Jared Savage
Investigative Journalist
Jared Savage, an Investigative Reporter for New Zealand’s Herald, has reported on some of the most high-profile and controversial cases in recent New Zealand history.
I’m Jared Savage and I’ve been a reporter since 2004 where I landed my first job at an Auckland suburban newspaper after completing a Bachelor of Communications at AUT. Journalism has allowed me to travel the country, and the world, to report on ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I’m constantly amazed at the generosity of those who have invited me into their homes. Often, they are sharing the most traumatic moments of their lives, and their trust is something that cannot be taken for granted. I’ve covered the natural disasters of the Samoan tsunami and the Christchurch earthquakes, dodgy political donations, a mayoral sex scandal, two Rugby World Cups, but somehow keep gravitating towards the drama of the courtroom. I’ve reported on some of the most high-profile and controversial cases in recent New Zealand history; the Kahui twins, Scott Guy and Chris Cairns’ perjury trial in London to name a few. Lately, I’ve taken a special interest in the evolution of organised crime in this country, in particular the millions of dollars made from the lucrative meth trade and the devastating social and health impacts of the ongoing crisis. It’s my firm belief that sunlight is the best disinfectant.
Check out Jared’s latest content
NZ’s second-most powerful cop suspended amid criminal investigation
Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming was suspended before Christmas.
Summer reads: A look inside New Zealand's gang scene
A behind-the-scenes look at NZ's criminal underbelly.
Auckland bail facilities under scrutiny after raid finds drugs, AK-47 and ammo - again
It's the second time drugs and guns have been found at an Ahikaa Trust bail property.
Inmates in NZ's toughest prison start three fires over the weekend
Corrections say there is 'no information' to suggest the fires were co-ordinated.
Inside the 10-year police probe to bring down Wayne Doyle and the Head Hunters
Special report: Inside the labyrinthine case which led to $15m forfeiture.
The drug-dealing Mongrel Mob boss who had $68k cash in a Louis Vuitton handbag
The gang leader was seen in a pub carpark buying 1kg of meth for $140,000.
How a church-going businessman was caught smuggling 30kg of drugs for King Cobras
Ronnie Kivalu's double life was exposed when he was caught red-handed with the meth.
It started with a $1.2m money drop: King Cobras and the Air NZ baggage handlers
Inside the police investigation which uncovered corruption at Auckland Airport.
Gang members arrested after alleged 200kg meth heist at Port of Tauranga
Two men allegedly broke into shipping container and pulled out five suitcases of drugs.
US sanctions freeze assets of international drug dealer linked to NZ
Rokas Karpavicius was extradited, convicted, then deported back to Lithuania in 2016.
Death of Mongrel Mob boss after $2m asset seizure ruled as suicide
The captain of Notorious chapter in Hawke's Bay had 'not been coping well', says wife.
NZ's second-most powerful cop under investigation, on leave from police
The IPCA is investigating Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Operation Reach: Senior Head Hunter charged over plot to smuggle 50kg cocaine from Brazil
The 60-year-old appeared in court yesterday, nine months after Operation Reach co-accused.
Alleged boss of Mongrel Mob drug ring is son of gang’s slain president
Steve Taiatini was vocal about dangers of meth before his death. His son has been charged.
'Unmasking monsters': Meet the Customs team intercepting child sex abuse material
New documentary goes inside the elite Customs team investigating child sex material in NZ.
'It was really tough': New Police Commissioner on the challenge of his career
The new head of the police talks to Jared Savage ahead of his first day on the job.
Richard Chambers is the new Police Commissioner - who is he?
The son of a criminal barrister was always destined for high things, says former mentor.
Boy, 8, killed in suspicious circumstances can now be named
'Monster', was shouted in court as a 25-year-old woman appeared in relation to his death.
Why gang member who shot Killer Beez leader Josh Masters didn't get parole
Parole Board had safety fears for a small NZ town if Okusitino Tae was released there.
Police cancel staff leave ahead of nationwide protest
Police expect peaceful march but plan to avoid ugly repeat of Parliament Covid protest.
Revealed: The two candidates interviewing today for NZ Police Commissioner role
Shortlist of candidates down to Jevon McSkimming and Richard Chambers.
How a gang member masterminded 200kg meth import from behind bars
Operation Brewer cracked encrypted phone messages to unravel the ingenious plot.
Guns, drugs and gang violence: Major organised crime probe ends in seizures, arrests
ANALYSIS: Operation Highwater reminder of problem of gangs in NZ's small towns.
Major police probe prevents tangi shooting and attempted murder of rival gang member
Police seized illegal drugs and firearms and restrained assets worth $800k.
Construction and oil industry pair granted bail after steel beam meth bust
More than 500kg of meth was allegedly smuggled inside some of 42 steel beams.
'Greed can't come before safety': Mum of dead worker on boss' $4m deal with police
Lawyers negotiated a deal after police opened case in seven-week trial earlier this week.
Auckland construction, oil industry figures charged in major meth bust
The pair are among five men before the courts over the seized drugs.
High Court ruling on Wayne Doyle sparks lengthy appeal process for Head Hunters
Longest running criminal proceeds case set to be re-litigated in Court of Appeal.
Parole Board deports Aiyaz Mohammed Musa Umarji after drug importation sentence
Aiyaz Mohammed Musa Umarji released by Parole Board after 14 months in prison.
The meth lab, the gang taxing and a murder charge
Five years after a meth lab was found in bush, the chaotic fallout can be revealed.
Police, Customs swoop nets 515kg of meth in one of NZ's biggest drug busts
Two men from Australia arrested while 'deconstructing' the beams to get drugs inside.
Revealed: Why WorkSafe dropped prosecution against police over Head Hunter's death
Death of Taranaki 'Ardie' Fuimaono will be investigated by IPCA and Coroner instead.
'Hugely respected': Head detective on infamous Mr Asia drug case dies
Detective Brears Basham doggedly pursued Marty Johnstone and Terry Clark in the 1970s.
Police seize Comancheros' $3.8m mansion where gangster's wife lived
Five-bedroom, three-bathroom property in Half Moon Bay recently sold at mortgagee sale.
Gangster’s Paradise: Inside Head Hunters’ luxury overseas trip
Social media posts show gang members living it up in dream destinations.
How cops seized $2m of assets from Mongrel Mob boss before his death
Gangster had properties, classic cars, expensive Harley Davidsons and a $32,000 holiday.
Analysis: New job for top cop Andrew Coster win-win for National
ANALYSIS: The dignified exit gives a chance to appoint top cop in time for anti-gang laws.
Inside the two-horse race to be New Zealand’s next top cop
Analysis: Two frontrunners for Police Commissioner after early departure of Andrew Coster.
‘Ghost Team’: Police allege former US marine trained Comancheros in military tactics
Comanchero spotted in camouflage 'ghillie suit' as part of alleged military drills.
'You'll be put in a body bag': Police warn of Comancheros' extreme violence after crackdown
Police allege Comancheros hired military trainer, set up 'Commission' to fund activities.
Queensland toolbox murders: Acquitted Kiwi deported to New Zealand
Waylon Walker thought the victims were being taken on a 'boot ride', not to their deaths.
Mass arrests as Comancheros targeted in new police raids
The arrests in Auckland come less than a week after similar raids in Christchurch.
Inside the 10-year police probe to bring down Wayne Doyle and the Head Hunters
Special report: Inside the labyrinthine case which led to $15m forfeiture this week.
What arrest of every Comanchero in Christchurch reveals about NZ’s gang underworld
Operation Avon is the latest in long list of investigations into the Comanchero gang.
Inside story: When police took down the Comanchero hierarchy
Exclusive book extract on how detectives investigated the Comancheros motorcycle gang.
Son of Auckland granddad gunned down was targeted in previous gang drive-by shooting
Victim identified as Tuipoluto Vi as police confirm 'familial link' to previous shooting.
Ex-Gun City staff charged with fraud, allegedly helped divert firearms to black market
The two men allegedly altered sales records of the 'gangster's gun of choice'.
Hells Angels leader arrested in meth lab bust
The 35-year-old was charged following joint crackdown on gang in Australia and NZ.
Man who shot Daniel Eliu six times at point-blank range in ‘targeted’ murder sentenced
Thomas Tahitahi shot Mob captain outside a church in front of 200 people.
Beach Haven shooting: Alleged drug importer with gang links targeted
The 33-year-old on money laundering and drug charges was bailed to the Beach Haven address
King Cobras defect to Comancheros as gang moves into rival Auckland turf
Comanchero takeover could inflame tensions in volatile gang scene
Exclusive: Drive-by shooting targets home of mother of alleged Auckland gang boss
The shooting came after a post-funeral Rebels ride through the territory of another gang.
