New Zealand Police Perform Powerful Haka Following Death Of Matt Ratana

Police in New Zealand have performed a powerful haka following the death of Met officer Matt (Matiu) Ratana. You can watch it here:

The tribute was paid at the country's Police Remembrance Day, which honours the year's fallen officers.

Prior to the haka Police Commissioner Andrew Coster paid his respects to 'larger than life' Sergeant Ratana, who was shot dead in Croydon on Friday by a handcuffed suspect who was being taken into custody.

Coster said: "This haka ensures the manner of our slain officers never diminishes. Every new constable at the beginning of their career in police takes part in the haka to the wall.

"The haka says let our hearts beat as one, let our thoughts be united, let our cause be collective. In my view this very eloquently express why we're gathered here today.

"We also take this opportunity to remember London Metropolitan Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana who was shot on duty just days ago.

"Matiu was also a part of the New Zealand police family having served with us from 2003 to 2008. Described by former colleagues as a larger than life character, we remember him today."

New Zealand Police

Su Bushby, Ratana's partner of five years, said he was her 'soul mate'.

She said: "There aren't really any words for how I am feeling right now about the loss of Matt; about losing someone I loved, and was so close to, in such a tragic manner.

"I know Matt touched many, many people's lives with his friendliness, patience, kindness, enthusiasm and caring ways.

"I had the pleasure of sharing five years of my life with this lovely man - my gentle giant, with his infectious smile and big heart. I think of him with tenderness and love.

"Matt was my partner, friend, confidant, support and soul mate.

"He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Matt will always be in my head and in my heart."

PA

The man suspected of killing Ratana has been named as 23-year-old Louis De Zoysa, who remains in hospital after turning the revolver on himself while handcuffed.

In the House of Commons, MPs also held a minute's silence to remember the 54-year-old.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: "I am sure all honourable members will wish to join me in paying their respects to Police Sergeant Matt Ratana, who was killed in the course of duty on Friday, and sending our condolences to his family," he said.

"Yesterday was National Police Memorial Day, and I ask all honourable members to stand and observe a minute's silence to mark that occasion and to remember Matt Ratana."

Topics: New Zealand, Police, UK News

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey