Potential standard text a darned good read too

This book is an exemplar of the embedded deep-cover research that Nicky Hager has achieved with his books exposing the machinations of corporates and states.

It's pretty clear, though, that Jarrod Gilbert has enjoyed hanging out with gang members rather more than Hager would. Gilbert's affection for his scruffy, big-boned subjects is barely contained.

This is a darned good read and the author knows it. No need for an effusive guest foreword; Jarrod wrote a perfectly glowing preface to the book all by himself.

This is followed by 280 pages of detailed description of the New Zealand bikie and street-gang scene. Accompanying press photos reproduced with great care on high-quality paper are a particularly well-executed feature of the book.

It is clear that Patched will become the standard New Zealand gang study text, as it is comprehensively footnoted (unfortunately with near-invisible tiny asterisks) and thoroughly referenced and indexed.

A minor disappointment is Jarrod's investigation of Asian gangs, which seems glossed over, with little original material presented, as if the author is less interested; he might better have kept to the patch-wearing gangsters of his title.

The conclusion of the book is logical and carries the authority of a dedicated researcher who has risked a great deal in his pursuit of knowledge: attacking gangs strengthens them. Grandstanding law-and-order politicians should take note.

Peter Dowden lives in Dunedin.