1914 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
22 hours ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 61.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
    61.4% Complete
  • 22.5% No, individuals should take responsibility
    22.5% Complete
  • 16.1% ... It is complicated
    16.1% Complete
298 votes
1 day ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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1 day ago

Outdated 'Recent Notices in New Zealand'

Fiona from Henderson

Can anyone here or from Neighbourly.co.nz please explain to me why we have the so called ''Recent Notices in New Zealand' a.k.a. death notices tab here on Neighbourly when if fact, the most recent death notice is from 2023?
I don't know if anyone has used this tab recently, if ever, I only used when looking for a friend's recent death notice.
If this isn't going to be updated or in fact be what they say it is, 'Recent Notices in New Zealand', then please replace it with something we can all access with up to date information, maybe bring back the groups option - just a thought.
Any ideas people?