Vice Chief of Defence Force (New Zealand) explained

Post:Vice Chief of Defence Force
Incumbent:TBD
Incumbentsince:6 June 2024
Member Of:New Zealand Defence Force
Reports To:Chief of Defence Force
Formation:February 2004
Inaugural:Air Vice Marshal
David Bamfield

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]

Appointees

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 February 2004 February 2008[2]
Rear Admiral February 2008[3] November 2012
Major General Tim KeatingDecember 2012[4] January 2014
Air Vice Marshal Kevin ShortRNZAF 31 March 2014[5] 30 June 2018
Air Vice Marshal Tony DaviesRNZAF 10 September 2018 6 June 2024[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: D.K.. Hunn. Don Hunn. Review of Accountabilities and Structural Arrangements between the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force. 30 September 2002. New Zealand Government. 15 January 2018.
  2. News: New Year Honours. February 2008. 89. Air Force News. 15 January 2018.
  3. Web site: New Vice Chief of Defence Force appointed. 27 July 2007. Media release. New Zealand Government. 15 January 2018.
  4. Web site: Lieutenant General Timothy (Tim) Keating, MNZM. NZDF Senior Leaders. New Zealand Defence Force. 15 January 2018.
  5. Web site: Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short. NZDF Senior Leaders. New Zealand Defence Force. 15 January 2018.
  6. Web site: Change of Command Ceremony for the Chief of the Defence Force . gg.govt.nz . . 6 June 2024 . en . 6 June 2024.