PHOTO: Aaron Drever. FILE
Aaron Drever, a convicted fraudster, formerly a high-earning real estate agent, has expressed his intention to lead a simpler life upon his release from prison. Drever recently appeared before the Parole Board, which granted him parole starting from October 4. During this hearing, he revealed his plans to pursue a career as a chef once he exits Ngawha prison in Northland.
Drever’s legal troubles began in August 2022 when he was convicted of defrauding a speedway promoter and a bowling club, amounting to approximately $600,000. He received a 24-month prison sentence for his actions.
Once recognized as the “voice of speedway” for his commentary work and a prominent West Auckland realtor, Drever lost his real estate license following numerous censures. Subsequently, he faced bankruptcy due to a failed supermarket venture.
Drever’s criminal activities involved presenting forged invoices to a speedway promoter and orchestrating the sale of a green at Avondale Bowling Club through a company registered in his aunt’s name, only to resell it to a property investor on the same day. The Parole Board heard that Drever had been assessed as a low risk of re-offending, which placed him below the classification requiring rehabilitative courses. Instead, he pursued cooking qualifications and worked in the prison kitchens, an environment where he endured an assault by another inmate wielding a metal pot hook in November, necessitating his transfer to Whangārei hospital. Drever expressed concerns about his safety in prison.
Before his incarceration, Drever had undergone counseling sessions with a psychologist and was mandated by the board to complete this course. When asked by board convener Kathryn Snook what he had learned from his crimes, Drever acknowledged that his actions had been driven by greed and a sense of entitlement, coupled with a failure to comprehend the consequences of his actions. He stated that his moral compass had led him astray and that he had veered off course.
Drever emphasized that he had experienced a turbulent life since the age of nine and now sought the stability of a simpler existence. He noted that his priorities had shifted during his time in prison and described the experience as a “very scary baptism of fire,” emphasizing his desire not to return. He conveyed his readiness to put in the necessary effort to stay on the right path.
According to prison staff, Drever had exhibited good behavior and complied with his safety plan. His lawyer, Hannah Kim, expressed genuine concerns about Drever’s safety, especially since his attacker remained at the same prison. She believed that the media attention surrounding Drever would provide additional oversight to ensure he did not pose an undue risk to the public.
As part of his parole conditions, Drever must attend a reintegration meeting, complete a psychological course, and refrain from holding any financial roles. He is also required to report to the board in April 2024 to provide an update on his progress and employment status.
Upon leaving the meeting, prison staff congratulated Drever, who wore a smile and remarked, “Back to the kitchens.” However, it should be noted that Drever still faces active charges related to running a business while bankrupt, specifically concerning his girlfriend’s chain of chip shops. Drever asserted that these charges were defensible and that he intended to contest them.
SOURCE: STUFF