November 25, 2015
Ruatoki 28 Battallion veteran mourned
Another totara scorched by the fires of Tumatauenga has fallen.
Maori Battalion veteran Haare Nuku Te Ratana of Ngai Tuhoe died in Whakatane Hospital on Sunday at the age of 94.
His obituary describes him as having lived a full and accomplished life.
Mr Ratana and his wife the late Tihi raised a family of 13 as well as some grandchildren and great grandchildren in the heart of the Ruatoki valley.
His funeral service will be held as Owhakatoro Marae, Ruatoki, at 11am Thursday, followed by burial in the Te Tawa Kaiti urupa.
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