FREE BEACH News

March - April, 1994

FREE BEACH GROUP Inc

P.O. BOX 41-171     ST. LUKES     AUCKLAND 3

Nude is LEGAL!

In December 1990 a member of the FBG, Nobilangelo Ceramalus, was arrested at Fiztpatrick Bay, North Shore, Auckland, and charged pursuant to S.4(1)(a) of the Summary Offences Act 1981. It provides that a person commits an offence who:

   '(a) in or within view of a public place behaves in an offensive or disorderly manner.'

Nobilangelo was found guilty of the charge, however, an appeal was made to the High Court. The Judge presented a seven page judgement of the hearing. The judgement summarised, in part:

... 'I have little doubt that in this day and age and in that place, a place where it is not uncommon for persons to sunbathe in the nude, adults on the beach would not be offended, in the more restricted meaning of that word as used in the section, by the appearance of the appellant naked. The real issue in this case is whether me presence of the children results in the behaviour becoming offensive in the sense of arousing anger, disgust, resentment or outrage. ...That reaction, in my opinion, falls somewhat short of the reaction required to be established beyond reasonable doubt, in order to amount to offensive behaviour sufficient to justify the interference of the criminal law. It follows the appeal must he allowed and the conviction quashed'.

On Sunday 30 January, 1994, a member of the FBG while sunbathing on the same beach, Fitzpatrick Bay, was arrested and charged under the Crimes Act 1961. The person was charged under Section 126. It provides that a person commits an offence who does an:

'Indecent act with intent to insult or offend - Everyone is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years who with intent to insult or offend any person does any indecent act in any place'.

The FBG member (who can not be named due to a name suppression order), appeared in the North Shore District Court on 1 February, and was remanded on bail until 14 February.

On 14 February the FBG member attended the Court for the hearing. When the name was called and the person approached the dock they were surprised when the police charge officer stood up to announce the police were withdrawing the charge and the accused was free to leave the court.

The FBG member expressed disappointment to the writer that the case had not proceeded, as it was intended to elect trial by jury, in the High Court, to try and ensure, by precedent, naturists could sunbathe on beaches free from harassment. A good try and the person concerned deserves the support and gratitude of naturists country wide.

Bob Williamson

FREE BEACH   News

March - April, 1994

Page 2

Black clouds, Silver lining

After the police abandoned their foolish and ill-fated attempt to hang a North Shore naturist on Section 126 of the Crimes Act, I had discussions with two police officers: the prosecutor who stopped the action, Sergeant Gary Alcock, and the regional commander, Superintendent Bob Mitchell.

Sergeant Alcock acknowledged that a mistake had been made and that more education was needed. He said he would be making sure that all North Shore police officers re-familiarised themselves with the 1991 High Court ruling that establishes the legality of public nakedness of the naturist kind.

Superintendent Mitchell also acknowledged a mistake, and said the arrest had occurred because the arresting officer had misunderstood one of the complainants, and did not know what the ruling meant.

I told Superintendent Mitchell, on behalf of all good naturists, that we would give the police every assistance to stop those who really are in breach of the law - the 'filthies' as the police call them. We will report them, gather evidence, appear as prosecution witnesses - whatever it takes.

By the end of both discussions I felt that both men had a much better appreciation of what we think and why, although there is obviously still a long way to go.

But the blackest cloud ever to hang over us, one which had threatened our very existence, has turned to silver.

Nobilangelo Ceramalus

Executive Matters

There have been elements in the past year whose purpose has been to discredit other members of the Group. To a degree they have been successful in this, because overall our numbers are down in Auckland, but up in Wellington. I hope that those who have not renewed their subscription yet, will ignore those unfounded rumours and reconsider. The Beach Group needs YOU and all your friends to join us, to carry on the battle on the beaches.

We are in the process of developing a brochure, if any body has ideas, designs, or wants to have input - talk to me. This a high priority item, so that we can put it out on the beaches before summers end.

The forum at Ngatuhoa provided much valuable feedback.

Items covered included the provision of a probation period for new members. This topic was discussed at length. We were asked to drop the idea - so we have. It was agreed that the behaviour of all members should be beyond reproach at all times. Our members are open to public scrutiny (as opposed to Sun Clubs), therefore the way we deal with any breach of expected behaviour is more critical.

