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.
Create a Stunning Stain Feature Wall with Resene Colorwood
Transform your living room into a work of art with Resene Colorwood wood stains. Find out how to create your own stain feature wall with these easy step by step instructions.
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
-
79.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
-
20.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
🐾🎁🌲Our Christmas and New Year Opening Hours🐾🎁🌲
🌲25th December Thursday: Closed
🌲26th December Friday: Closed
🩺27th December Saturday- Open (Papatoetoe clinic) 9am - 3pm
🎉28th December Sunday: Closed
🩺29th, 30th and 31st December: Open 8am -6pm (both clinics)
🎉1st January Thursday: Closed
🎉2nd January Friday: Closed
🩺3rd January Saturday and Onwards: Normal Trading Hours for both clinics: 8am to 6pm Weekdays and 9am to 3pm Saturday (Papatoetoe )
Loading…
