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Public disputes concerning armed forces, defense departments, military policy, personnel standards, alliances, procurement, and civil-military institutions.
Counts show individual statements. They do not assign an overall position.
2 statements on this page. Dates: October 22, 2026 to October 24, 2026
2 matching statements. Dates: October 22, 2026 to October 24, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: October 22, 2026 to October 24, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: October 22, 2026 to October 24, 2026
2 statements on this page. Dates: October 22, 2026 to October 24, 2026
Role at the time: Minister of Defence, answering a question from the NZ Herald
Statement summary
Asked whether NZDF has a cultural problem, Goldsmith says any large organisation has issues but declines to make a sweeping judgment.
“In any large organisation you have issues, no question about that. But I don't want to make a sweeping judgment on this issue.”
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.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)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.
Role at the time: Minister of Defence, issuing a government statement
Statement summary
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.”
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)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.
