The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae has announced the appointment of Air Commodore Peter Stockwell as the Defence Force's new Commander Joint Forces New Zealand (COM JFNZ). AIRCDRE Stockwell will replace Major General Rhys Jones who has been appointed Chief of Army.

"For his new position, Air Commodore Stockwell will be promoted to Air Vice-Marshal and I am sure he will bring valuable skills and experience to the role."

Air Commodore Stockwell's most recent appointments include Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Component Commander, and his current position is Assistant Chief Strategic Commitments and Intelligence.

Air Commodore Stockwell says he is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity and am looking forward to the exciting challenges that the job will bring. I look forward to meeting as many as possible of our men and women deployed on overseas missions and congratulating them on the good work they do for New Zealand," Air Commodore Stockwell said.

The Joint Forces Commander is based at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand in Trentham, and is responsible for the operation of all of NZDF's offshore deployments.

Air Commodore Stockwell takes up his new position on 1 May 2009.