Hon Ron Mark

Minister of Defence

23 May 2018 MEDIA STATEMENT

Minister of Defence Ron Mark has welcomed today’s announcement of Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short as the new Chief of Defence Force.

“After an extensive recruitment process, led by the State Services Commissioner, I recommended to my Cabinet colleagues Air Vice-Marshal Short as the new Chief of Defence Force,” says Ron Mark.

“Cabinet have agreed to my recommendation, and Air Vice-Marshal Short has been appointed by the Governor-General for a three year term as the Chief of Defence Force beginning on 1 July 2018.

Air Vice-Marshal Short will be promoted to Air Marshal prior to taking over as the Chief of Defence Force.

“Air Vice-Marshal Short is an outstanding officer and I believe he will make an exceptional Chief of Defence Force. He has a wide range of experience and has performed with distinction throughout his career.

“He is a person of great integrity and has a leadership style that engenders confidence. He is highly regarded by his colleagues. I congratulate him on his appointment and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“I’d also like to thank the outgoing Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating. He has been an excellent Chief of Defence Force and the Defence Force he will hand over is in good shape.

As Minister, I have been highly impressed with the talent, professionalism and motivation of the men and women of the Defence Force, and that’s a credit to Lieutenant General Keating’s time in charge,” says Ron Mark.

The State Services Commission will be proactively releasing the cabinet paper relating to the appointment here

http://www.ssc.govt.nz/proactive-releases

Air Vice-Marshal Short: Bio

Air Vice-Marshal Short currently holds the position of Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF).

Air Vice-Marshal Short has been a career NZDF officer, since joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1976. This includes roles as Assistant Chief of Air Staff Development from 2000 to 2003, Officer Commanding 485 Wing RNZAF Base Auckland from 2003 to 2006, and Commander of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan from 2006-2007.

From 2007 he commenced working at NZDF headquarters as Assistant Chief Development and in 2009 he became the Assistant Chief Strategic Commitments and intelligence.

In recent years Air Vice Marshal Short has held a number of senior roles at NZDF, including Deputy Chief of Air Force from June 2011 to February 2013 Commander Joint Forces NZ to March 2014, and then his current role of VCDF.

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