Wayne Mapp

Wellington, Nov 30 NZPA - Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae and Air Force chief Air Vice Marshal Graham Lintott, have been reappointed for a further year from May 1 next year.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said that both officers had shown outstanding leadership and management skills in their roles and their appointments had been extended to cover the release of a Defence White Paper next March.

"Its release will herald a landmark period of decision-making. The Government will be setting out the direction and purpose of the Defence Force for the coming decades," Dr Mapp said.

"This will be a challenging time. The years of experience both officers have in these positions will be invaluable in implementing the decisions which will be made."

The two men have held the positions since May 2006 and their appointments had been scheduled to expire in April next year.