WELLINGTON, New Zealand: New Zealand's military chief, Air Marshal Tony Davies, resigned on October 23 after admitting that he had an inappropriate relationship while serving as a unit leader.

Davies said he regretted not disclosing the relationship when he had the opportunity. He did not provide details about the relationship or say when it took place.

In his resignation statement, Davies said: "The resignation is for personal reasons, and results from errors of judgment made by me in the past, for which I am taking responsibility."

He added that his actions went against the values of the New Zealand Defense Force.

Davies joined the country's Air Force in 1984 and became chief of the New Zealand Defense Force in 2024. Following his resignation, leadership is transferring to the force's vice chief, Rear Admiral Mat Williams.

The military said it would not comment further. The case has been referred to an independent inspector-general responsible for investigating military conduct.

Defense Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed that he had received Davies' resignation. Goldsmith described the situation as an integrity matter and said he had agreed with Davies that he could no longer remain in the position.

Goldsmith acknowledged Davies' 42 years of service and his contribution to the military. However, he said the circumstances surrounding the resignation would disappoint members of the Defense Force.

Davies received military education in the United States and the United Kingdom during his career. According to the New Zealand military's website, he graduated from the US Air Force Air Command and Staff Course at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama in 2000.

In 2013, he graduated from the Royal College of Defense Studies in London.

Davies was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1998 for his role in the midwinter evacuation of a critically ill US citizen from Antarctica.