Vice Chief of Defence Force (New Zealand)

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 current VCDF, since 27 August 2024, is Rear Admiral Mat Williams.^[2]

Vice Chief of Defence Force
Incumbent Rear Admiral Mat Williams since 27 August 2024
Member of	New Zealand Defence Force
Reports to	Chief of Defence Force
Inaugural holder	Air Vice Marshal David Bamfield
Formation	February 2004

Appointees

  This along with the * (asterisk) indicates that the individual was subsequently appointed Chief of Defence Force.

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	David Bamfield	ONZM, DSD	RNZAF	February 2004	February 2008[3]
Rear Admiral	Jack Steer	ONZM	RNZN	February 2008[4]	November 2012
Major General	Tim Keating*	MNZM	Army	December 2012[5]	January 2014
Air Vice Marshal	Kevin Short*		RNZAF	31 March 2014[6]	30 June 2018
Air Vice Marshal	Tony Davies*	MNZM	RNZAF	10 September 2018	6 June 2024[7]
Rear Admiral	Mat Williams	MNZM	RNZN	27 August 2024[2]	present

References

1. Hunn, D.K. (30 September 2002). "Review of Accountabilities and Structural Arrangements between the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force" (PDF). New Zealand Government. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
2. McCulloch, Craig (28 August 2024). "Army gets first woman chief as new Defence Force leadership announced". RNZ News. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
3. "New Year Honours". Air Force News. No. 89. February 2008. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
4. "New Vice Chief of Defence Force appointed". Media release. New Zealand Government. 27 July 2007. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
5. "Lieutenant General Timothy (Tim) Keating, MNZM". NZDF Senior Leaders. New Zealand Defence Force. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
6. "Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short". NZDF Senior Leaders. New Zealand Defence Force. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
7. "Change of Command Ceremony for the Chief of the Defence Force". gg.govt.nz. Government House. 6 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.