Kiwi Matiu Ratana murdered in the UK: the family of an expatriate police officer devastated; revelation that protected Princess Diana

The family of the “intrepid” Matiu Ratana says they are devastated by his tragic death, as it is also revealed that he helped protect Princess Diana, the queen mother and former prime minister.

The hugely popular and respected 54-year-old London police officer also once survived a close-by bombing by a dissident group, the Irish Republican Army.

Back in New Zealand, 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, Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.

He also spent five years serving in the New Zealand Police in Auckland.

London Metropolitan Police Sergeant, also known as Matt, was shot and killed while on duty overnight, by a suspect detained at the Croydon Custody Center in south London.

Police called Ratana’s sister in New Zealand in the early hours of this morning to inform her family.

“Everyone is really devastated to hear the news that it happened,” Ratana’s cousin Adrian Rurawhe, who is the Labor MP for the Te Tai Hauāuru electorate, told the Herald.

“He was really proud to be a police officer, he was also really proud to be a New Zealand Maori.”

Tributes have been poured out for the dedicated officer.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted Ratana’s bravery and sacrifice that will never be forgotten.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also conveyed their condolences to her family.

The London Metropolitan Police and the New Zealand Police praised him as a high-level police officer: “big in stature and with a big heart, a kind and capable police officer.”

His dedication to the job was highlighted by some of the roles he played.

Joining the London Metropolitan Police two years after moving to the UK in 1989, he was once just 300 meters from an IRA bomb that exploded outside the British Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing St in 1992, the outlet reported. Mirror from the UK.

He also acted as a protection officer for Princess Diana, the Queen Mother and former Prime Minister John Major, the outlet said.

Rurawhe described Ratana as “brave”.

“It wasn’t very risky, but he wasn’t afraid to challenge the norm,” Rurawhe said.

“He was never afraid to ask why, he always wanted to know more and who we are.”

“We all went through a journey of discovery, especially those of us who did not grow up with Te Reo, but he was very proud to be Maori.”

Born to a Scottish mother and a Maori father, Ratana was the eldest son of an extended whānau of stepbrothers and stepsisters.

“He had a leadership role within the whānau and he and he often spoke about our responsibilities within our whānau,” Rurawhe said.

“I was really proud to be from Ratana.”

He was also crazy about sports, grew up in Palmerston North and studied at Palmerston North Boys’ High from 1980 to 1985.

“He was a really good athlete, he played tennis and rugby, he did everything,” Rurawhe said.

“He still played rugby until he was 40, but keep in mind that he was really fit.”

Palmerston North Boys’ High School said that Ratana played for its first XI soccer team in 1985.

“Matt was a school prefect, an outstanding tennis player, the school tennis champion in 1985 and a representative of Manawatū tennis,” it read.

He then attended the University of Otago, where he played for Ravensbourne RFC.

In 1989, she moved to the UK, where she also had family connections.

He quickly took root in the local London rugby community, playing for the best London Irish club at one point.

In later years, he became a senior coach at East Grinstead RFC, South London, after coaching his juniors.

The members of the club were “completely devastated” by his death.

“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.

A friend said the old accessory had helped turn the East Grinstead RFC into a “winning machine.”

“He was a leader among men, the team started to win almost every game, it was definitely because of him, his attitude of never saying die to keep fighting, that was what he was and he instilled in the team,” said the friend . , according to the Daily Mail.

Police colleagues were equally generous in their praise.

“A charming man, highly respected by officers and staff, and by the public, including the suspects he arrested or treated in custody,” said Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick.

Community Police Officer Jacqueline Kufour burst into tears as she handed him flowers, saying he was the kindest man she had ever met.

The Daily Mail reported that Ratana’s south London neighbor Debbie Stobart also called him “a really big character.”

“He was so loving, funny, everyone knew him,” she said.

Ratana also worked as a police officer in New Zealand, joining the local force in 2003 as part of the 212th wing of the British High Commission.

New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said Ratana served in Auckland City and Manukau Counties until 2008, before returning to the UK.

“While Sergeant Ratana spent most of his career in the UK, anyone serving here will always be part of our New Zealand Police whānau,” he said.

Cousin Rurawhe said that Ratana had been out of New Zealand for a long time when he returned as a police officer in 2003.

“I think that was one of the reasons he came back for a season here so he could reconnect with his family,” Rurawhe said.

Ratana leaves behind a partner and adult son, Luke, from a previous marriage.

The Daily Mail reported that Ratana’s partner, Sue Busby, had been in a relationship with the officer for four years.

Busby’s sister, Amanda Tessier, a community nurse, described Ratana as “a big friendly bear.”

“One of the loveliest men you could ever meet.”

Rurawhe said that although Ratana had spent most of his life in the UK, his family would deeply miss him in New Zealand.

“Just talking about him excites me,” he said.