How a 469kg drug bust led to NZ police cracking a money-laundering gang
Operation Worthington identified $10 million of cash transactions from 37 'money drops'.
Mt Wellington homicide: Alleged accessory to murder arrested, gunman at large after killing of Texas Doctor
Police say they are still hunting for the killer of the 22-year-old Rebel.
Mt Wellington shooting victim was patched Rebels MC member
His dad joined the gang to protect his kids. Now his son has been shot dead in a car.
It started with a $1.2m money drop: King Cobras and the Air New Zealand baggage handlers
Inside the police investigation which uncovered corruption at Auckland Airport.
Kiwi brothers out of Thai prison, back in NZ after roadside struggle with cop
Hamish and Mattson Day express 'sincere gratitude' to everyone who helped get them home.
'A large number are in the criminal underworld': The gangster's gun of choice
The rifles are popular with criminals because they can easily be cut down to pistol size.
Gang member found guilty of brutal assault on girlfriend despite evidence U-turn
Judge says gang member concocted home invasion story in 'unusual' case.
Ponsonby shooting: Police probe if revolver found in lake was murder weapon
They are cut-down Alfa Carbines, which have fast become the favoured gun for gang members.
‘Straw buyers’ bought 13 guns in three months allegedly for gang-linked relatives
A 75-year-old and his daughter paid more than $21,000 on guns and ammunition.
Firearms and ammunition supplied to gangs purchased by 'straw buyers'
A police briefing exposes more examples of legal guns supplied on to the black market.
Mongrel Mob killer probed for allegedly posting photo of victim’s body online days before trial
Police believe the disturbing image was 'clearly meant to intimidate' witnesses.
Auckland CBD shootings: How police believe gunman Matu Reid got a firearm without a licence
Police investigation traces shotgun to legal sale just nine months before fatal shootings.
How a drug dealer for the Mongrel Mob turned her life around to help others
Camille Keyte shares her story of despair, hope and redemption.
Gang member on run for year: Cops' alarming find when he was finally caught
Name suppression lifted when the gang's 'orchestrating influence' was sentenced.
'Always had a smile on her face': Tribute to teenage fire victim
Investigation continues into the fire that killed 16-year-old Lizzy Marvin.
Emotional tributes left at scene of Burnham fire that killed teenage girl
Lizzy Marvin, 16, died after a fire ravaged a property on Toanui St.
‘Huge tragedy’: Police say fatal fire near Burnham military camp was not suspicious, victim was 16-year-old girl
Police say the fire at the NZDF-owned property was not suspicious
Police pack rapist Brad Shipton dies after long battle with dementia
Rape victim of notorious detective hopes other women can bury their trauma with him.
‘Tongan Pablo’: Ringleader of corrupt Air NZ baggage crew smuggling in drugs from LA
Baggage handler caught importing 20kg of meth - then kept smuggling while on bail.
Social media posts of ‘clown mask’ driver on popular beach lead to Head Hunter's arrest
But the gang member has hit back online to claim that he wasn't wearing the clown mask.
Head Hunters member pleads guilty to ambush killing of Mongrel Mob boss
Daniel Eliu was shot six times at point-blank range - including four in the back.
'F...ed bro': Hells Angel's secret messages to undercover agent lift lid on gang world
NZ's meth shortage, gang co-operation, police corruption discussed in encrypted chats.
Huge stash of 200 firearms: Concern for Auckland man's 'total disregard of security'
The astonishing cache highlights the lack of a limit on how many guns one can own in NZ.
'Even I was shocked': Kiwi sailor likely to die in prison after 1.4 tonne cocaine bust
Hamish Thompson failed in his latest legal bid to quash his conviction and life sentence.
'It's huge money': Police want harsher money laundering penalties
Police say money laundering too hard to investigate, want harsher sentences.
Double killer caught in large-scale Hells Angels drug plot committed suicide, coroner finds
The inmate used a smuggled phone to contact - unknowingly - an undercover US DEA agent.
Comancheros gang targeted in two-year long drug and money laundering investigation
Senior members of the Australian motorcycle gang face organised crime group charges.
‘How many more children?’: Family of Malachi Subecz frustrated over delays in child abuse law changes
Minister says child protection recommendations are significant and more advice needed.