Aaron’s involvement in Dunedin’s creative community stretches back more than 20 years - from treading the boards to sitting on them - whether that’s been on air at Radio One 91FM, or behind the scenes of the Blue Oyster and Dunedin Fringe Arts Trusts.

During his time with the Fringe he co-founded the New Zealand Young Writers Festival in 2015, held annually in Ōtepoti as a platform by and for young writers across the city and across the motu.

He has also worked intermittently as a freelance music journalist; arts critic; and writer of speeches.

From 2013-22 he served on the Dunedin City Council, the last three years as Mayor. He is currently the director of Inspiring Communities; and the co-founder of a small ecotourism business on the Kāpiti Coast.