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The Valley: Crime and Punishment in a New Zealand City
There were two days to Christmas and Lewis felt like everything was spinning out of control. He wondered what he would say to the judge this time. His client, Rikihana, was already on multiple shoplifting charges. What's a few more? Lewis thought. These supermarkets were still making a killing.
It's late 2020. Rikihana Wallace, a prolific shoplifter of no fixed abode, is back in prison with little chance of bail. Nathan Morely, unemployed, is facing burglary charges and hoping his other, as yet undetected, offences don't catch up with him. Lewis Skerrett, their overstretched legal aid lawyer, is trying to do right by them both.
The culmination of over two years of field research and hundreds of hours of interviews, The Valley follows these three Hutt Valley men through courtrooms, prison, hospital, rehab, boarding houses and welfare offices. Told largely in verbatim dialogue, this up-close and personal account brings the realities of the New Zealand criminal justice system to life through the voices of those who experience it first-hand.
'This is journalism at its finest - immersive, meticulous, honest and brave. Asher Emanuel brings the criminal justice system into the light.' Rebecca Macfie
It's late 2020. Rikihana Wallace, a prolific shoplifter of no fixed abode, is back in prison with little chance of bail. Nathan Morely, unemployed, is facing burglary charges and hoping his other, as yet undetected, offences don't catch up with him. Lewis Skerrett, their overstretched legal aid lawyer, is trying to do right by them both.
The culmination of over two years of field research and hundreds of hours of interviews, The Valley follows these three Hutt Valley men through courtrooms, prison, hospital, rehab, boarding houses and welfare offices. Told largely in verbatim dialogue, this up-close and personal account brings the realities of the New Zealand criminal justice system to life through the voices of those who experience it first-hand.
'This is journalism at its finest - immersive, meticulous, honest and brave. Asher Emanuel brings the criminal justice system into the light.' Rebecca Macfie
- GenresNonfictionCrime
476 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 21, 2026
I finished this book in the morning, because I knew if I finished it at night I would cry and I would not sleep.
There are a few books I've read that have changed my views on things permanently. None of those have been non-fiction, until now. Asher reports on the stories of Rikihana and Nathan without emotion, judgement, or opinions. Although he clearly cares about the two, he's careful not to make this a saviour story. Even though I figured there would be no redemption arc, I kept reading desperately looking for hope in a rather hopeless story.
Our justice system has been underfunded and undervalued by politicians since the 80s. My only hope is that politicians read this book. You should read it too; this is New Zealand's book of the year.
There are a few books I've read that have changed my views on things permanently. None of those have been non-fiction, until now. Asher reports on the stories of Rikihana and Nathan without emotion, judgement, or opinions. Although he clearly cares about the two, he's careful not to make this a saviour story. Even though I figured there would be no redemption arc, I kept reading desperately looking for hope in a rather hopeless story.
Our justice system has been underfunded and undervalued by politicians since the 80s. My only hope is that politicians read this book. You should read it too; this is New Zealand's book of the year.
May 16, 2026
Finished this in tears. A deeply human and meticulously researched book, written with candour, care, and humour. Among the finest examples of New Zealand Realism you’ll find. Then that Epilogue. Plus that cover from Todd Atticus. Just unreal. Cannot recommend it enough.
July 17, 2026
“… that [the media] held up trauma as a kind of noble suffering, fodder for audiences who see themselves as sensitive and progressive. Those tendencies, I thought, might be a coping mechanism on the part of the writer — and the reader — who bears the knowledge, however inchoate, that they are complicit in it all. Making a person heroic, if tragic, eases the discomfort and provides a kind of absolution.”
June 1, 2026
After hearing Asher on a panel at Auckland Writers Festival I was keen to read this. It was a heavy read, dealing in some of the grimmest topics and issues facing New Zealand society. I found it exceptionally well written and researched, the legal elements weren't too confusing for this lay person. Overall I finished it feeling very sad about the state of our country. It really humanised the characters without whitewashing their behaviour. I think this is a must read for everyone ahead of the election.
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July 1, 2026Really really good. Shout out to my main man Mr Bun
June 14, 2026
I don’t often give 5 stars to a book but this is genuinely the most compelling thing I can remember reading in a long time.
