# 144 - March 1993 

"Do you sleep in the nude?" It's a question we all wonder about, so we asked it. And guess what? You do. In a totally unscientific poll, we asked people what they wear to bed.

The most popular response for men - was "nothing at all," it was the second most frequent choice among women, whose first was nightgowns/pyjamas.

Why do so many sleep nude?

"You have to be able to move around when you sleep and not have your clothes all wrapped around you so your body doesn't feel like it's strangling," said Kathy. But others warned, "If you're going to wear nothing at all, you need a nice down comforter."

Comfort and warmth seemed to be two of the major concerns of Nutmeg flappers.

So if you get cold feet, use this solution: "I wear nothing at all, except for socks."

Picture that.

"I wear sweats and T-shirts and my wife prefers nothing at all," said one husband.

A woman named Joanne had a more scientific explanation. "Sleeping with nothing at all is good for the skin. It lets your skin breathe, and it's the only time of day when you can be totally naked. I find it comfortable that way."

Jim seemed to have worked out his warmth vs. comfort formula. "Sleeping in anything is very cumbersome and tends to interrupt my sleep. Nude is the way to go. I have a waterbed to keep me warm on cold nights."

While this might seem like a question pyjama sellers and nightgown makers would ask for marketing purposes, oddly enough it seems they haven't.

James considers sleeping nude a marital aid. "I have chosen nothing at all in the survey and done so because for many years my wife and I have worn nothing at all, and we feel very close, comfortable and natural under those circumstances," he said.

He has been married 25 years.

Some said they liked the "nothing at all" option but bowed to outside pressure.

"I wear my boxers to bed," said Hank. "But I'd prefer if I didn't have to wear anything at all. It depends on my wife's mood, so boxers it is."

Brenda has this all worked out. "I sleep in the nude because I've always slept in the nude. You're freer, and you're more comfortable. In the wintertime, you stay warmer. Your own body heat generates enough heat. You're kind of restricted when you have clothing on. I just think it's more natural, and you get a better night's sleep."

Some have changed their habits.

"When I was younger, I wore lots of flannel nightgowns," said one woman, "now I wear nothing."

Another person summed it up in this way: "After wearing clothing all day, I don't see any point in wearing it at night, too."

Judy agreed. "Night clothes are very pretty, but I can't see any reason to dress up to go to bed. Sleeping au naturel is a great way to relax."

Some who responded had to consider the sensibilities of others in the household.

"This is such a silly question that I actually figured I had to answer," said Kathy. "When you have company in the house, you have to wear something; you can't be caught with nothing. When my nephews come to visit, I wear a big baggy T-shirt," Her favourite "has a giant portrait of Norman Schwarzkopf."

Some consider nighttime a chance to make a fashion statement.

"I wear nightgowns as dressy as possible," said Brown Riel. "Since I can't wear formals very much going out, I try to be as dressy as possible for bed."

Robin agreed. "We have more variety in nightwear than we do with regular clothes," she said.

Another woman lamented, "I enjoy wearing sexy nighties to bed, but manufacturers seem to feel petite people are not as sexy."

"One of the biggest mistakes a man ever made with me was coming to bed in his Jockey shorts, T-shirt and socks that he had worn all day. He was unable to understand why I wasn't happy about that."

Rene said she wears pyjamas and nightgowns "75 percent of the time. It really does depend on what the weather is and whether I'm sleeping with someone else."

Susan said she gets her nighttime wardrobe through her sports hobby.

"I wear T-shirts. I'm a road-race runner, and the shirts I collect from races I wear to bed," she said. "I get the men's extra large, and they are very comfortable. My kids get a kick out of seeing which ones I wear to bed at night."

Nighttime attire has changed for some women as their marital status shifted or as they get older.

"I wear sweats and a T-shirt because its more comfortable," said Cynthia. "Since I'm sleeping alone these days, it's more comfortable for me. As I get older, I feel like I have to look less glamorous when I'm sleeping."

Another woman had a similar feeling. "I wear the flannel night-shirt during wintertime because I'm cold," she said. "When it's hot, I wear nothing, and in between I wear T-shirts. This is a change from previous years, I'm single and living by myself, and I wear what ... I want and enjoy it that way."

So are we to be surprised that more men than women sleep in the nude?

No, not at all, the last time we saw luxurious sleepwear for men was when Cary Grant wore silk pyjamas.

The subsequent recognition of clubs as "legitimate" and perhaps even desirable expressions of the human condition, has filtered through society at large and the reality of its values has allowed "The Movement" to weather the various storms of opposition.

One of the critical defences, permitting that first step, was privacy. Here in New Zealand, the only external evidence of "The Movement's" success was the enthusiastic shop window: the New Zealand Naturist. Thus, over the generations the message has spread.

NUDE IS NICE - as distinct from 'sexy'!

