Tributes flow to New Zealand police officer Matt Ratana killed in London

The police officer shot to death while on duty in South London also served in New Zealand.

Sergeant Matiu Ratana, known as Matt, died at the Croydon Custody Center at 2:13 a.m. local time after being shot by an arrested person.

New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said he joined the New Zealand Police in 2003 as part of the 212th wing of the British High Commission.

“He served Auckland City and Manukau Counties until 2008, before returning to the UK,” he said.

“As my counterpart, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, put it this morning, the police are a family.

“Although Sergeant Ratana spent most of his career in the UK, anyone who serves here will always be part of our New Zealand Police whānau.

“We send our condolences to his friends and family here and abroad, and to his colleagues in the Metropolitan Police and across the UK, who will deeply feel this loss today.”

Ratana was already an experienced police officer when he joined the New Zealand force and joined the Metropolitan Police (Met) in 1991.

Dick confirmed the tragedy this morning (New Zealand time).

“It is now my sad duty to confirm that our colleague who was killed was Matt Ratana, a 54-year-old custodial sergeant,” he said.

“As a colleague, he was of great stature and big heart, a friendly and capable police officer.

“A charming man, highly respected by officers and staff, and by the public, including the suspects he arrested or treated in custody.”

She is survived by a partner and an adult child from a previous relationship.

Friends, family, co-workers and members of the public pay tribute to the expat Kiwi.

East Grinstead RFC, where Ratana was their head coach, said they were “completely devastated” to learn that he had died.

“Matt was an inspiring and much loved figure in the club and there really are no words to describe how we felt,” club president Bob Marsh and president Andy Poole said on the club’s Facebook page.

“We would like to take some time as a club and community to begin to understand what has happened.

“Our deepest and sincere condolences to Matt’s loved ones, family, friends, colleagues, and our community rugby family at this terrible time.”

Ratana went to school at Palmerston North Boys’ High School before attending the University of Otago, where he played for Ravensbourne RFC.

Palmerston North Boys’ High School said Ratana was at the school from 1980 to 1985.

“Matt was a prefect of the school, a prominent tennis player, the school’s tennis champion in 1985 and a tennis representative from Manawatū,” the school said.

“Matt also played in the school’s first football team XI in 1985.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Matt’s family and friends at this terribly sad time.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also paid tribute to Ratana, taking to Facebook to convey her condolences to her family.

“Incredibly sad to hear [the] “The news this morning that a Metropolitan Police officer killed in the UK was Matiu Ratana, a former New Zealand Police officer,” he said.

“Sergeant Ratana worked in Auckland City and Manukau Counties until 2008, before returning to the UK.

“For all Matiu whanau around the world, we share their pain and we have all our condolences.”

Ratana was well known in the local rugby community, Park House Football Club said on Facebook, and his thoughts were with his family and friends.

Sadiq Khan tweeted, on the Mayor of London’s official Twitter account, Ratana’s bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Matt Ratana, who tragically lost his life while on duty,” the tweet read.

Earlier, Khan said he was devastated by the news that an officer had been killed.

“Tragic incidents like this are dire reminders of the dangers our police officers face every day as they go to work to keep Londoners safe,” he said.

Prominent UK broadcaster Piers Morgan also paid tribute to Ratana on Twitter, thanking him for his nearly 30 years of service as a police officer.

“An absolute tragedy. Thanks for your service Matt.”

The tributes are also posted on their personal social media accounts.

“RIP Matt, you will miss our talks. Wonderful partner and colleague, a true gentleman. Sympathy and love for all his family and friends. God bless Top Man,” said one Facebook user.

“RIP Matt. Your spirit will live on. Thoughts with all your family, friends and colleagues,” said another.

Elsewhere, on his Instagram account, users comment with love heart emojis in his latest post.

New Zealand Police Minister Stuart Nash thanked Ratana for his decades of service in both Aotearoa New Zealand and the UK.

“Sad day for @nzpolice too, and former colleagues are still on duty. Condolences to whanau,” Nash tweeted.

Former National Party leader and current Tauranga MP Simon Bridges also paid tribute to Ratana on Twitter.

“Terrible news. Many Kiwis travel the world and dedicate their lives to the communities in which they make their home,” he said.

“My thoughts are with Matt’s family there and here in New Zealand.”

Ratana had recently been a coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club, where his friends have described him as “inspiring” and “larger than life”.

“He helped a lot at the club. We lost funds and he came and helped us,” Ratana’s friend Paul told Sky News.

“It was inspiring, so vibrant, so bubbly, larger than life. It will be a great loss for the club.

“The man was a machine. He was training last night from 7 to 9 at night. That is the last time I saw him. He was scheduled to retire soon and I was looking forward to him.”

Police stations across the UK wave their flags at half mast and officers also observed a minute’s silence to honor Ratana.