More input is needed into the news media in order to push the cause. We intend to create some press releases for publication. Also we will develop a campaign to write to newspaper editors, similar to the one done for Kapiti Coast.

There was considerable interest in making the AGM part of the stay at Ngatuhoa. This site is central and provides an ideal climate for a FBG AGM. What do you think? I like the idea.

Involvement

I have become involved, and I love it. But we need help at the Executive and Regional levels. If you wish to do a piece of work, send me a note or give a call.

Traven Searle

Invitation

Rotota Sun Club invites Free Beach Group members to this years Tauranga Hot Pool weekend, Saturday 21 May, from 12 to 4pm, (this is the last weekend of the school holidays). Cost: $4 adults, $1 children.

FBG Membership Card or INF passport will need to be shown for entry. Lunch and refreshments may be taken into the pool area.

This will be the tenth year of the Tauranga Hot Pool weekend, it is hoped to have a celebration dinner and social evening; this has yet to be organised, so come prepared for a fun night.

Accommodation enquiries may be made by writing to the Rotota Sun Club, c/a 58 Torphin St, Tokoroa, or leave a message on Graham Macgregor's answer phone (07) 578-6693.

Annual Accounts

We are not able to publish the Annual Accounts for the year 1992/93 as hoped. The Committee has not received these Accounts tram the previous Treasurer nor sufficient records to reconcile our accounts for the period.

We have been asked about the photos submitted for the photo competition. The new Committee has not received these, and therefore is not in a position to publish them.

DEADLINE   for   the   next   FREE   BEACH   News   will   be   15   April,   1994

FREE BEACH   News

March - April, 1994

Page 3

What a summer!

... and that does not just apply to the weather.

There is activity underway from as many sectors in the Free Beach Group, as there are Free Beaches. We have beach trouble . .or do we? We have been to rallies, camping, beaches and to Court.

Along with John Lowe, I attended the NZNF Rally at Palmerston North Sun Club. It was a long day and the FBG was a highlight of discussion. There was a remit asking the Free Beach Group to confirm its direction and commitment to the nudist movement. This we did, and included a long dissertation on the visions that the Executive sees the Group heading. We received nothing but positive feedback from the clubs at the Rally .... and a bonus, some of us made it to the newspapers and onto TV!

On the topic of camping, much will be said about Rangi Woods, Rotota, and Ngatuhoa. The three events were a great success. it was a glorious way to spend a vacation. The people, the sites, the activities; it was memorable. NEXT year will be even better.

The beaches have been the topic of concern for many. There have been harassment activities by the police in some areas of the country. A major threat to the freedom of the movement was made by the Police at Auckland which resulted in the arrest and charging of an FBG member with a criminal code offence.

What was expected to be a battle in the Courts, died. The police backed out and dropped the charge. In a manner it represents a victory, in so much that the police recognise our right to be nude. At Papamoa notices have been put on cars and registration numbers recorded in order to intimidate the users of the beach.

And what a beach! Now I understand the reasons for the desire to want to live on the beach. I won't be a stranger to that area. The people who use the beach are friendly and comforting. I wish to say a simple thank you to all whom I met and I shall return.

We had discussions with the police who visited the beach while I was there. They told us that they were not concerned about the people who swim and sunbathe nude on the beach. Their problem was with those people who acted in an indecent and offensive manner in the sand dunes. We stressed that the Free Beach Group was also offended by this behaviour.

But I don't think it represents the end of the hassling nor the intimidation on the beaches. The only way we will reduce this problem is to increase our members, then increase our presence on the beaches and cooperate with the police in ridding the beach of those committing offensive behaviour.

Meanwhile, at Rangi Woods camp, the Palmerston North police were not impressed by a complaint from some locals that they had found nudists at "their swimming hole". The police told us that they were quite unconcerned about our nude activities. So long as we act responsibly in public, we should have no problems.

Traven Searle

Auckland Report

As usual the Christmas/New Year period witnessed a gathering of FBG members at the DCC Uretiti Beach Reserve. The weather played it's usual tricks for the time of the year but on the whole one could not complain!

At times there were up to seventy free beacher's enjoying the sunshine and the lovely clear warm sea, the fishing was adequate (plenty to eat!) but not as prolific as other times, a good time was had by all with no hassles from other less enlightened campers.

