Evan enlisted into the Regular Force of the New Zealand Army and graduated into the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
Between 1986 and 1998, Evan served in a variety of Command and Staff appointments including two attachments to the British Army, one of a two year duration which included an operational tour to Bosnia. In May 2000, he deployed the Company to East Timor with the 2nd New Zealand Battalion (NZBATT2) in the United Nations Force.
As a Lieutenant Colonel, Evan commanded the 2nd Health Support Battalion, including a deployment to Banda Aceh, Indonesia as the Senior National Officer, in response to the Boxing Day Tsunami disaster. He served as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters 2nd Land Force Group, the Director Training and International Commitments, Army General Staff Wellington, and as the Military Secretary (Director of Officer Career Management).
On promotion to Colonel, Evan assumed the role as Commander, NZ Army Training and Doctrine Command in Waiouru before he attended The Royal College of Defence Studies in London. He then took up the role of Head, New Zealand Defence Staff, London on promotion to the rank of Brigadier. Upon returning to New Zealand, he was appointed Assistant Chief, Strategic Commitments and Engagements. Evan later assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of the New Zealand Army. Upon promotion to Major General, he was appointed as the Force Commander of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai, Egypt. He served two tours in this role totalling 4 years.
Evan was awarded a Commendation for his role as Company Commander B Coy, 2nd Battalion Group, East Timor. He was also awarded the MFO’s Distinguished Service of Peace Award and the US Legion of Merit (Officer) for his service with the MFO. He was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
Evan’s operational service includes tours of duty to Belize, Bosnia, The Sinai (three tours), East Timor, Banda Aceh and Afghanistan.
Evan completed a Diploma in Joint and Multinational Operations and a Master’s Degree in Military Art and Science at the United States Army Command and Staff College Course at Leavenworth.