We are delighted to welcome members and guests to an upcoming event with the former Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Kevin Short (Air Marshal Retired) and current Senior Manager for Business Development at Lockheed Martin New Zealand.

The evolving character of the international system suggests a progressive fragmentation of the post–Cold War rules-based order, presenting acute strategic challenges for small states like New Zealand.

The presentation and Q&A will examine how small states dependent on international law and open trade must recalibrate defence and foreign policy amid geopolitical volatility.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

-Non members can attend by paying the registration fee. If you have not registered for 2026 please do so first via https://www.nziia.org.nz/membership-form/

-One ticket per person. Each ticket must contain your full first and surname, email address and phone number that matches your ID. 

-All full-time student members must register with their VUW or Massey student email for a valid registration. All students must be registered via the nziia website. Full time student receive free annual NZIIA Wellington student membership.

-If, after registering, you are unable to attend the event please have the courtesy to cancel your ticket to ensure other people are able to attend. A waitlist will operate.

-In keeping with NZIIA practice, unauthorised recording of this event (either audio or video) is not permitted. Members and guest are reminded to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Conduct.

Biography- Kevin Short, CNZM AO

Former Chief of New Zealand Defence Force (2018-2024)

Current Business Development Senior Manager, Lockheed Martin New Zealand

Kevin Short (Air Marshal Rtd) is a Senior Manager for Lockheed Martin, having been appointed to the position in November 2024.  In this capacity he is responsible for growing Lockheed Martin’s business in New Zealand.

Previously, Kevin served more than 48 years in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, holding senior positions in the New Zealand Defence Force. 

In his early Defence career Kevin was employed on No 5 Squadron completing duties as a Navigator, Tactical Coordinator, Aircraft Captain, and Operations Flight Commander; and accumulated over 5,000 flying hours primarily on the Lockheed P-3K Orion aircraft.

In 1987 Kevin attended the General Duties Aero Systems Course at Royal Air Force Cranwell, and in 1991 attended No 32 Staff Course at the RNZAF Command and Staff College. In 1999 he attended the USAF Air War College in Alabama, USA, gaining a Masters of International Strategic Studies.

At a senior level Kevin has been employed in a range of project, plans and operational appointments, including Senior National Officer and Commander of the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team (Rotation 9), Bamyan, Afghanistan.  In 2011 he was posted as Deputy Chief of Air Force, in 2013 he was appointed Commander Joint Forces New Zealand in the rank of Air Vice-Marshal.  Kevin assumed the role of Vice Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force in March 2014 before being appointed the Chief of Defence Force from July 2018 to June 2024.

Kevin is also taken on a few extra roles, including:

Independent Reviewer for the Civil Aviation Authority,

Deputy Chair of Maritime NZ Board,

Board Member of American Chamber of Commerce for NZ, and

Chair of the Air Force Museum Trust Board.

In addition to his military awards, Kevin has been recognized for his considerable efforts in international engagement by receiving the :

Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit

United States Commander of the Legion of Merit

Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia( Military Division

Honorary Galant Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (First Degree)

Officer of the Legion of Honour (French Officier de la Légion d’Honneur)