Air Marshal Tony Davies
Chief of Defence Force
The Chief of Defence Force (CDF) is the professional head of the NZDF and serves as the principal military adviser to the government.
Air Marshal Tony Davies joined the RNZAF in 1984 as a trainee pilot. He then entered the Air Transport role flying Andover, Hercules, and Boeing aircraft. On 6 June 2024, he became Chief of Defence Force.
A wide range of operational experience
Davies became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his role in the 1998 mid-winter Antarctic rescue mission. He helped carry out a risky mission to rescue eleven Americans from McMurdo Station.
During his career, he's held a range of command and staff appointments including:
- Commanding Officer No 40 Squadron
- Officer Commanding 485 Wing
- Assistant Chief of Air Force Capability
- Assistant Chief Strategic Commitments and Intelligence
- Air Component Commander at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand
- Chief of Air Force.
He's a proud graduate of the USAF Air Command and Staff Course, and the Royal College of Defence Studies.
Values-led leadership
Davies has always embodied our NZDF values. He's a valuable advocate for:
- enhancing diversity in the NZDF
- promoting innovation, empowerment and leadership
- Schools to Skies
- mentoring juniors to grow within NZDF.