All FBG members are welcome to attend the Hibiscus Coast Hot Pool Night held at 'PALM SPRINGS', Parakai, near Helensville. Don't forget to bring your FBG membership card with you as the nights are organised by the Hibiscus Coast Sun Club. Times are 6pm to midnight on the last Saturday of the month, charges are Adults, $8.00, Children, $2.00. The complex has three pools, three spa-pools with takeaways available on site. Enter these dates in your diary, February 26, March 26, April 30 and we will see you there!! For those of you who enjoy caravanning there is a good camp ground virtually opposite the pool complex - a number of FBG members regularly stay overnight.

Bob Williamson

David Chong advises that he can provide transport from Auckland to the Palm Springs Hot Pools for 3 or 4 FBG members. Anyone interested should contact David at (09) 627-2336.

FREE BEACH   News

March - April, 1994

Page 4

Absolutely, Positively
NGATUHOA!

To be, or not to be? That was the question some Wellington Region Free Beachers were asking about the future of the annual Free Beach gathering at Ngatuhoa, in the heart of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. In the event, they need not have been concerned. Thanks mainly to Bay of Plenty FBG members, especially Ted, Glenda and Adele, this years five day bush retreat was a smashing success, despite the attempts of a disaffected former regular to dissuade members from attending. Even the weather was benevolent, enabling members to enjoy to the fullest the walking tacks, the bush, rivers and waterfalls, as well as the volley ball and other activities.

Much favourable comment was made about the physical improvements to the Lodge. Bunks have been removed form the dinning area, providing more space for socialising. A new wood burner stove has been installed to heat the dinning area. New dormitories have been added and the whole sleeping area painted and up graded.

On Friday night the traditional spit-roasted pig and pot luck vegetables and salad provided a sumptuous meal for all. Saturday night saw an excellent turn out of members at the disco. Most had gone to considerable trouble with their fancy hats. Pity there was no parade and/or judging of headgear this year, otherwise it was a great show.

It was great to see many familiar faces from all parts of the North Island, and was heartening to see a surprising number of newcomers; all those I spoke to were charmed by beautiful environment and were generally enthusiastic about the relaxed, friendly, non-judgemental atmosphere that prevailed. There is no doubt that Ngatuhoa's magic still exists and again cast its therapeutic spell on us all. I came away exhilarated and absolutely, positively confident that the future of our special retreat and indeed the FBG itself, is assured.

Geoff Horn

New NATURIST

A good keen man within our ranks wants to start a new Naturist magazine. Good one! Perhaps it could be financed with $10 risk bonds, to be bought by Free Beach Group members and others interested. They could be freely sold, but there would be no guarantee on them. A ceiling on their value may be necessary. On going costs could be financed by advertising, loans, and or profits.

The magazine needs to stand alone, and not be part of the Free Beach Group. The editor of a magazine must have total freedom to meet a volatile market, and if the magazine was to be the official newsletter of the Free Beach Group, the articles in it would need to be approved by the Committee, which would be impractical.

There is a parallel with another magazine, "Growing Today", which began as the official newsletter of the Tree Crops Association. As the magazine improved its format and expanded its range of articles, it attracted a wide readership of folk who did not want to belong to the Tree Crop Association. A few years ago they split, with the magazine continuing very successfully, and the Tree Crop members paying their subscription of $15 and getting their own newsletters.

Let us get behind this venture, but give our man free rein, and make the magazine his, not ours.

Jackie Caldwell

FREE BEACH   News

March - April, 1994

Page 5

ReJoyce

I would like to thank all of you who have undertaken to keep the Free Beach Group in existence. The Jan-Feb Newsletter contained some very substantial and sensible articles.

Being retired, you don't have to rely on the weekend weather, but can seize the opportunity that arises, so usually we just go on impulse to the local beach, and go naked into the breakers as discretely as possible. We have experienced no adverse reaction from passers-by, but have on several occasions, noticed that others have followed our example and discarded their costumes. Good, eh!?

January 14th was a very hot day in Christchurch. Avoiding the mid-day sun, we went to a local beach, Taylor's Mistake, late in the afternoon. Seeing a few people topless and semi-naked at the far end of the beach to the right, we headed in that direction, and taking off our clothes, plunged into the breakers and ducked about, body-surfing etc for a while before emerging to lie on our towels and dry off in the warmth of the 4 o'clock sun.

Encouraged by our example, one or two others nearby divested themselves of their remaining garments and followed suit. A young man who had seen us from the other end of the beach, came up to us to say how he admired our courage and said that he also preferred to swim without togs but that his girl-friend did not. We chatted with others nearby, nobody showed any disapproval, so we left feeling very happy. We forgot to take our Fred Bear flag with us, but will do so next time. We might even build a sand castle to put it on.

We have since spent 6 days at Waiheke Island, where we stayed at the Onetangi (YHC) Hostel. The far end of the Onetangi Beach is definitely nudist (almost cut off at high tide except by cliff access), and there several people who go there every day.

Great Barrier Island, where we went next for another 6 days at YHA Pohutakawa Lodge has marvellous weather and beaches. There are very few people on the beaches and we went nude, which seemed quite normal. No-one took any notice. On the west coast of Great Barrier next to the hostel is lovely, calm water, and on the east, Medland's Beach has miles of silver sand with spectacular breakers for surfing; but on a calm day, at high tide, there is excellent swimming at the tar end to the left.

Joyce Fleming

(YHC hostels costs about $14 each per person per night)

Let's go Bush

Otaki Forks, so called because it is at the confluence of the Waiotauru, Waitatapia and Otaki rivers, is the main western gateway to the network of tracks in the vast Tararua Forest Park, a major recreational area for the Wellington, Kapiti, Horowhenua, Manawatu and Wairarapa districts. As a change from sun seared beaches, adventurous FBG members decided to "Go Bush" in the park.

On a brilliantly fine, warm Sunday, 13 February ten Wellington members met at the Forks car park for a picnic lunch. Then we set forth towards the Waitewaewae track, a former tramway in timber milling days. At the long wire swing bridge across the Otaki River, 3 members decided to remain there to enjoy swimming in the beautiful clear water of the Otaki River. The rest of the party, including two youngsters, continued along the track, peeling off clothes as they became hotter. It was a pleasant relief to enter the cool bush, where two tramping parties were unconcerned at encountering a group of nude or semi-nude FBG trampers.

At the Papa Creek, we diverted from the track down to the Waitatapia River, which we leisurely followed back to the forks, stopping for several swims on the way. A final swim at a beautiful pool in the Waiotauru River completed a splendid day before we returned to the car park.

Some members, reluctant to leave the idyllic surroundings, remained for a barbecue meal. Just as well, as it was learned that another FBG member was alone in the bush track having arrived after our party had set out on its expedition. He was hoping to catch up with us, but was unsure of our planned route. A search of the track discovered him just on dusk.

An elementary lesson to never go into the bush alone, especially on an unknown track, was ignored. Fortunately the outcome was a happy one in this instance.

Geoff Horn

FREE BEACH   News

This Newsletter has been compiled from information supplied by members. If you have any topics of interest to share with others, or if you have any ideas or concerns, now is your opportunity to express them.

Newsletter contributions may be sent to the official address, or direct to the Editor,

John Groombridge, PO Box 30-099, LOWER HUTT

FITZPATRICK BAY

The only free beach in New Zealand specifically named by the High Court

It is a small, secluded beach in the south-western corner of North Shore City. It has a curve of sand 125 metres long, a broad crescent of grass, tree-crowned cliffs at either end, and a pine reserve behind. The expansive view looks west across the Waitemata to the Waitakeres.

There are no houses or roads near, and final access is on foot, so although it is in a big city there is no intrusive traffic noise, just peace and quiet 'far from the madding crowd.'

It is an excellent family beach, and perfect for naturist club outings. In short, a very pleasant place in which to idle away an hour or a day.

Being gently shelving, it is very safe for swimming. It is tidal, but you can always get a swim four hours either side of high water, even at spring tides. On low tides you can swim virtually all clay.

It is rarely crowded, particularly on weekdays. Even on sunny Sundays when the tide is full in the afternoon big crowds are uncommon.

The temperature is usually kept comfortable by westerly breezes. But if the winds turn brisk and chill you can find a sheltered nook round in Soldiers Bay or a sunny spot up in the reserve.

The ebbing tide uncovers plenty of coastline to explore, both north and south, and an abundance of rock pools for the children to investigate. Two hours from high water child-sized caves are exposed that never fail to fascinate.

