Back
1476 days ago

Police pay tribute to fallen officer Matt Ratana

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Matiu "Matt" Ratana, the New Zealand-born police officer killed in the line of duty in the United Kingdom in October, has been remembered by police with a special rugby game.

Auckland police and Counties Manukau police honoured the "strong rugby boy" on Saturday by playing each other in the inaugural game for the Sgt Matt Matiu Ratana Memorial trophy.

Ratana, 54, worked for both districts while policing in New Zealand.

Ratana, 54, who was originally from Hawke's Bay, was shot dead in a South London custody centre on September 25, allegedly by a man who had been detained, while working for Metropolitan Police.

The trophy was funded by former New Zealand Police colleagues and acknowledges Ratana's rank of sergeant in the Metropolitan Police Service.

It bears a huia feather - the police tradition to honour fallen officers.

Also attached to the trophy are blue and white ribbons showing the colours of Auckland and of Ratana's beloved East Grinstead Rugby Football Club.

The commemorative game will become an annual event for police rugby in Auckland and Counties Manukau.

More messages from your neighbours
11 hours ago

Thank you for your Kind and Valuable Support

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

Thank You for Being Here! ✨

I just want to take a moment to say how much I appreciate each and every one of you. Whether you've been here since the beginning or just joined recently, your support thru direct messages mean the world to me. 💖

This community wouldn’t be the same without YOU. Your encouragement keeps me inspired and motivated every day. 🙌

Let’s keep growing and creating together.

Thank you for being part of this wonderful journey! 🌟

Much love,

Kiran Reddy Balasani ❤️

N
19 minutes ago

Cabinet maker

Ngatamariki from Mount Roskill

Hello neighbors
Hoping all your preps for end of year are going well. I am looking for a cabinet maker to do a job on two kitchens. The job would be removing existing kitchen cabinet doors, sourcing new doors and installing them. I would be greatful to hear from anyone who may know such a special person.
Kind regards Ngatamariki

12 hours ago

Mana (Authority, Power, and Prestige) - Day 15

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

Māui and the Sacred Fire

Māui, a legendary hero, sought to bring fire to the people from Mahuika, the Atua of fire. Māui approached Mahuika with respect for her mana, acknowledging her as the keeper of sacred power. Through wit and humility, he earned her trust, receiving the secret of fire to share with humankind. This act elevated Māui's mana and showed the importance of respecting authority while using power for the greater good.

Moral: Recognise and honour the mana of others while wielding authority with responsibility and integrity.