The way the book is written makes the non fiction genre and the at times disturbing content incredibly accessible.
The humanity present in the three central characters is a large part of the appeal. The way the topics are explored is “no frills” and somewhat bleak yet somehow so nuanced.
It doesn’t matter which side of the political spectrum you inhabit, nor if you are pro the prison system or anti it, there will be something in this book that has you shaking your head or challenging your own beliefs.
It was so good that I was struggling to put it down to go to sleep! Run, don’t walk, to grab a copy.
The way the book is written makes the non fiction genre and the at times disturbing content incredibly accessible.
The humanity present in the three central characters is a large part of the appeal. The way the topics are explored is “no frills” and somewhat bleak yet somehow so nuanced.
It doesn’t matter which side of the political spectrum you inhabit, nor if you are pro the prison system or anti it, there will be something in this book that has you shaking your head or challenging your own beliefs.
It was so good that I was struggling to put it down to go to sleep! Run, don’t walk, to grab a copy.
June 27, 2026
This should be mandatory reading. It is truly a remarkable piece of work. In a media landscape increasingly driven by sensationalism, this is exactly the kind of journalism we need more of. It humanises the defendants we are so often encouraged to fear.
July 1, 2026
Very well written and unbiased.
Feel for those who have to engage with these underfunded and under resourced services either in their work, or to try to enact change for themselves - it has to be endlessly frustrating.
Feel for those who have to engage with these underfunded and under resourced services either in their work, or to try to enact change for themselves - it has to be endlessly frustrating.
August 8, 2026
Tough read
June 22, 2026
This is quite possibly one of the most important books I have read. Whether you are “tough on crime” (or more ‘lenient’, like I think I am) or whether you work in the law or not, you should read this book. It gives a real story to a theory I have always known—crime is a collective responsibility. Whether that’s through mahi inside the system (which includes mahi inside of our broader framework; health, education, housing, social services etc.), your voice outside the system, or your attitudes, opinions and values (and importantly now I guess, what you engage with on your algorithm?!), we all have a role to play!
This book made me laugh, cry and want to scream at points (screaming because the solution is right there but no one wants to commit to it because it would require undoing significant political decisions from about 60 years ago). Once you pick it up, very difficult to put down. You are immersed from page one.
It took Asher 8 years to finish this book. Wanting his mahi to pay off is an understatement. I hope this is the catalyst.
This book made me laugh, cry and want to scream at points (screaming because the solution is right there but no one wants to commit to it because it would require undoing significant political decisions from about 60 years ago). Once you pick it up, very difficult to put down. You are immersed from page one.
It took Asher 8 years to finish this book. Wanting his mahi to pay off is an understatement. I hope this is the catalyst.
June 28, 2026
Very accurate!
June 14, 2026
The Valley is beautifully written and a powerful read. Asher captures the injustices within our criminal justice system in a really raw and honest way. I felt so connected to Nathan and Rikihana throughout the book and kept wanting the outcome to be different for them. But I think that’s the point. It paints an accurate picture of the reality of what goes on within our justice system, without trying to soften it. Definitely a book that stays with you after finishing it.
July 2, 2026
I first heard of The Valley, Asher Emanuel’s brilliant work of narrative non-fiction at the Auckland Writers Festival. Despite appearing on a panel alongside legends of this form Patrick Radden Keefe and Barbara Demick (I’d be intimidated), Emanuel confidently and competently spoke about his time spent following harried legal aid lawyer Lewis and his clients, Rikihana and Nathan as they navigated the (in)justice system. Others must have similarly been captured as Emanuel’s book sold out of the festival bookshop including two boxes of extra copies Emanuel wheeled in himself.
The Valley offers a unique insight into the people behind the headlines about growing crime rates and shoplifting. It reveals that shoplifting and other related crimes are often the result of broader, systemic social issues that the justice system is not designed to address. Emanuel writes about Lewis, Rikihana and Nathan with tonnes of empathy and heart to show us that these are real humans not headlines or statistics. Anyone who has ever had to deal with WINZ can appreciate the frustration of trying to access much needed social support. While I would have liked to learn more of Lewis’ background, I appreciate that this is not the tale Emanuel wanted to tell.
This is a must read. I am always hesitant to rate books featuring real lives but this one is clearly five stars.
