PUBLICITY RELEASE
Friday, 22 July 2011

Native Affairs Exclusive With Ratahi Family

The whanau of Taranaki man Anthony Ratahi, who was shot dead by police last week, have approached Native Affairs to share their story.

Ratahi’s two daughters are speaking out on Monday night’s episode of Native Affairs with their story to be followed by a live panel discussion led by anchor Julian Wilcox.

Radio New Zealand has reported that Ratahi (46) was shot through the left eye by specialist armed police last Saturday after setting a dog on him 12 hours after he took his former girlfriend hostage at a hotel in Opunake.

Maori Television’s Te Kaea reporter Semiramis Holland was approached by the Ratahi whanau and granted exclusive unlimited access to the tupapaku and the tangihanga at Oeo Pa.

Native Affairs producer Colin McRae says the whanau has concerns at the lack of support upon his release from prison, which they will discuss further on the show.

“They’re not denying their father had a history of violent offending, but are concerned about how the operation was handled and whether it was necessary for police to shoot him,” says Mr McRae.

Tune in to Native Affairs on Monday 25 July at 8.30PM to hear the family’s side of the story.
ENDS

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