Farewell from Heather

Hi Everyone,

It is my turn to say my farewell, after serving the maximum six-year term on the committee. When you read this newsletter, I will have one more week on the committee, plus a handover to the new Treasurer.

I joined the AQ committee in October 2020 and asked myself, what could I contribute? I had a background in accounts and payroll; therefore, Treasurer was the most logical role. I took over the accounts in March 2022, and since then I have made several changes that have helped streamline processes, including moving our MYOB accounting package onto the cloud to safeguard our records.

After low attendance at the 2023 Great NZ Quilt Show in Rotorua, I suggested to the committee that we change the location to the South Island. Christchurch is the second-largest city in the country and all the more reason to have the show in Christchurch to support our South Island members and merchants, as well as boost membership. I was so pleased that the 2025 GNZQS was a huge success with great attendance and feedback. I hope the show will come back to the South Island and Aotearoa Quilters will be able to continue to alternate shows between the two islands.

I think being on the committee has broadened my horizons and encouraged me to exhibit my quilts further than just Christchurch Quilters. I have entered quilts into GNZQS, AQ Challenges and Symposiums. A highlight of my time on the committee was exhibiting Aotearoa Quilters members’ work at the European Quilt Show in France in 2025 and seeing how well the exhibition was received.

It has been a pleasure to work with other committee members, merchants and members over this time, some of whom have become lifelong friends. Now I am tidying my sewing room after working on several quilts, including Symposium entries, and I am ready to start something new. I also look forward to “me time” again. I have attended many workshops, adding to my toolbox of techniques, so now is the time to complete my many UFOs, along with lots of ideas spinning in my head.

My best wishes to the new committee, and I look forward to seeing you all at the AGM and then at the GNZQS 2027.

Heather Craig