Mongrel Mob President pays tribute to 'extremely talented' member shot dead in Whanganui

August 27, 2018

Kevin Ratana was shot and killed last Tuesday in Castlecliffe.

The President of the Mongrel Mob has given a tribute to one of its member's who was gunned down in Whanganui last week, saying he was an influential and talented man.

A number of gang members and associates have travelled to Whanganui for the tangi of gang member Kevin Ratana today, who was fatally shot last Tuesday in Castelcliff.

Mongrel Mob Kingdom rangatira Paito paid tribute to the 27-year-old on behalf of the gang today.

"Sometimes, you will never know the true value of a person until he becomes a memory," Mr Paito told Stuff.

"Kastro was an 'infopreneur' and extremely talented in all facets of his life. He had great public relations skills and was a true visionary. He was a young man who was able to help breach generational gaps."

However, Mr Paito said Mr Ratana had to overcome a mischievous past to become the man he was before his death.

"I watched him transform from this mischievous young man into a successful young leader. He was always very protective about what and who he loved and everything he did he gave 113 per cent.

​"He was charismatic and had a huge following. He was extremely influential and was at the forefront of change within his generation.

"It's a reminder for us all not to wait until it's too late to tell someone how much you love them, how much you care, because when they are gone no matter how loud you shout and cry, they won't hear you," Mr Paito said.

Last Wednesday, the body of Mr Ratana was removed from the scene of the shooting in Castlecliff amid a Mongrel Mob tribute of red bandanas.

Today a large number of Mongrel Mob members turned out for his tangi amid an increased police presence in Whanganui.

It comes as police carried out a raid on a Tiki Street property today, as they try and identify those responsible for the death of the 27-year-old.

Gang member Kevin Ratana was shot and killed last Tuesday in Castlecliffe.

Footage taken by 1 NEWS shows a Black Power flag flying from the top of a house on the street which was cordoned off by police.

"We want to reassure the Whanganui community that there will be a strong and visible police presence across the city in the coming days, including additional patrols," Inspector Nigel Allan, Whanganui Area Commander, said.

"We want Whanganui residents to feel reassured by the increased police presence, not alarmed."

The police helicopter will also be in the city over the next two days to provide additional support and assistance as required.

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