The next step was allowing those less motivated, to discover the joys of naturism without the formal protocol of club membership. As a stepping stone, the "Free Beach Group" began.

Among other things, this group was formed to disseminate the practical meaning of various legal events both to its members and, apparently by osmosis, to the wider community. The community's sympathy has resulted in the early concerns about "indecent exposure" moved down to "offensive behaviour" and on the latest decision which makes it clear that any 'offence' must be one of 'behaviour' and that mere nudity - where time, place and circumstance make it otherwise acceptable (e.g. it's in the Free Beaches guide) - is not controlled by the law.

So, as the "Movement" has stepped tentatively out from behind its 30ft bamboo fence, to invade the remoter parts of the countryside, there seems to have been a parallel movement in various sub-elements of the wider society, directly onto the 'city' beaches.

Perhaps, in terms of the broader society, the return to Eden has accelerated a little too much in recent times. Some: usually unattached men (surprise, surprise!) seem to have forgone the society regulation by common courtesies like: "Don't stare - it's rude!" or: "Keep your distance, don't invade another's space." It seems a socially immature sector feels that the convention of respect can be disregarded, along with their clothes; leaving just their biological urge to find someone to become attached to, to control them.

The backlash, in the form of the North Shore by-law, is a clear indication of the need for regulation of (city) behaviour, a la "Neighbourhood Watch" schemes. What do we want: more of their regulation, or ours? Can the Free Beach Group respond appropriately, and in time, to avert more promulgation of similar by-laws? Can we hold the tide long enough for essential respect to be re-established?

A cloud hangs over the North Shore beaches; the cloud of social immaturity. The basis of a society is respect for each other. The North Shore community's apparent need for a by-law against nudity, seems to be a symbol of the failure of that respect, in the context of a nude society.

On the tortuous path back to Eden various steps have become clearer in retrospect. First was the establishment of "sun clubs" that created an ethos: "The Movement" - toward a generally nudist society.

Don't believe the sordid myths.

Nudism has little, if anything, to do with the tales of free-wheeling sexual practices, exhibitionism and moral erosion floating around since organized nudity began in Germany about 60 years ago.

"There is less sexuality on a nude beach than on a clothed beach," says Graeme Brown an Auckland resident who has been a practising nudist for more than 15 years.

In fact, Brown said, etiquette considered off-colour but tolerable among clothed beach-goers just may get a person removed from a nude beach, where the physical arousal of a man stripped naked is unavoidably obvious.

More than 20 clubs are affiliated with the NZNF, and they offer an environment that is far from orgiastic, Brown said.

"You really have to experience it for yourself," said Brown, who, incidentally, was fully clothed when interviewed.

To a nudist, nakedness and sexuality have almost nothing to do with each other, he added.

"As for me, I have a more clear idea of the difference between nudity and sexuality," said Brown, a family man with two children. "It is possible for a person to be sexual clothed or unclothed."

Nudism, when practiced in its appropriate form and setting, is a wholesome, family-orientated experience, Brown said, freeing people from the stress of everyday life and bringing them closer to nature.

"It's the most stress-relieving thing I can think of," he said. "We shed our burdens and competitiveness."

Two common anxieties potential nudists express centre around the tentativeness and embarrassment they feel about their own bodies. For women, the thought of baring their bodily imperfections is frightening.

Men, Brown said, worry that they will become sexually aroused.

Brown was quick to point out that nudity in the right setting is legal in New Zealand. Nudism, he warned, should not be confused with the illegal activities of an exhibitionist, who derives excitement or satisfaction from being seen naked in an inappropriate environment ... e.g. a flasher or streaker.

"A person who gets a thrill out of flashing open his raincoat on the sidewalk is not going to enjoy himself at a nudist club ... because nobody is going to notice him," Brown said.

So what are the appropriate places for nudity?

"In anybody's backyard where there is shrubbery or a fence, in your own home, in the home of friends where it is acceptable, and at a resort," Brown said.

"They are ideal places for recreation."

Well, the weather tried to do its best for us, and on listening to members from other clubs around the country I don't think we fared too badly. Still we did have four seasons in one over the weekend - from thunderstorm to brilliant sunshine - all-in-all a typical Labour Weekend mixed bag.

We, at Sutton, are in the midst of the wettest winter/spring in 47 years. The locals are actually saying those bl--dy nudies have complained about losing their trees through drought for the last three years and the 'powers that be' have finally listened to them - now for G-d's sake they have caused a flood. (Talk about God's chosen few!)

Anyway - on reaching Sutton on Friday night, after calling into Clark's for the rest of the meat, glasses, ice, etc we congratulated ourselves on bringing up the four wheel drive vehicle (Landcruiser) as it was obvious that the vehicles entering before us had fashioned themselves some rather deep ruts on the way through to the power points.

