Sgt Matiu Ratana, known as Matt, died after being shot at a police station in Croydon, south London. Photo / AP
Sgt Matiu Ratana, known as Matt, died after being shot at a police station in Croydon, south London. Photo / AP
"Fearless" Matiu Ratana's family say they are devastated by his tragic death as it is also revealed he helped guard Princess Diana, the Queen Mother and a former Prime Minister.
The hugely popular and respected 54-year-old London police officer also once survived a nearby bombing by dissident group, the IrishRepublican Army.
Back in New Zealand, Ratana also has historic ties. He is a grandson of Iriaka Ratana, the first Māori woman MP, and great-great grandson of Ratana Church founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.
He also spent five years serving with the NZ Police force in Auckland.
The London Metropolitan Police Sergeant - also known as Matt - was shot and killed while on duty overnight, by a suspect being detained at Croydon Custody Centre in South London.
Police rang Ratana's sister in New Zealand in the early hours of this morning to inform his family.
"Everyone is really devastated to hear the news he has passed," Ratana's cousin, Adrian Rurawhe - who is the Labour 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 Māori from New Zealand."
Tributes have poured in for the dedicated officer.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted Ratana's bravery and sacrifice would never be forgotten.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also passed on their sympathy to his family.
London's Metropolitan Police and NZ Police praised him as a top cop: "big in stature and big-hearted, a friendly, capable police officer".
His dedication to the job was highlighted by some of the roles he performed.
Joining London's Metropolitan Police two years after moving to the UK in 1989, he was once just 300m from an IRA bomb that exploded outside the British Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing St in 1992, the UK's Mirror media outlet reported.
"Big in stature, big in heart, friendly, a lovely man"
"We all go through a journey of discovery, especially those of us that didn't grow up with Te Reo, but he was so proud of being Māori."
Born to a Scottish mother and Māori father, Ratana was the eldest child of an extended whānau of stepbrothers and stepsisters.
It’s with a heavy heart that I remember Sgt Matiu ‘Matt’ Ratana, 54, Metropolitan Police Service. I worked with Matt in the @nzpolice he was truly a gentle giant - Rest easy brother 💙 Matt was killed serving the public in Croydon, south London. We will remember him. 🇳🇿🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/zLBS3PnOSV
In recent years, he became senior coach of East Grinstead RFC, south of London, after earlier coaching its juniors.
Club members were "utterly devastated" by his death.
"Matt was an inspiring and much-loved figure at the club and there are truly no words to describe how we are feeling," club chairman Bob Marsh and president Andy Poole said on the club's Facebook page.
I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Matt Ratana who tragically lost his life while on duty. He served our city for nearly 30 years as a police officer. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. https://t.co/fVbLku5kGM
One friend said the former prop had helped turn East Grinstead RFC into a "winning machine".
'He was a leader amongst men, the team started winning nearly every game, it was definitely because of him, his never say die attitude to keep battling, that was just who he was and he instilled that in the team," the friend said, according to the Daily Mail.
Police colleagues were equally lavish in their praise.
"A lovely man, highly respected by officers and staff, and by the public, including suspects he arrested or dealt with in custody," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said.
Community police officer Jacqueline Kufour broke down in tears while laying flowers for him, saying he was the nicest man she had ever met.
The Daily Mail reported Ratana's neighbour in south London Debbie Stobart as also calling him a "really big character".
Metropolitan Police collect floral tributes at Croydon Custody Centre following the fatal shooting of Matt Ratana. Photo / Getty
"He was so caring, 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 British High Commission Wing, Wing 212.
NZ Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said Ratana served in Auckland City and Counties Manukau until 2008, before returning to the UK.
"While Sergeant Ratana spent most of his career in the UK, anyone who serves here will always be a part of our New Zealand Police whānau," he said.
Cousin Rurawhe said Ratana had been away from 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 to do a stint here so that he could reconnect with his family," Rurawhe said.
RIP Sgt Matiu Ratana, 54. Shot dead in the line of duty. New Zealand-born Sgt Ratana worked in @metpoliceuk for nearly 30yrs & was just two months away from retirement. An absolute tragedy. Thank you for your service Matt. RIP. pic.twitter.com/P7VazyVjyd
