New Zealand has experienced several catastrophic disasters this past year with three devastating Christchurch Earthquakes followed by thousands of aftershocks; a deadly tornado in Auckland; weather bombs resulting in several land- slips causing fatalities; serious flooding and even snow (! )in August.  Through all these disasters we have seen outstanding courage, strength and human survival in these communities and Quota has been there to help where it can.

The District membership donated 2,178 hrs. of community service; donated over $55,600. to various local and national charities including $1,352.22 to the Queensland Floods.

The District purchased a GPS system and supported Michele Yonetani, Specialist Resource Teacher at van Asch Deaf Education Centre who was the recipient of Quota’s South Pacific Area Scholarship for 2009-10.  Following the earthquakes, students from the centre were relocated to other schools or returned home until the school was deemed safe to return.  Michele and her team had to travel to the students offering coaching and support.  The much needed and used GPS assisted in locating students in various locations throughout the island.  Friends of Quota have donated 35 hand knitted beanies and 20 bicycle helmets and high vis vests to the students at the Deaf Education Centre.

D37 has been strong and continues to grow at a steady pace.  The Listening Tours highlighted areas we need to work on and also pointed out that there are young people in our communities who want to become involved in ‘service to the community’.

Quota International – District 37 New Zealand

35th Annual District Conference – Rotorua

27-29 May 2011

Helping Hands – Caring Hearts was the theme of the 35th Annual District 37 Quota conference held in Rotorua this month.
The theme was in keeping with District Governor Karla Hammond's theme for her term and was very appropriate as Quota is very involved in helping their communities and fellow Quota members.

Members from Takapuna, Auckland, Papakura, Rotorua, Opotiki and Whakatane attended the conference at the Best Western Braeside Resort in Rotorua.

Noela Vallis, passionate and dedicated fund raiser to find a cure for spinal cord injuries,  opened the conference.  Her opening address updated the members and advised that the Spinal Cord Society had received approval from the Ethics Committee.  Clinical trials are now approved and they are eager to get underway, in less than a week they have received 11 applications from spinal patients to take part in the trials.

District Governor Karla Hammond and Secretary Treasurer Sammy Willson, attended the Look Good Feel Better workshop held in Whakatane on May 23, 2011 to present a cheque for $3215.00 collected from the six District 37 Quota Clubs. The project was chosen at last years Quota Conference held in Whakatane in 2010.