After some rather innovative driving on my part to miss the deepest ruts caused by the previous arrivals, we squelched our way to where our caravan nestled among the now overcrowded camping area.

Eight caravans and mobile homes in a six power point area - and another caravan due first thing tomorrow! Thank goodness I had previously rung around to see who would be using their power points over the weekend in question. WHEW!! It was going to be all right. Still, it emphasised what we all already knew - we desperately need more power points!!!

The trip to Sutton had been very eventful. The fog and drizzle was so thick that when my eight year old unexpectedly turned the wind-shield wipers off for five seconds I was on the point of hysteria trying to grope to find the switch to turn them on again - I was literally driving blind!!

Coming down off the hill just before Sutton was as if someone had taken a blind fold off me - I could see again - we were out of the fog and drizzle. Not in brilliant sunshine admittedly but at least you did not have to hold a hand in front of your face to be able to see it. Bill and June, Eric and Dawn, Gary and Dorothy, Ron and Marg, Winston and Daphne and Maureen and Fabian, - from Nelson, Alpine Lakes and The Orchard had already settled in. The mouth watering aromas from the individual evening meals being prepared put our intended menu of 'SAyS' to shame. YUK!!!

The evening progressed and the grounds continued to fill with still more members and visitors arriving the next day. The Landcruiser came in handy yet again - Ken, Jane and Michael got 'bogged in' and Peter, with trusty Land- cruiser, came to the rescue of their, by then, rather mud splattered caravan.

A large thanks to Bill and Eric for reappointing some of the greens up on the golf course - the original ones were still under inches of water????!! - Believe it or believe it not.

Thanks also to all other members and visitors alike who helped get the golf course in some semblance of order and shape to play on over the weekend - we did seriously think that we would have to go begging to the Middlemarch Golf Course's powers that be, just to be able to have a match!!

And aside - Mark, even though the camping area squelched under foot, could not be persuaded to give up staying in his tent over the weekend - he assured us that as he slept inside an 'ordinary' bed for most of the year, a bit of the liquid stuff lapping around his toes was exactly what he had come up for this weekend!!! Each to our Own.

On the sporting side of things, after all that is what you are all waiting to read about!! A very large thank you to Maureen and Don for the very professional way in which they organised and co-ordinated the sporting side of this weekend.

The weather worked against them in that early starts were out of the question but that gave us all time to renew friendships as well as make new ones. Maureen and Don were very ably assisted by Bryan who put those two on the 'straight and narrow' if they digressed, and won the 'rubber' stirrer award for his efforts.

This year saw more typical Kiwi inventiveness - croquet - played with number eight wire and golf putters, carpet bowls played outside on upholstery material, laid on grass, held down by the same number eight wire. The best of all was to see Fabian slashing and slugging his 'golfing club' at his ball, through the NATURAL water hazards, on the golf course, determined not to be beaten!!!

An enormous thanks must go to the behind the scenes workers in the kitchen over the weekend. The meals were really enjoyed and appreciated - especially the evening barbecue where Peter and friends were to be seen huddling under a piece of hardboard during the thunderstorm cooking the meat for 37 people. A mention must go to little Lisa McCammon who acted as the cooks' gofer in the pelting rain - thanks Lisa.

To Elizabeth and Trevor, Nelson, with mouths watering, thanks from us all for the scallops - Kay we needed you - we didn't know how to mornay them but they were still delicious.

All-in-all, on count up, with people coming and going, I counted 40 people taking advantage of this very special weekend.

WE LOST - or should I say congratulations to Nelson for again winning the Sutton/Sunrise Cup - it was mentioned during the weekend that they only win so they don't have to take the cup back home to engrave it, after all they did donate it in the first place!!!

Seriously, congratulations to everyone who took part and an especially large thank you to the Alpine Lakes members who participated and helped make this a typical Kiwi Nudist event - full of fun and friendship - see you all at the next one.

WARNEMUNDE, Germany - Maybe Annette Unger didn't have too much freedom in the former East Germany, but at least she could always be butt- naked at the beach.

"I am not ashamed of my body, I have a good body and I like to show it," said Unger, turning redder by the second as she stood near the strand of this Baltic seaside community. "They are hypocritical, bringing us all their pornography and then telling me I cannot bathe naturally,"

The objects of Unger's diatribe are the "prudish Wessis" - specifically Western German tourists - who have descended on Warnemunde and other towns along the north coast since unification of the two Germanys in 1990, bringing with them new Western rules about beach behaviour.

That's meant a proliferation of signs prohibiting nudity except in designated areas, and increased police patrols to enforce the law.

"Panty Wars," blared the cover of one tabloid earlier this summer about the frontal assault on "Freikoerperkultur" (FKK) - literally, free body culture. Taking advantage of the debate to splash colour pictures of nude Eastern Germans bouncing through the surf, the newspaper asked the question: "what's so bad about a naked Ossi?"

