substantiated the relationship and that Davies denied it. The Herald says the woman involved also denied it when questioned.
[06]Ex-Chief of Defence Kevin Short reveals 2006 relationship inquiry into Tony Davies met wall of silence
Former Chief of Defence Force Kevin Short tells the Herald he ordered a command investigation around 2006 into allegations about Davies and a junior member of 40 Squadron, and that nobody substantiated the relationship. He describes the Public Service Commission's selection process as including questions and declarations meant to surface past conduct. A Commission spokesman says Davies was appointed before its checks were strengthened and announces an internal assurance review of his appointment. Goldsmith says replacing Davies will wait until after the election.
Ex-Chief of Defence Kevin Short reveals 2006 relationship inquiry into Tony Davies met wall of silenceShort's account of the 2006 command investigation and the selection process; Public Service Commission and Goldsmith responses near the endPublic Service Commission begins review of Davies's appointment
The Public Service Commission tells the NZ Herald it is beginning an internal assurance review of Davies's 2024 appointment process, including to identify further lessons. It says the appointment predated changes to its probity checks made after the McSkimming review.
[06]Ex-Chief of Defence Kevin Short reveals 2006 relationship inquiry into Tony Davies met wall of silence
Former Chief of Defence Force Kevin Short tells the Herald he ordered a command investigation around 2006 into allegations about Davies and a junior member of 40 Squadron, and that nobody substantiated the relationship. He describes the Public Service Commission's selection process as including questions and declarations meant to surface past conduct. A Commission spokesman says Davies was appointed before its checks were strengthened and announces an internal assurance review of his appointment. Goldsmith says replacing Davies will wait until after the election.
Ex-Chief of Defence Kevin Short reveals 2006 relationship inquiry into Tony Davies met wall of silenceShort's account of the 2006 command investigation and the selection process; Public Service Commission and Goldsmith responses near the end
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Ron Mark said the circumstances of Tony Davies's resignation pointed to a possible failure of Defence Force processes, according to RNZ.
What is disputed
RNZ reports this concern from the former Defence Minister and New Zealand First candidate in paraphrase, not as Mark's exact words. It says he called for a thorough investigation into what was known and when. In a Newstalk ZB bulletin the next morning, Mark said the investigation must tell the minister why they did not know, and in a Facebook post later that day he said the Public Service Commission had failed the Minister. No inquiry has made a finding of failure.
Sources (3)
- Chief of Defence resigns over inappropriate relationshipFinal three paragraphs, attributing concerns to former Defence Minister Ron Mark.
- Morning Edition: 24 October 202600:39-01:09; Ron Mark's recorded comment runs from 01:00 to 01:09
- Ron Mark: Facebook post on the Chief of Defence Force's resignationMark's original post as shown in the share, 1:04 pm NZDT on 24 October 2026; second paragraph
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
4 matching responses. Newest first.
Paul GoldsmithMinister of Defence, answering a question from the NZ HeraldDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The Herald asked the question in its report on a letter that former flight sergeant Kate Staunton sent Davies days before he resigned. The letter concerned a relationship he was alleged to have had in 2006 with a woman under his command, and Staunton's view that the Air Force applied its rules on relationships selectively.
"In any large organisation you have issues, no question about that. But I don't want to make a sweeping judgment on this issue."
Explicitly stayed outCase context: Tony Davies resignation: vetting and disclosure questions
Full statement and sources
Asked whether NZDF has a cultural problem, Goldsmith says any large organisation has issues but declines to make a sweeping judgment.
After the statement
The Herald reports that NZDF said it would answer its questions about Davies's alleged conduct at 40 Squadron and about Staunton's complaint in due course.
The Chief of Defence, the alleged affair and the letter he read before he quitOpening section on Staunton's letter; Goldsmith's answer on NZDF culture; NZDF and Hague responses near the endWhy this label?
Relative to the handling of integrity information around Davies, including whether it reflects a wider NZDF problem, Goldsmith accepts that large organisations have issues and expressly declines to make a broader judgment. He does not call the issues minor, so minimizes does not fit, and he does not defend the vetting process.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
New Zealand Defence ForceNew Zealand Defence Force, issuing its official statementDirectly involved Before this statement
NZDF quotes Davies's explanation, notes his request for privacy and confirms referral to the Inspector-General of Defence.
"The NZDF has no further comment to make at this time."
Explicitly stayed outCase context: Tony Davies resignation: vetting and disclosure questions
Full statement and sources
NZDF announces the Inspector-General referral and declines further comment on the matter.
After the statement
The statement ends after the no-further-comment sentence.
Chief of Defence Force resignsStatement dated 23 October 2026; Davies quotation and final three paragraphs.Why this label?
Relative to the public handling of the resignation, NZDF explicitly closes further comment. This is a documented refusal, not silence or a defence of the vetting process.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Paul GoldsmithMinister of Defence, issuing a government statementDirectly involved
Before this statement
Goldsmith identifies previously undisclosed integrity matters, says both men agree Davies cannot remain in office, and sets out interim command arrangements.
"Since this matter has now been referred to the Inspector General of Defence, I have nothing further to add."
Explicitly stayed outCase context: Tony Davies resignation: vetting and disclosure questions
Full statement and sources
Goldsmith declines to elaborate on the resignation after the matter is referred to the Inspector-General of Defence.
After the statement
The statement ends with Goldsmith's refusal to add further comment because of the referral.
Chief of Defence resigns: Paul Goldsmith statementNew Zealand Government press release, 23 October 2026, 4:26 pm NZDT; final paragraph.Why this label?
Relative to the official public explanation of Davies's resignation, Goldsmith expressly declines to elaborate. The refusal does not assert that the earlier vetting was adequate.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tony DaviesChief of the New Zealand Defence Force, announcing his resignationDirectly involvedBefore this statement
In his resignation statement, Davies says his past errors of judgment were contrary to Defence Force values.
"These matters revolved around an inappropriate relationship I had when in a position of unit command, and I regret not disclosing this when I had the opportunity to do so."
CondemnedCase context: Tony Davies resignation: vetting and disclosure questions
Full statement and sources
Davies regrets failing to disclose the relationship when he had the opportunity.
After the statement
NZDF says it referred the matter to the Inspector-General of Defence and has no further comment.
Chief of Defence Force resignsStatement dated 23 October 2026; Davies quotation and final three paragraphs.Why this label?
Relative to the disclosure questions surrounding his appointment, Davies criticizes his own failure to disclose the relationship. He does not determine whether formal vetting procedures failed.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(12)
Official statement
Chief of Defence Force resigns
Relevant passage: Statement dated 23 October 2026; Davies quotation and final three paragraphs.
About this source
NZDF announces Tony Davies's resignation, quotes his account of an undisclosed inappropriate relationship while in unit command, and confirms referral to the Inspector-General of Defence.
- Author
- New Zealand Defence Force
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ex-Chief of Defence Kevin Short reveals 2006 relationship inquiry into Tony Davies met wall of silence
Relevant passage: Short's account of the 2006 command investigation and the selection process; Public Service Commission and Goldsmith responses near the end
About this source
Former Chief of Defence Force Kevin Short tells the Herald he ordered a command investigation around 2006 into allegations about Davies and a junior member of 40 Squadron, and that nobody substantiated the relationship. He describes the Public Service Commission's selection process as including questions and declarations meant to surface past conduct. A Commission spokesman says Davies was appointed before its checks were strengthened and announces an internal assurance review of his appointment. Goldsmith says replacing Davies will wait until after the election.
- Author
- David Fisher, NZ Herald
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ex-NZSAS commander blasts current NZDF leadership, and NZ First's Ron Mark says he'll get rid of them
Relevant passage: Public Service Commission paragraph on the 2024 selection; Goldsmith's response in the closing section
About this source
Published on the morning of 23 October, before Davies resigned. The Herald reports retired Colonel Bernard Isherwood's criticism of NZDF leadership, including the Public Service Commission's role in senior military appointments, and Ron Mark's support for replacing the current leadership. It quotes Goldsmith as saying he had confidence in NZDF's leadership, and reports that the Commission managed the 2024 selection of the Chief of Defence Force at the request of then Defence Minister Judith Collins.
- Author
- David Fisher, NZ Herald
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
The Chief of Defence, the alleged affair and the letter he read before he quit
Relevant passage: Opening section on Staunton's letter; Goldsmith's answer on NZDF culture; NZDF and Hague responses near the end
About this source
The Herald reports that former RNZAF flight sergeant Kate Staunton wrote to Davies days before his resignation about a relationship he was alleged to have had in 2006 with a woman under his command at 40 Squadron. It reports that the woman confirmed the letter's account that she was formally investigated and later left the service, and that it understands the relationship was denied at the time. The article also covers Staunton's separate complaint about how NZDF handled another alleged relationship. NZDF said it would answer the Herald's questions in due course, and the article identifies lawyer Matthew Hague as acting for Staunton.
