Police pay tribute to fallen officer Matt Ratana
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.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program
Know someone in your community who is driving positive change?
Westfield is inviting you to nominate your local hero online.
The successful hero for each New Zealand Westfield destination will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.
Find out more about the program and nominate your Local Hero now
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.4% ... It is complicated
Loading…
