Underworld: The New Era of Gangs in New Zealand from the bestselling author of GANGLAND and GANGSTER'S PARADISE

by Jared Savage

From the author of the bestselling books about the escalation of organised crime and gangs in New Zealand.
The brutal execution of an innocent man. The undercover DEA agent who fooled the Hells Angels in a 400kg cocaine plot. The brutal execution of a not-so innocent man. The never-ending quest to bring down New Zealand's most wanted gangsters. These stories read like a crime novel - delving down into a parallel universe that many do not know even The Underworld.

Jared Savage's first book Gangland traced the evolution of the methamphetamine drug trade in New Zealand from the late 1990s to 2020. His second book, Gangster's Paradise, focused on stories about the escalation of organised more drugs, more guns, more money. Underworld follows that pattern; but now the situation is now even more dangerous. The stakes even higher.

Genres: Nonfiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2025

Reviews

[Trent Rhode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared Savage doesn’t miss. Couldn’t put it down, just like the last two. Another epic book to finish off the trilogy

[Daniel Headifen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it more than the 2nd in the series. The mix of stories of gangs and the big drug dealers made it feel balanced and interesting. And the chapter on HB covered stuff I knew about from the news but still really alarming. The parts on Harry Tam’s work showed the cops not been well organised too. Brought at Lambtom Quay Whilcolls.

[Anna KW · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books by Jared Savage are a must read for any kiwi!!

Another book full of deep dives into some of the most interesting organised crime cases seen in recent years. The inclusion of money laundering cases was especially fascinating. Nicely tied off at the end with a positive epilogue.

Fairly well written but seemed a little loose in places much like the previous book.

[Amy Lifshack · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!
Audiobook.
I am a sucker for anything gangs, drugs and serial killers. And then you add New Zealand (my birth country) to the mix and I am in love. I could have finished this is a week. But Spotify has a cap on listening hours per subscription. I can’t wait to listen/read the rest.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two books were so much better. The stories are no longer fascinating - rather boring, I'd say. I was literally forcing myself to continue reading.

[Nik Borland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another top book from Jared, maybe not quite as heavy hitting content wise as the first two, but still a nice easy read and quite enjoyable as a follow on from them. Would recommend for sure!

[Zane Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book, really well written and a true eye opener to just how developed organised crime is here in New Zealand

[Jess Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty interesting, fast-paced and a good reminder of how much of NZ life I have no idea about. Also am I super naive about the volume of guns in Aotearoa??

[Mawrc Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Importing 613kg of meth is never gonna end well eh

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly fascinating. I’ll have to read the other books.

[Jack Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy this book. Need to read the first two which I have on paper back.

[Zara Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my usual read but very interesting. Some chapters took a bit longer to get through but on the whole a good book.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this trilogy backwards starting with this book. Not by design, I just came across this book first, read it and wanted to read the other two unfortunately again not in order. However, the trilogy is so well written and researched it did not impact on my understanding of how the meth trade began, became so widespread and lucrative for some criminal hierarchies, the insidious tactics used to exploit their addicts and the authorities roles and outcomes that Jared Savage sets out in his books. This book is not sensationalised. It an honest, factual telling of the meth trade from its beginnings, the 501's and their connections to global organised crime and how it all seeped into New Zealand. Eye-opening. Well researched and presented. Highly recommended.