Goldsmith declines further comment after the defence referral
Paul GoldsmithMinister of Defence, issuing a government statement
Goldsmith declines to elaborate on the resignation after the matter is referred to the Inspector-General of Defence.
“Since this matter has now been referred to the Inspector General of Defence, I have nothing further to add.”
Official statement
Where this statement fits
Tony Davies resignation: vetting and disclosure questions
Tony Davies resigned as New Zealand's defence chief after acknowledging an undisclosed inappropriate relationship. Former Defence Minister Ron Mark says the Public Service Commission and military leadership failed the Minister. The NZ Herald reports a letter sent to Davies days earlier about an alleged 2006 relationship. NZDF and Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith cite an Inspector-General referral and give no further detail.
Source and context
Official statement
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.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Goldsmith identifies previously undisclosed integrity matters, says both men agree Davies cannot remain in office, and sets out interim command arrangements.
After the quotation
The statement ends with Goldsmith's refusal to add further comment because of the referral.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
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.
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More from this case
Read the full casePublic Service Commission says Davies's appointment predated stronger checks and opens a review
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
“Air Marshal Davies was appointed prior to this, in 2024. The commission is commencing an internal assurance review of Air Marshal Davies’ appointment process, including to identify any further lessons that can be learned.”Read statement
Kevin Short explains his command inquiry and says a junior airwoman would have found it very hard to speak out
“Oh, yes, it would be. It would be very hard to do that. ... In those days, it was still wrong ... because it was a power difference. And that’s why I started a command investigation.”Read statement
Kate Staunton says others aware of the alleged relationship said nothing
“Others who were aware of the alleged inappropriate conduct said nothing, choosing instead to stand by and allow the young woman to deal with the aftermath entirely on her own.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Goldsmith declines further comment after the defence referral". First published: 2026-10-28. Last updated: 2026-10-28. https://disputeindex.com/events/6579-goldsmith-declines-to-elaborate-on-the-resignation-after