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.
‘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.
Gang leader in Comancheros' 'inner circle' kicked out of NZ
Australia has deported thousands of criminals to NZ, now we've finally sent one back.
Gun shop owner accused of illegal sales ‘fears for safety’, tries to keep name secret
The dealer was also charged with possession of banned firearms including an AK-47 rifle.
Top Kiwi cops appointed to global roles at Interpol and MFAT
High-profile officers seconded to CHOGM Samoa and job in France.
Kiwis consume record amount of cocaine as drug cartels and gangs flood market
Those in Auckland and Queenstown use the most cocaine per person, Herald analysis shows.
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.
Security breach: Trio in high vis gear allegedly broke into Port of Tauranga
Alleged burglars found in imported shipping container area.
Innocent family of ex-Comanchero gang member caught in crossfire of shootings
Khalid Slaimankhel left the motorcycle gang, then his family was targeted in two shootings
Inside the 5-year search for justice after innocent man killed in gang revenge
Two men were shot dead weeks apart in the same second-hand store in Tauranga.
Gang's cash courier avoids jail as judge criticises 501 policy's 'brutal' effects
He found solace in the Comancheros. Now he's been given a second chance.
Head Hunters unveil new chapter in Auckland
The North Shore chapter is the first opened by the gang in more than 20 years.
Privacy Commissioner asks police to pause future use of controversial DNA tool
Police are trialling the tool on two of the country's most high-profile cases.
The $420k Lamborghini, the illegal Bitcoin dealer and the dirty cash
Shaun Lu amassed millions of dollars in assets, turning a blind eye to source of funds.
Double murderer found dead in jail cell after being caught in gang drug plot
An extradition ruling reveals how a serving NZ inmate was fooled in a US sting.
Mongrel Mob boss' last interview: Slain gangster on prison, suicide, meth addiction
The tough-looking gangster shared his private pain in an interview before his death.
Head Hunter funeral: 500km ride south expected to farewell 'OG', cops hold high-level meeting
The feared and revered Bird Hines is set to be laid to rest in Foxton.
Largest gang funeral in New Zealand history expected as 'OG' Head Hunter dies
Better known as 'Bird', William Hines was feared and revered in the gang world.
NZ gangsters caught in Romanian drug raids now on the run
The whereabouts of a patched Hells Angel and a meth cook are unknown after they absconded.
New Zealand or Turkey? Police in the dark over ‘NZ’s most wanted man’
The Comancheros head was to be deported from Turkey, but was arrested again in a bust.
Gangland shooting: The hunt for Head Hunter's killer after face-off in public park
Charles Pongi died after turning up at hospital. His killer or killers remain at large.
Prisoners alleged to have masterminded $70m drug smuggling scheme from behind bars
Police allege trio of prisoners arranged massive meth importation hidden inside machinery.
Revealed: The real story behind a top businessman's secret drug operation
FIFA rep used chain of pharmacies and trusted insider to smuggle drugs across border.
Thin blue line: Is NZ’s top cop safe now National has won?
Potential Police Minister and Commissioner have 'different views' on direction of force.
Gangster’s Paradise: The inside story of how ‘The Sheriff’ cleaned up Kawerau
The investigation loosened the Mongrel Mob’s grip on a small rural town.
Police to trial controversial DNA tool for two of NZ's most high-profile cold cases
Police hope genealogy sites can help find Alicia O'Reilly and Mellory Manning's killers.
Cold case: Coroner's puzzle over boy who vanished 66 years ago
The Coroner has issued official findings for a 9yo boy who went missing in August 1957.
Cop killer’s getaway driver throws nearly 1kg meth out window during raid
Natalie Bracken didn't heed judge's advice to leave the drug world behind.
Judge offended by gang member's cemetery ride past graves - but throws out charge
Mixed result for police who charged gang trio with offering an indignity to human remains.
Auckland money launderers walk free from court after $123m in cash deposits
False identities and network of 'money mules' used to deposit millions into bank accounts.
Murder trial witness recounts ‘terrifying’ encounter with Mongrel Mob
The witness came home to find door ajar, and friend David Kuka "gasping for air".
