No regrets for Defence Force chief

New Zealand's Defence Force chief has no regrets as he steps down today.

Air Marshall Bruce Ferguson has been in the position since 2002.

He will promote the new chief Jerry Mateparae to Lieutenant General at a change of command parade at Trentham Military Camp this afternoon.

Air Marshall Ferguson said he is proud of his four years in the job and said that although our Defence Force is small, it has many successes.

He said the work New Zealand's peacekeepers are doing in Afghanistan is phenomenal.

He was happy with the foundations he has laid during his four years in the top job, adding that the Defence Force is focusing on the 21st Century and is re-arming, so in many areas it is fully combat capable.

- NEWSTALK ZB