- Author
- David Fisher and Katie Harris, NZ Herald
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Morning Edition: 24 October 2026
Relevant passage: 00:39-01:09; Ron Mark's recorded comment runs from 01:00 to 01:09
About this source
The bulletin reports that former minister and New Zealand First candidate Ron Mark said rumours had been spreading within the Defence Force about Davies and that the resignation seemed to confirm some of them. It then plays Mark saying the investigation must tell the minister why they did not know.
- Author
- Newstalk ZB News Fix
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Ron Mark: Facebook post on the Chief of Defence Force's resignation
Relevant passage: Mark's original post as shown in the share, 1:04 pm NZDT on 24 October 2026; second paragraph
About this source
Mark says the Defence Minister expressed confidence in the Chief of Defence Force on the morning of 23 October and accepted his resignation that afternoon. He says the events point to incompetence in the military hierarchy and the Public Service Commission, repeats that he wants military appointments taken out of the Commission's hands, and says the Commission and successive Senior Advisory Boards failed the Minister. The post links the Herald's report on Bernard Isherwood's criticism of NZDF leadership.
- Author
- Ron Mark
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Matthew Hague: ACT candidate biography
Relevant passage: Matthew Hague, Wellington North, About section.
About this source
ACT's candidate biography identifies Hague as the director of Frontline Law and a former member of the Navy, Defence Force and Police. It supports identification and political capacity, not an ACT position on Davies's resignation.
- Author
- ACT New Zealand
- Accessed
Interview
Defence Force chief admits inappropriate relationship
Relevant passage: Full 4:12 discussion; disclosure sequence around 01:52-02:20 and unanswered timeline at 02:59-03:59.
About this source
Moir describes receiving Goldsmith's release and then requesting NZDF's statement. Owen asks about timing and disclosure opportunities. Moir says the timeline remains unanswered and comments on the late-Friday timing before a long weekend.
- Author
- Jo Moir and Lisa Owen, RNZ Checkpoint
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Matthew Hague on the Chief of Defence Force's resignation
Relevant passage: Full 2:41 interview, especially 01:16-02:28.
About this source
Hague discusses security vetting and disclosure while stressing uncertainty about the circumstances. The interview includes questions from du Plessis-Allan. Hague's discussion of possible integrity breaches is conditional.
- Author
- Heather du Plessis-Allan and Matthew Hague, Newstalk ZB
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Chief of Defence resigns over inappropriate relationship
Relevant passage: Final three paragraphs, attributing concerns to former Defence Minister Ron Mark.
About this source
RNZ attributes a call for investigation and a possible process-failure concern to Ron Mark. Those points are reported in paraphrase; the direct quotation describes the resignation as a shock and uncharted water.
- Author
- RNZ
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Chief of Defence Force appointment papers, 2024
Relevant passage: PDF page 28, paragraph 26; CAB-24-MIN-0161, minute dated 13 May 2024.
About this source
Released appointment papers describe the checks undertaken for Davies and record Cabinet's consideration of the appointment. The vetting description does not identify what was known about the relationship disclosed in 2026.
- Author
- Public Service Commission and Minister of Defence
- Accessed
Official statement
Chief of Defence resigns: Paul Goldsmith statement
Relevant passage: New Zealand Government press release, 23 October 2026, 4:26 pm NZDT; final paragraph.
About this source
Full reprint of Goldsmith's government statement. He agrees Davies cannot remain in office, sets out interim leadership and declines further comment after the referral. The original release is at https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/chief-defence-resigns.
- Author
- Paul Goldsmith, Minister of Defence
- Published
- Accessed
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- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Tony Davies resignation: vetting and disclosure questions
- First published
- Last updated
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- https://disputeindex.com/cases/tony-davies-nzdf-vetting-resignation-handling
The Dispute Index. "Tony Davies resignation: vetting and disclosure questions". First published: 2026-10-28. Last updated: 2026-10-28. https://disputeindex.com/cases/tony-davies-nzdf-vetting-resignation-handling