| 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]
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 Keating | December 2012[4] | January 2014 | |||
| Air Vice Marshal | Kevin Short | RNZAF | 31 March 2014[5] | 30 June 2018 | ||
| Air Vice Marshal | Tony Davies | RNZAF | 10 September 2018 | 6 June 2024[6] |