Keith McKenzie’s huge contribution to the Woodlands community has been acknowledged by the Waihopai Toetoe Community Board and Southland District Council.

Councillor Paul Duffy presented a Community Service Award to Mr McKenzie at a function at the Woodlands Tavern on Thursday 21 July.

McKenzie’s first connection to the area was as the Woodlands Primary School principal in 1987, when he began supporting community activities.

After a short stint as principal at Longford School in Gore, McKenzie retired from fulltime work and became very involved as a volunteer at Woodlands School, helping with science projects.

He became known locally as “Mr Fix-it” and a “Jack of all trades!”

He continued to make a huge contribution as a long-time member of the Woodlands Community Development Area subcommittee, where his input and ideas were of immense valuable to the community. 

McKenzie continues to be involved in development of the Woodlands area.

He is always eager and enthusiastic to tackle any community problems and is one of the first to put his hand up.

He was an instigator of the township’s latest kerb and channel project, the Straith walkway and Kingsward bush walking track, as well as driving development of the community orchard.

He dedicated many hours to mapping out graves for the Woodlands cemetery history and map boards, and built seats for the cemetery.

McKenzie willingly gives his time every year to lead the local Anzac Day service and has been involved in the local Scouts group.

He is well known as a knowledgeable and approachable gentleman, willing to help anyone who needs a supportive hand. 

Flowers were presented to McKenzie’s wife Carol. “Behind every good man is an even better woman,” Cr Duffy commented.