Supplied
Whanganui man Kevin “Kastro” Ratana was fatally shot in August 2018. The facts Kuru admitted in relation to his involvement in Ratana’s death cannot be fully reported as multiple defendants are awaiting trial. One other defendant, Hikitia Rawiri Hakaraia, also known as Hikitia Box, was sentenced in June for Ratana’s manslaughter. Ratana’s partner Wairoa Herewini said she was alone, hurting and trying to be a good mother, but that was hard when the children awoke screaming about what happened. “How the actions of a few in a short space [of time].took [Ratana] away.” She had moved house countless times since Ratana’s death as it was difficult to feel safe anywhere.
STUFF
Mongrel Mob members gather in Whanganui s Puriri Street after a fatal gang shooting. (First published August 22, 2018) Butler, 53, was shot dead at his Whanganui home on April 22, 2018. Ratana, 27, was shot dead at his Whanganui home on August 21, 2018. Ratana’s friends and family told Multiple people have been charged in relation to both shootings, but Hakaraia is the only common link between the two parties. He was charged with murdering Ratana and Butler, but pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of both men after receiving a sentence indication in March. He was tried for Butler’s murder in 2020, but the trial was abandoned near its conclusion due to the coronavirus lockdown.