Former All Black Zinzan Brooke helps guide emotional haka to fire Kiwi cop killed in London

Former All Black Zinzan Brooke helped lead a haka after the funeral of former Kiwi policeman Sergeant Matt Ratana, who was shot and killed by a suspect while in custody in South London.

Ratana was fired today by a small number of family, friends and colleagues at a memorial in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.

Brooke joined members of the Ngāti Rānana – London Māori Club – to perform the haka while Ratana’s coffin was carried out of the premises in the hearse.

The 54-year-old Metropolitan Police officer was shot multiple times at the Croydon Custody Center in the early hours of Sept. 25 while preparing to search a suspect in handcuffs.

That suspect, Louis De Zoysa, 23, was in critical condition after shooting himself during the incident.

He remains in the hospital and “unfit for an interview” by the police.

At the funeral, which was broadcast live, his partner Su Bushby said that Ratana “will always be in my heart.”

In a tribute read on behalf of Bushby by her friend Lorraine Dray, she said that Ratana made the most of “every minute of her precious 54 years.”

“In whatever situation or room he walked into, his presence would always be felt. Like a great ball of energy. You were taken away too soon.

“Your family in the gym, rugby and the police will help your legacy, your kindness and your spirit continue to live on. You have touched the lives of so many people, we will truly miss you. My life has been richer and more fun for knowing you and me. I feel blessed they were in my life. “

He also remembered the “big contagious smile” from his partner.

Ratana’s son Luke said that many loved his father. He thanked everyone for their tributes.

“It is deeply moving to see the tributes paid to him and the great love and support from friends, family, co-workers, the rugby community and the people of the UK and beyond.”

Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick also spoke at the ceremony, saying that Ratana was a “brilliant sergeant, a leader, an extremely loyal colleague and friend and a true team player.”

“He was a mentor and coach to generations of officials, young and old, young and old.”

He also talked about how Ratana used to jokingly insist on being called “Sheriff of South Norwood” while at work and once distracted an angry crowd by throwing himself into a haka.

Dame Cressida Dick ended her speech by saying, “We’ll take it from here Sarg.”

The father of one was only two months into retirement and previously helped protect Princess Diana, the queen mother and former prime minister.

Ratana also has historical ties.

He is the grandson of Iriaka Ratana, the first Maori MP, and great-great-grandson of the founder of the Ratana Church, Tahupōtiki Wiremu Ratana.