Eastern District Police wish to acknowledge the passing of Hawke¡¯s Bay kaumatua Des Ratima.
Des Ratima has worked closely with Police for many years providing valuable guidance and support to senior Police staff working with M¨¡ori.
His contribution has helped Police bridge important relationships and get the balance to help interpret all sides of a debate and his honesty and ability to cut to the chase has always been valued.
Recently, 51½ÖÉä Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura, Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables and Eastern District Commander Jeanette Park presented Des with a 51½ÖÉä service plaque with an inscription describing Des¡¯ immense contribution to Police.
All three Police-women worked with Des in their successive stints as Eastern District Commander.
Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura says ¡°Des has been a supporter of not only me but also Assistant Commissioner Venables before me and more recently of Superintendent Park.¡±
¡°He was very proud of our achievements as three wahine leaders in the Eastern District. I credit him with opening my mind to solving problems collaboratively and with the understanding that often there can be more than one option to choose.
"He was a gently persuasive and very insightful man and he will leave a huge gap in the Hawkes Bay Community.¡±
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Police¡¯s thoughts are with his wife Evelyn and the whanau at this very sad time.
Plaque inscription:
In thanking Des for his invaluable guidance, selfless service and leadership provided to Eastern District Police.
We recognise his generous heart, passion and commitment to the wellbeing of M¨¡ori and the community.
E te toka t¨± moana, toka t¨± tangata; ¨¡kina tai, ¨¡kina hau A beacon amidst the oceans, a mountain amongst men; lighthouse in the storms, shield from the billows
END
Issued by Police Media Team
