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The partner of a New Zealand police officer killed in the UK has spoken of losing their “soul mate”.
Matiu “Matt” Ratana, originally from Hawke’s Bay, was shot and killed in a South London custody facility, allegedly by a man who had been detained while working for the Metropolitan Police.
Speaking for the first time about the incident, Sue Bushby said there were not many words about how she felt about Ratana’s death.
“About losing someone I loved, and was so close, in such a tragic way. I know that Matt touched the lives of many, many people with his kindness, patience, kindness, enthusiasm and affection.
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“I had the pleasure of sharing five years of my life with this charming man, my gentle giant, with his infectious smile and his big heart. I think of him with tenderness and love ”.
EAST GRINSTEAD RFC / Supplied
Rugby coach and UK Metropolitan Police Sergeant Matt Ratana, originally from New Zealand, was killed in the line of duty in London.
Bushby said Ratana was his “partner, friend, confidant, supporter and soul mate.”
“We will miss him very much, but we will never forget him. Matt will always be in my head and in my heart, ”he said in a statement through the metropolitan police.
Ratana, 54, had served in the Metropolitan Police for almost 30 years, moving to the UK in 1989. He had also worked in Auckland City and Manukau counties until 2008, before returning to the UK .
Ross Giblin / Stuff
Ratana was mentioned today during a ceremony to mark Police Remembrance Day in Porirua.
Outside of work, Ratana was the head coach of East Grinstead Rugby FC and Sussex FRU Marlets.
Tributes to Ratana have been shared across New Zealand and England, including one from Prince Charles, who said the death was the “latest heartbreaking evidence” of the daily risks officers face.
Today marks New Zealand Police Remembrance Day and Ratana was mentioned during speeches at a ceremony at Porirua Police College.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said Ratana served in the New Zealand Police from 2003 to 2008.
“His former colleagues describe him as larger than life, we remember him today.”
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