The Valley offers a unique insight into the people behind the headlines about growing crime rates and shoplifting. It reveals that shoplifting and other related crimes are often the result of broader, systemic social issues that the justice system is not designed to address. Emanuel writes about Lewis, Rikihana and Nathan with tonnes of empathy and heart to show us that these are real humans not headlines or statistics. Anyone who has ever had to deal with WINZ can appreciate the frustration of trying to access much needed social support. While I would have liked to learn more of Lewis’ background, I appreciate that this is not the tale Emanuel wanted to tell.
This is a must read. I am always hesitant to rate books featuring real lives but this one is clearly five stars.
June 22, 2026
I'll be thinking about this for a long time
July 11, 2026
Everyone in NZ needs to read this book. Think you're woke af and don't need to? Still read it. It's important.
June 12, 2026
Fantastic insight into how the defendant/defence counsel experiences the NZ criminal justice system. Not anti-Police in its entirety but definitely not a nuanced holistic view of the system.
August 8, 2026
Incredible insight into a world I am lucky enough to not know much about.
Truly thought provoking and real, it’s rare to hear the human side of the story, outside of the headlines and media spin about what the criminal justice system is like on a day by day basis for both lawyer and client.
More powerful perhaps as I also live in the valley so knowing the local landmarks puts it in perspective and I have probably been around all the people mentioned.
Asher, keep up the good work, can’t wait to read what’s next!
Truly thought provoking and real, it’s rare to hear the human side of the story, outside of the headlines and media spin about what the criminal justice system is like on a day by day basis for both lawyer and client.
More powerful perhaps as I also live in the valley so knowing the local landmarks puts it in perspective and I have probably been around all the people mentioned.
Asher, keep up the good work, can’t wait to read what’s next!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Valley is an important book. So much of our understanding of the criminal justice system comes from media, where crime is breathlessly reported, turned into sensation and statistics. Or it comes from other countries and their films and books. We have only the haziest sense of how things are in prison, in the courts, etcetera. I certainly had only a hazy idea.
Emanuel has done what no other journalist has done in this country; he's guided us through this complex system, so vital to how this country works and is, but written it in a totally humane and accessible way. This isn't a plodding piece of non-fiction; it's more like a true novel. By this I mean that Emanuel manages to apply the narrative technologies that make novels so compelling to the real facts of these men and women's lives. He's able to do this because of eight years of meticulous work: research and interviews, countless hours in courtrooms, waiting outside prisons, going to Mr Bun with defendants, transcribing recordings – even reading aloud the manuscript to those it depicts. It's pretty miraculous that the book wears this hard work so lightly, but it does. It tells human stories of imperfect people we recognise, and the other imperfect people sacrificing so much to help them.
I hope that The Valley gets the wide readership it deserves. It has the potential to move the needle on how we approach criminal justice in this country – which now, having read the book, I know to be absolutely essential. But what I think made this book most powerful for me was the way it extends empathy outwards to people we dismiss, or overlook. I include myself. We might think we understand that 'crime' is a symptom of many overlapping causes, things near and far, small and large, chances missed, disability, trauma, childhood dysfunction, adult choices, etc., but Emanuel shows us how all these operate at the individual level, at the level of Nathan and Rikihana. These men he's painted so fully, so sympathetically, that it's impossible to read this book and not to feel a deep empathy with them and with others in their situation. This is empathy we need more than ever because, as this book shows us, more people than ever find themselves in that situation – more people than ever are trapped, as it were, in the valley.
Emanuel has done what no other journalist has done in this country; he's guided us through this complex system, so vital to how this country works and is, but written it in a totally humane and accessible way. This isn't a plodding piece of non-fiction; it's more like a true novel. By this I mean that Emanuel manages to apply the narrative technologies that make novels so compelling to the real facts of these men and women's lives. He's able to do this because of eight years of meticulous work: research and interviews, countless hours in courtrooms, waiting outside prisons, going to Mr Bun with defendants, transcribing recordings – even reading aloud the manuscript to those it depicts. It's pretty miraculous that the book wears this hard work so lightly, but it does. It tells human stories of imperfect people we recognise, and the other imperfect people sacrificing so much to help them.
