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.
Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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84.8% Same!
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15.2% Would have liked to try something different
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Setting your direction for 2026? Here’s a helpful tip
Hi Neighbours, If you find it’s hard to keep to New Year resolutions you are not alone! Its actually really hard to make sustainable changes in our lives.
Setting your ‘compass’ is easier and more effective. Starting with one small step in the desired destination, taking that first step gets you going. Even a little change of direction, something that only takes a couple of minutes, can lead to significant and sustainable change over time.
If you want to move in the direction of finding more peace and calm in your life, have you considered mindfulness?
You could try it out with our small group for a mindfulness session of ease and peace to soothe body and mind . The session includes gentle movement and relaxing simple meditation. come and soothe body and mind
Next one is on Monday 19th Jan 1.30 - 2.45pm, Meadowbank Community Centre. Come and see what it is like! Contact me - the first session free, then Koha welcome. 021 255 1485
Ongoing on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Click Read More to find out more about what I do - I also offer one-on-one mental wellbeing sessions, courses for group bookings, and run a group for experienced meditators.
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