You can spend hours walking naked round the rocks, along tracks in the beach reserve, and through bush tracks in the adjoining Soldiers Bay and Kauri Park native reserves. Many native birds can he seen and heard: tuis, grey warblers, fantails, white-faced herons, kingfishers, terns, gulls, shags, oyster-catchers, shining cuckoos, wood pigeons, moreporks, etc. - even a few gannets.

No wonder a local mother calls it 'a wild and magical place.'

You do have to share it all with clothists, but naturists are not prudes. We can stand the sight of cloth.

To reach this little gem take the Birkenhead exit north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and follow the main road. It starts as Onewa Road, becomes Mokoia Road after the Highbury roundabout, and changes to Waipa Street just beyond the Foodtown Supermarket.

Go up past the supermarket, but instead of going right along Waipa Street turn left into Balmain Road. Go past Chelsea Primary School and down the hill to where the road ends at an iron gate. Park near the gate and walk six or seven minutes to Fitzpatrick Bay at the end of the track.

Please note: DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED from 9am to 7pm, October 1st to Easter Monday. If we respect that, and ensure that all our behaviour is exemplary—always being good naturist ambassadors—we shall win many new friends.

Perhaps the most under-rated free beach in Auckland

Wellington NEWS

March - April, 1994

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

The Teddy Bears Picnic Day at the Wellington Summer City Programme on 16 January in the Botanical Gardens went really well with several Wellington regulars taking turns at occupying our stall where we supplied free sun screen lotion to the public who had come unprotected from the hot sun. This proved very popular and a good public relations venture. Special thanks to Rick for helping to organise this event, and with contacting the Wellington City Council etc.

We came home after a great day with several genuine enquiries and having issued a number of application and information sheets. We are looking forward to similar events in the future.

After the Teddy Bears Picnic we went to Breaker Bay and this resulted in the greatest gathering of members at Breaker Bay this year.

Meryl Baker

RANGI WOODS WEEKEND

The Rangi Woods camp was held on Wellington Anniversary Weekend. The weather was great with three hot sunny days. It was an enjoyable social event with everyone exploring various bush walks and swimming holes etc.

Daytime events included swimming, sunbathing, play in a mud pool or exploring the river bed and building a dam. Back at camp we played cricket, the children came up with original designs with body paint, some of the "older folks" found it so hot that they played cards in the hail, read books and socialised. Saturday night we had a disco. During the disco we had a dancing display by Heather who performed 2 dances exceedingly well and were enjoyed by all. Even though no one danced it was still an enjoyable evening.

Sunday night after dark, eleven of us visited the glow worms, well worthwhile. It is unlikely that you could find a more dense concentration of glow worms anywhere.

Twenty three people attended the camp this year. It was nice to see everyone mixing so well and co-operating.

The owners of the camp have advised us that it is going to be refurbished before next year. Apparently work started the week after we left.

How about coming next year?

Robert Horne

N.Z.N.F. RALLY

Owing to a mistake in the Wellington calendar of the FBG newsletter, I arrived at Palmerston North Sun Club two days before the Rally was due to start. The reception was as cool as the night and it was lonely in the back paddock until the other single tenters arrived with the start of the Rally.

Because the FBG card had a July expiry date, I was unable to take part in the sports. I was able to enjoy games of mini-ten with other FBG members when the courts were not in use for Rally sports. I had a great time catching up with FBG members from around the country and meeting new faces.

The grounds at PNSC are much larger than I expected. They were kept very neat and tidy.

A newspaper reporter interviewed me at the Rally and I told her about the Free Beach Group, and parts of the interview were published in the Sunday Times.

A camera crew also appeared at the Rally and a film was produced and appeared on Channel 3 News at 8.30pm.

Glenn

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

In December 93 an article appeared in the Kapiti Observer, where a comment was made that "there has been no tradition of nude sunbathing on Kapiti beaches". The Wellington Committee wrote a letter to the Editor in reply, a copy was also sent to the Councillor who was reported as having made the quote. She has written back to us, and correspondence is continuing on a positive note. Other enquiries have also resulted from the publication of the FBG Address.

CALENDAR EVENTS

If you have any ideas, please make a point of passing them on to a committee member. You will note that we are moving into the Winter months.

CANNONS CREEK POOL

Once again these have been booked for this year, starting the second Sunday of April. It is booked from 6 to 8pm, and we have been asked to obey these times.