I hope that The Valley gets the wide readership it deserves. It has the potential to move the needle on how we approach criminal justice in this country – which now, having read the book, I know to be absolutely essential. But what I think made this book most powerful for me was the way it extends empathy outwards to people we dismiss, or overlook. I include myself. We might think we understand that 'crime' is a symptom of many overlapping causes, things near and far, small and large, chances missed, disability, trauma, childhood dysfunction, adult choices, etc., but Emanuel shows us how all these operate at the individual level, at the level of Nathan and Rikihana. These men he's painted so fully, so sympathetically, that it's impossible to read this book and not to feel a deep empathy with them and with others in their situation. This is empathy we need more than ever because, as this book shows us, more people than ever find themselves in that situation – more people than ever are trapped, as it were, in the valley.
July 15, 2026
Hard to rate non-fiction because I don't want to rate the content, but only the delivery. I thought the narrative structure was really well done, easy to follow and very neat. It's very factual, following the daily lives of Nathan, Rikihana and Lewis. Not a fair complaint but it did feel very repetitive and quite long. I'll debate myself by saying that while it was a difficult read at times, it must have been infinite times more difficult for the people involved. And it was so well researched that this book could have been 2000 pages long so it really was pared down quite well. As I work in health, I already knew that prisons are full of people with mental health issues, substance abuse and personality disorders. So some of that circular messaging was wasted on me.
I liked the writer's voice, in the epilogue he weaved together all of the issues (mental health, legal, social, political) and I really liked his insights and hearing about the changes in the criminal justice system over the years. Also did not realise the influence of media on it which was enlightening. It's just so unfair that there are thousands of people desperately needing help and all we do as a country is refuse and send them to prison. Mental health and social support services are underfunded to a criminal degree.
I liked the writer's voice, in the epilogue he weaved together all of the issues (mental health, legal, social, political) and I really liked his insights and hearing about the changes in the criminal justice system over the years. Also did not realise the influence of media on it which was enlightening. It's just so unfair that there are thousands of people desperately needing help and all we do as a country is refuse and send them to prison. Mental health and social support services are underfunded to a criminal degree.
August 9, 2026
surpassed my expectations, fantastic in terms of execution and subject matter. reminded me of david simon's homicide and the corner in terms of its approach, and success at humanising and making understandable an experience that is completely alien to me as a pakeha middle-class kiwi. frustrating and very sad at times, but above all it clearly shows why our justice system fails to address recidivist low-level offending, with very little support to help people change their circumstances no matter how much they want to. also very confronting stuff about the way that head injuries, fetal alcohol syndrome, and substance abuse from a very young age comes up again and again for people in the criminal justice system.
Reminds me a lot of the feeling that reading reporting about criminal sentencing, when they would give details from the cultural report about factors in the convicted persons upbringing. in almost all of these reports there would be the same litany of abuse, drugs and alcohol, and deprivation from childhood on. don't see this anymore as funding for these reports has been removed, making everyone feel better about society stomping on those it has failed again and again.
a real banger, definitely up there with my fav reads of the year so far.
Reminds me a lot of the feeling that reading reporting about criminal sentencing, when they would give details from the cultural report about factors in the convicted persons upbringing. in almost all of these reports there would be the same litany of abuse, drugs and alcohol, and deprivation from childhood on. don't see this anymore as funding for these reports has been removed, making everyone feel better about society stomping on those it has failed again and again.
a real banger, definitely up there with my fav reads of the year so far.
August 13, 2026
Wow! This book earned a rare 5 stars out of 5 from me. It is very readable, and an excellent read. It will give you empathy, and maybe sympathy, for some of the people you see in the news, where you might be inclined to think "how are they so stupid they do these things over and over again?!" You'll see how with the parts of Rikihana's and Nathan's life stories shared here. If you like footnotes, there are loads of them here, explaining things like where we were in the Covid pandemic at the time and notes about NZ law, which you can flip to the back and read, or ignore them as you please without losing the narrative; I tended to read a chapter's footnotes when I'd finished that chapter - they're well labelled, so that's easily done. I normally wouldn't have picked this book up to read, but I saw so many people raving about it in the various forums I follow that I just had to give it a go, and was not disappointed.
