In an assembly held earlier in Term IV, school observed a minute’s silence in memory of Old Boy Mr. Matt Ratana who was tragically killed in London while working for the Metropolitan Police. Mr. Ratana attended PNBHS from 1981 – 1985 and was a talented sportsman playing basketball, cricket, football and tennis. He was the senior tennis champion, played 1st XI football, was also involved in cycling, chess and drama and was a school Prefect in 1985.

After leaving school Mr. Ratana became involved in powerlifting and then switched sporting codes to rugby, a sport he played for many years at a high level for the London Irish. He then moved into rugby coaching and through his rugby connections was able to spend a week with former PNBHS teacher Joe Schmidt’s Ireland team in the buildup to an international match.

Mr. Ratana had worked for the Metropolitan Police for nearly 29 years and was close to retirement when he was shot and killed by a man who had been taken into custody.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Ratana’s whānau and friends.