Crown alleges Mongrel Mob trio responsible for murder to ‘avenge’ fellow gang member
The Tauranga man was shot twice just weeks after a gang member was killed at same address.
Police staff surveyed on strike action before 11th-hour pay offer
Strike action was averted - for now - by a last-minute pay offer on Friday.
Gang's 'straw buyer': Man with no criminal record bought 18 guns for mobsters - police
The arrest is the latest investigation into illegal supply of firearms into black market.
Inside the police investigation exposing Mongrel Mob member's drug 'charade'
Mark Griffiths was the public face of gang's claim for positive change. It was a charade.
‘Quite extraordinary’: Study reveals where gangs dominate the NZ meth market
Anonymous survey of 13,000 drug users shows 1-in-3 retail sales are by gangs
Comanchero gangster arrested after police chase stolen ute
Six firearms, drugs and ammunition found after Eagle helicopter chase through road works.
Head Hunters gather for funeral of member Charles Pongi
Police are warning grieving gang members to pay their respects peacefully.
Pt England homicide: Inside the gang tensions that led to Head Hunter being shot dead
It was supposed to be a one-on-one challenge but everyone brought guns to the fist fight.
Police investigating 1980 murder of Alicia O’Reilly to trial DNA tool used by FBI
Police brass have approved the use of controversial genealogy test as investigation tool.
Rebels gang boss made at least $1m dealing drugs but loses lifestyle block, cash, cars, motorcycles
Gang leader forfeits criminal proceeds after police investigation into financial affairs.
Exclusive: Patched Head Hunter killed in park shooting, new gangland feud fears
The killing of a patched Head Hunter will be seen as a major escalation.
‘501′ charged with making 3D printed guns - while on home detention for 3D guns
Police charge man with making FGC-9 pistols - which stands for F** Gun Control.
Revealed: Why gang boss will stay inside special ‘prison within a prison’ for high-risk inmates
Mongols president has been in solitary confinement for nearly 3 years.
Auckland gang member with long criminal history adds rare conviction to his resume
Gang member known as 'Wayniac' evaded police Covid cordon by hiding in 'back of truck.'
Witnesses' u-turn in gang 'superstar' trial for 21st birthday party shooting
A gang member has been convicted of a party shooting despite a U-turn by witnesses.
‘Walter Mitty’ doctor to repay $135,000 salary after police seize apartment
Police put a bogus doctor's home under a freezing order after an inquiry into a false CV.
Former rugby star charged with buying firearms for Comancheros, faking burglary
Identity of former international player protected by suppression after police lay charges.
Fire at property where Mongrel Mob leader Steve Taiatini was killed
Firefighters called overnight to blaze at address where Steve Taiaini was struck by ute.
Cold case: Police investigating 1980 murder of 6yo girl want DNA tool that caught ‘Golden State Killer’
Mother of Alicia O’Reilly frustrated by 18-month wait for police to make decision.
Revealed: Gang members arranged return of stolen Lindauer paintings in secret prison deal
They disappeared after a brazen “smash and grab” robbery.
One more year: Man sentenced for role in gang plot to smuggle 1.5 tonnes of cocaine
Lionel McDonald was already in prison for 138kg meth haul when hit with new drug charges.
Killed on a pedestrian crossing: Motorcyclist charged with manslaughter
Geoffrey and Karen Boucher were on a pedestrian crossing when they were struck and killed.
The rise and fall of radio star unmasked as gang’s money launderer
The Mai FM host bought expensive cars on behalf of the Comancheros to launder dirty cash.
Singer caught with 20kg of drugs in airport during lockdown jailed
'While I accept you had an addiction, it is evident you were motivated by commercial gain'
'Free the Comanchero': Gang films haka inside maximum security prison
Video of Comancheros behind bars stars in video posted to social media.
'Ill-gotten gains': Police seize home of imposter doctor
Yuvaraj Krishnan was paid $135,000 by health authorities after CV lies.
Corruption scandal: $18m sent from the Bahamas to Hamilton remains frozen in NZ
Investigator scours bank records from Panama, Switzerland, Venezuela, Bahamas and Antigua.
Gangster’s Paradise: Inside Head Hunters’ luxury overseas trip
Social media posts show gang members living it up in dream destinations.