Tokanui turned out to honour the staggering community service of local Sandra Earwaker on Saturday (23 Mar).

Earwaker, a tireless and passionate advocate for her community, has been heavily involved behind the scenes in nearly every aspect of life in her area for many years and as a volunteer, committee member or coach, and rarely misses an opportunity to lend a hand in working bees, or assist with fundraising and catering.

A driving force behind Tokanui’s community swimming pool since 1997, many years as the organisation's secretary,Earwaker always ensures the pool is ready for the coming season with maintenance, working bees, supplies, water testing and cleaning teams all organised well in advance.

She is also responsible for ensuring that health and safety requirements are me.

Earwaker community involvement also runs to the Tokanui Memorial Hall where she is responsible for hall bookings and ensuring that all required jobs are done.

Other community groups Earwaker has been involved in are Tokanui Plunket, Playcentre, Toy Library, Toi Tois Guides and Scouts, the Tokanui Netball Club, Home and School, Toe Toes Community Pool, the Tokanui Memorial Hall, Enwood Hostel Parents Association and the Menzies Netball Centre.

Southland District Mayor Rob Scott presented Mrs Earwaker with her Southland District Council/Waihopai Toetoe Community Board Community Service Award.

She was part of the organising committee for the Tokanui School’s 125th jubilee, including the Tokanui, Fortrose, Otara and Quarry Hills areas. As a result of her involvement she wrote a book titled From There to Here.

Mrs Earwaker consistently has the community in her thoughts and is always brainstorming ways to improve and sustain local community historical events and resources.

In 2020, Mrs Earwaker and her husband Selwyn were named among the KiwiBank Local Heroes for services to their community.