New Chief of NZ Defence Force Announced by Government

NZ Minister of Defence Ron Mark has announced the appointment of the current Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short, as the new Chief of Defence Force.

Air Vice-Marshal Short will take up the position for a term of three years from 1 July, at the conclusion of the term of the current Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating.

Lieutenant General Keating said he would like to offer his congratulations to Air Vice-Marshal Short for his appointment to the role.

Air Vice-Marshal Short has been Vice Chief of Defence Force since March 2014. He started his career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1976 as a General Duties Navigator.

“It’s a privilege and honour to be appointed to this role. The stewardship of this organisation is an extremely important responsibility,” he said.

“Living the values of the organisation is very important. The Defence Force is a proud organisation with a long history of service to the country.

“I am looking forward to the release of the Strategic Defence Policy Statement, which will update the direction of the Defence Force, and the follow-on Defence Capability Plan Review.

“The role of Chief of Defence Force is challenging, and I welcome that challenge, as well as working to ensure we continue to uphold our values of courage, commitment and comradeship as we go about our task of serving New Zealand.”

Source: NZDF Media