Senior defence jobs announced

Defence Force chief Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson yesterday announced four senior appointments.

Commodore Jack Steer will be the new commander of the Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand, and will be promoted to the rank of rear-admiral.

He will take up the position on May 1, replacing Major-General Lou Gardiner, who has been appointed Chief of Army.

Captain Tony Parr is the new Deputy Chief of Navy, with a promotion to the rank of commodore. And Colonel Phil Gibbons has been appointed Land Component Commander, and will be promoted to the rank of brigadier.