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Patched: The History of Gangs in New Zealand
For more than five decades, gangs have played a pivotal role in New Zealand crime life, beginning with the bodgies and widgies of the 1950s. Based on 10 years of gang research, this book chronicles the rise of the Hell’s Angels and other bike gangs in the 1960s, the growth of the Mongrel Mob and Black Power in the 1970s, and organized crime during the last decade. With descriptions of such events as the Devil’s Henchmen throwing Molotov cocktails at the Epitaph Riders in Christchurch’s first gang war and Black Power members surrounding Prime Minister Rob Muldoon at Wellington’s Royal Tiger Tavern, it also discusses the significance of colors and class. With accounts from gang members, police, and politicians, this violent and sometimes horrifying book transports its readers to a tough yet revealing part of New Zealand life.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
68 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 9, 2014
Interesting book that follows the history of the patched gangs in New Zealand from the motorcycle clubs ' bikies' to the street gangs like Black Power and the Mongrel Mob. The book provides a complex view of how and why the gangs grew and the public reaction to what happened when the battles flowed out into the public domain. I would recommend this book as another form of looking into New Zealand's history from the early 1900s until now and would explain some of the laws that are in place. The books does look at the social and economic factors that drive the gangs to form.
The book is well researched and has footnotes explaining a little bit more including links and newspaper articles or some of the sources. The back of the book are an indepth view of the footnotes and an extensive bibliography used.
The book is well researched and has footnotes explaining a little bit more including links and newspaper articles or some of the sources. The back of the book are an indepth view of the footnotes and an extensive bibliography used.
December 17, 2023
Enjoyed it - this sorta stuff interests me alot .
May 17, 2022
This book is not the 'colourised' history of gangs in NZ; It's not a collective of crimes and escapades of daily life in the gang scene. What this book is a sociological recollection of how our countrys political and economic landscape has lead to the rise, downfall, and long term survival of the various outlaw clubs and patched gangs since the 1950's.
This book shouldn't be critiqued for being too political, as gangs are merely a cultural byproduct of society which is shaped and goverened by public policy.
It was interesting reading about how the rapid exposure to overseas media in the 1950's inspired the early gang members, who were referred to as milk bar cowboys. Gilbert also details the how the Maori urban drift and Pacifica immigration impacted the gang scene in the 60's and 70's which is equally intriguing.
Reading beyond the sensationalized media headlines is important as gangs will exist whether we want them to or not, and understanding their existence with a broader knowledge of social science will only lead to more informed decisin making. As Gilbert summarizes himself:
"While gangs are formed due to unfortunate social and economic conditions, they are enabled by our freedom to associate and freedom of expression. Lawmakers must be mindful of chipping away at the latter due to an inability or unwillingness to tackle the former".
3.5 stars.
This book shouldn't be critiqued for being too political, as gangs are merely a cultural byproduct of society which is shaped and goverened by public policy.
It was interesting reading about how the rapid exposure to overseas media in the 1950's inspired the early gang members, who were referred to as milk bar cowboys. Gilbert also details the how the Maori urban drift and Pacifica immigration impacted the gang scene in the 60's and 70's which is equally intriguing.
Reading beyond the sensationalized media headlines is important as gangs will exist whether we want them to or not, and understanding their existence with a broader knowledge of social science will only lead to more informed decisin making. As Gilbert summarizes himself:
"While gangs are formed due to unfortunate social and economic conditions, they are enabled by our freedom to associate and freedom of expression. Lawmakers must be mindful of chipping away at the latter due to an inability or unwillingness to tackle the former".
3.5 stars.
October 13, 2016
got bored
January 18, 2025
I’ve been working my way through this book and recommend it to anyone interested in media,police,government policy and public perception. While ‘right wing’ governments come out badly in terms of attempts to clamp down on problems, NZ’s Mike Moore deserves special attention for rarking up public hysteria.
It’s a useful read, which while not condoning patched behaviour, attempts to explain origins and expose facts rather than focus on hysterical headlines.
I found it enlightening, well researched and useful, given current political climates.
It’s a useful read, which while not condoning patched behaviour, attempts to explain origins and expose facts rather than focus on hysterical headlines.
I found it enlightening, well researched and useful, given current political climates.
September 24, 2019
I hear it's a touching, never say die love story of how one man wins the heart of a girl through pigeon racing success, and loses her when fame and fortune beckons. Through his devotion to his birds, the help and patronage of local gangsters Ray, Rodney and Clive Kray and attention to his craft ("... never train your pigeons in an East wind, lad...") finds he didn't need that bitch anyway.
Is that right Jarrod?
Is that right Jarrod?
July 22, 2024
I only read a third of this book.
DNF because I didn't really have a reason or much interest to continue and there are far too many books one will never get to read in a life time.
So facts I noted -
Hunter S Thompson’s book ‘Hells Angels’ heavily influenced the rise of early NZ gangs.
In 1965, some 85 per cent of Maori children were leaving school without achieving any qualifications.
DNF because I didn't really have a reason or much interest to continue and there are far too many books one will never get to read in a life time.
So facts I noted -
Hunter S Thompson’s book ‘Hells Angels’ heavily influenced the rise of early NZ gangs.
In 1965, some 85 per cent of Maori children were leaving school without achieving any qualifications.
January 16, 2024
I don't know what I was expecting with this non-fiction book. Reading it, I kinda felt like I was researching gangs for a university essay... It was somewhat interesting, but it could of been way better if there were more interviews with gang members told in first-person narratives. (I think its time for a trip to the library, as I was desperate to read anything!)
November 25, 2019
very well researched and informative
January 10, 2021
Well-written and a super interesting glimpse into something I knew very little about.
February 28, 2021
Pretty gruesome at times but very informative about New Zealand's history.
December 14, 2021
It would be interesting to see an update on the last ten years as well
January 2, 2026
Excellent - very informative insights.
January 19, 2014
I really enjoyed this interesting read. Well researched and informative, easy to follow. Very interesting to note how media and govt influence law and thus society through hype and rhetoric, and how factions of society respond. One of the best books I've read for a while.
June 2, 2013
Accessible and overdue study on the drivers of gang activity in NZ. Enlightening to realise the importance of economics and politics in the mix. Recommended.
November 23, 2015
Should be compulsory reading for all New Zealand politicians and police officers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews