29 Jun 2018

Pōwhiri welcomes Air Marshal Kevin Short as Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Tim Keating steps down

9:13 pm on 29 June 2018
Change of Command parade for Chief of Defence Force at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. Powhiri and Guard of Honour for new CDF, Air Marshal Kevin Short.

Air Marshal Kevin Short is welcomed as the new chief of the Defence Force with a pōwhiri. Photo: Crown Copyright / NZDF

The Defence Force has a new chief after a change of command ceremony at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington today full of pomp and pageantry.

Read more about the changeover:

  • Retiring Chief of NZ Defence Force
  • New chief of Defence Force appointed
  • The outgoing Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Tim Keating, was farewelled with a guard of honour before laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

    New Zealand Defence Force Chief Of Defence Change Of Command Ceremony, The Chief of theNew Zealand Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating, MNZM reveiws his last parade as Chief Of the New Zealand Defence Force.

    Lieutenant General Tim Keating reveiws his last parade as Defence Force chief. Photo: Crown Copyright / NZDF

    Dame Sian Elias, in her capacity as the Administrator of the Government, presided over the presentation of the warrant of appointment to the new chief, Air Marshal Kevin Short.

    Kevin Short.

    Air Marshal Kevin Short Photo: NZDF

    Following a pōwhiri and welcome parade, Air Marshal Kevin Short then took part in the daily Last Post ceremony.

    Dignitaries present included the Minister of Defence and Veterans Ron Mark, the Secretary of Defence Helene Quilter, and Vice Admiral David Johnston representing the Australian Defence Force.