June 27, 2026
Pretty heartbreaking book, but I’m hopeful that a lot of people read this and it changes some minds. It’s hopeful in that we know what does and doesn’t work in criminal justice, but we just don’t tackle it head on. Most people understand the system through for-profit media that just presents stories that get people to watch ads. This book presents real people stuck in the system, offenders, victims, lawyers, judges, counselors, bail officers, and other people that often have good intention but stuck I a broken and underresourced system not.
Despite being the author’s first book, it was masterfully done, leaving everything raw and genuine and painful. Despite being set in New Zealand, the stories are likely relevant in most western countries that have followed the same failed paths.
Despite being the author’s first book, it was masterfully done, leaving everything raw and genuine and painful. Despite being set in New Zealand, the stories are likely relevant in most western countries that have followed the same failed paths.
June 26, 2026
An amazing book that had me asking questions about what I had previously believed about the justice system in NZ. It is extremely well written and researched, told in a very engaging way. Obviously NZ has a lot to do in this area. Not only in criminal justice and helping to do better for those who are booked for a crime, but in the whole area of social housing, education and mental health. My admiration for the public defence lawyers who hoe a hard road and must often feel depressed about things going nowhere for their clients. This book needs to be read especially by politicians, anyone working in the justice system and journalists. Why journalists - well how often do they rark us up about "terrible" criminals stealing from shops etc. Oh and we really do need to examine our own and the countries racist attitudes.
July 27, 2026
A very different book for me, interesting how the justice system works to help and support repeat offenders. The many second chances they are given is mind boggling. Sadly, there are some individuals that are badly damaged that there is little hope for rehabilitation. The resources to help such people are inadequate currently. Any government in power would be challenged to make any kind of difference without spending millions. The drug problem is driving the offending. Poverty has always been present, but drug availability has increased in recent times, exacerbating the problems with crime and repeat offending.
June 1, 2026
This is an exceptional, sad and patient work set in my home town, once described to me by a former Police Commissioner as “a cesspit of crime.” A grinding journey through real life in the Hutt Valley if you are born on the wrong side of the tracks, the Byzantine bureaucracy of the criminal justice system, and the human consequences of our failing welfare and health services. The author is fastidious about avoiding the entertainment value of the story so the reading can mirror reality - a bit of a slog without relief or release.
July 1, 2026
A beautiful and humanising account of a broken criminal justice system. Written with real care, it remains accessible to the everyday reader without losing its impact or nuance. Absolutely essential reading. In an era of penal populism, more relevant than ever.
I would have liked to see more of the social science and empirical research woven throughout, though that is perhaps an unfair expectation of a lawyer rather than a social scientist. If anything, it certainly opens the door for that kind of socio-legal, ethnographic research, as done so effectively in other jurisdictions
I would have liked to see more of the social science and empirical research woven throughout, though that is perhaps an unfair expectation of a lawyer rather than a social scientist. If anything, it certainly opens the door for that kind of socio-legal, ethnographic research, as done so effectively in other jurisdictions
June 28, 2026
This book was a real eye opener of the reality of the criminal justice system in New Zealand. The banality of the multiple crimes committed by the two individuals portraits is poignant. Just part of BAU. The helplessness of their situation and how much you start cheering that they will get better and put an end to the crimes is a reflection of the talent of Asher is storytelling. What kind of hope is there for redemption, when the system is built to fail them?
July 1, 2026
This was a fascinating and realistic description of what it is really like to work in the District courts in New Zealand. I know it is accurate because I was a legal aid lawyer in those courts for many years, and his description of the judges and lawyers and prosecutors is right on the point. This should be required reading for any young lawyer or for anyone who has any interest in how the courts actually operate
August 6, 2026
This book just wasn't for me, but maybe that's because I'm too familiar already with the subject matter to find a detailed deep dive into standard crime and punishment intriguing. Its a quality investigation and important to have a New Zealand account, but its the same problem as told many times before and I've found other accounts more compelling. I liked the author's epilogue and discussion about how he approached his research the most.
May 17, 2026
Incredible. Asher Emanuel has crafted a book vital for public education, discourse and our collective moral development. But in order for it to achieve these, it needs to be read. The names Nathan, Rikihana and Lewis should be on our lips; they are keys to unlocking the conversation we need to have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews