The Defence Force has a new second in command.
Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies, Chief of the Air Force Photo: RNZ - Lucy Hall
Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies will take on the role of vice chief from September.
He is currently in charge of the Air Force, which he joined in 1984 as an officer cadet and trainee pilot.
Air Vice-Marshal Davies' promotion follows the appointment of Kevin Short to the top Defence chief job.
In 1999, the new vice chief was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his role in a rescue mission in Antarctica.
He said he was ready for the new job.
"The last two and half years as Chief of Air Force have prepared me well for my next role as the Vice Chief of Defence, a position I am very much looking forward to," he said.