Defence force chief to step down
WELLINGTON: New Zealand Defence Force chief Lieutenantgeneral Tim Keating is stepping down from the role, but says Operation Burnham had no influence in his decision.
He will not seek reappointment at the end of his term on June 30.
Ltgen Keating revealed his decision in an email to staff yesterday, saying it had been his absolute privilege to have served in the role since January 2014.
Ltgen Keating’s announcement comes during close scrutiny over the defence force’s admission last month that photos in Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson’s book Hit & Run were accurate — reversing the defence force’s initial claim that it never operated in the photographed areas in the Afghanistan operation.
‘‘One thing I wish to place on record is that my departure had nothing to do with the recent spurious publicity about Operation Burnham a a 2010 NZSAS operation in Afghanistan.
‘‘The allegations contained in the book Hit & Run effectively alleging war crimes and indiscriminate destruction of property are wrong.
‘‘There has been no recent admission’ by the NZDF which reverses the position we carefully set out in March of last year when the book came out.
‘‘The conduct of our ground forces during Operation Burnham was exemplary and nothing has changed that fact,’’ he said in the email.
The defence force referred all questions to Defence Min ister Ron Mark’s office.
Mr Mark said in a statement there was a big programme of work ahead for the NZDF and he believed now was the right time for the next leader to ‘‘stand up, be part of the decisionmaking process and own those decisions’’.
Ltgen Keating had served ‘‘incredibly well’’ as Chief of Army and Chief of Defence Force.
‘‘Tim is a dedicated military professional who has achieved great things during his career,’’ Mr Mark said.
Ltgen Keating previously served as commanding officer of 1SAS, CRIB 6 in Afghanistan and 2nd Land Force Group in Linton.
The State Services Commissioner has begun the recruitment process for Ltgen Keating’s successor. — NZME