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    22 August 2021 - HAWKE'S BAY, New Zealand
    News Release

    Hawke's Bay, New Zealand Community Leader and Latter-day Saint passes away

    Des Ratima spent his life in service to God and neighbour

    Des Ratima ONZM, beloved Hawke's Bay community leader and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away on Sunday, 22 August 2021.

    Des K. Ratima, was recognised on this year’s Queens’s Birthday Honours List- June 2018

    Ratima lived by the two great Christian commandments to love God and love your neighbour. 

    In an interview with Danelle Christensen, reporter for Church News, Ratima said,

     “(Our) faith guides how we engage with our community.  Providing leadership in a diverse community is strengthened by the knowledge that we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This conveys confidence and assurance to everyone. Our faith guarantees honesty, truthfulness and humility. These are religious and cultural values and qualities our community expects from us as members of the Church.”

    Ratima was a former volunteer Church public affairs director for the Hawke's Bay region. 

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