To Eastern Germans, or Ossis, absolutely nothing. In fact, most have been raised since childhood with the notion that birthday-suit frolicking at the shore was a family event.

While nothing was official, citizens of the communist country threw off both capitalism and speedos anywhere they pleased.

"This is no problem for us, we do it since we were babies," said Klaus Wenzel, manager of the Hotel Neptun, which fronts the Baltic Sea. "Grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, aunt, uncle, children - everyone is naked."

That was until reunification and the arrival of the Wessis, with their moralizing and money. While there are FKK beaches in the west and toplessness is no problem - this is Europe, you know - naked abandonment is a no-no if it offends others.

And Westerners, especially those from the Catholic southern regions of Germany, were plenty peeved - drawing the line in particular at anything flopping about from the waist down.

Because the ramshackle beach towns need the income from Western tourists to revive their sickly economies, local governments this summer did a cover-up - making the choicest beaches "textile-only," locating specific FKK zones in inconvenient and sometimes rocky areas miles away, and beefing up enforcement.

"Well, we had to - they are 62 million people and we are only 16 million," sighed one beleaguered Eastern politician, who confides that he swims only in the buff and doesn't even own a bathing suit. "They are not going to come around to our way of thinking."

But the FKK fracas is much more than just a tussle over tan lines.

To Eastern Germans, it's just another example of the big-footing Westerners coming in and telling them what to do - and being hypocritical in the process.

"It's not freedom if you can't do what you want," said Sieglinda Duettger, who runs a beach-side store near an FKK area in Warnemunde.

One of her customers chimed in quickly: "The prohibitions are linked to pornography that they bring here en masse now. If nudity was seen as natural, they could not sell sex the way they want to." Nearby, two men, Matthias and Daniel, whip off all their clothes and plunge their bone-white bodies into the surf. "This beach is not as pretty as the clothes beach," shrugged Matthias after emerging from the water. "But what can you do now?"

Westerners, for the most part, deny they are being prissy about clamping down on unlimited skin. In fact, some think they are doing their Eastern siblings a favour.

"Now they have rights to have their clothes on," said Jan Wollschleger, a West German staying at the Neptun. "They were naked before because they did not all have the choice of bathing suits."

Besides, said Wollschleger, Ossis look better, dressed. "Some don't have figures to show, and it's very unaesthetic," he said, wrinkling his nose. "For some of those old grandmothers, they should have special sections."

Reprint: Washington Post

Rissington in rural Hawkes Bay was the venue for the 41st NZNF Rally held during the New Year of 1993. The farm property was purchased some years ago and has been developed progressively to provide a pleasant setting for the Hawkes Bay Sun Club Inc.

The old farm cottage was earlier saved from demolition and has been transformed with tender loving care into a practical unit for visitors providing lodgings and cooking facilities. An added utility room now houses the club's mowing equipment and a canteen also graces the building providing light refreshments for the visitors and members alike.

As with farm properties throughout the region, these club grounds have a large reservoir, a facility remaining from its farming days. This large pond situated in the upper campsite area provided the youngsters with many hours of enjoyment floating on the large 'Tom Sawyer' raft and canoe. This pond is also home to many thousands of frogs whom showed their displeasure at the intrusion of the many visitors and set up a chorus of croaking mostly at night time for the duration of the Rally. Rivit... Rivit... Rivit...

On the night of the 28th of December the Rally was officially opened with a 'bang' Wayne a member of the local Gunpowder Club is the proud possessor of a large cannon and he was invited to show its capabilities to those gathered. The noise produced, along with the flash and blast, astounded everyone and it left one's ears ringing for some hours.

Earlier that day, the New Zealand Nudist Federation Inc held its 33rd AGM and resolved to seek outside assistance in developing a management package for its member clubs and to seek guidance as to the future marketing of nudism in this country.

Rallies provide nudists from throughout the country an opportunity to meet socially and also provide the venue for the inter-club sporting fixtures. Volleyball, miniten, swimming, bowls, darts and table tennis are all contested and the playing is of a very high standard indeed. It is noteworthy that two volleyball teams from Waikato won the Open Grade and Ladies events after some many years of participation. Whilst the weather was most unseasonable for Hawkes Bay at the time of the year, all the fixtures were completed in a spirit of cordiality.

One of the main features of the nighttime entertainment was the Hypnotist Show which gave everyone present an evening of enjoyment and laughter. The participants were given simple tasks to perform such as pretending to be famous singers or dancers, to play instruments and to fetch and carry whilst under the hypnotic influence. Not only did the prime subjects succumb to the hypnotic powers but many of the audience also fell asleep and had to be awakened from time to time. Indeed this was a very professional show and a highlight of the rally.

Photo: Les Olsen   

On New Year's Eve the locals ably assisted by members of the Palmerston North Sun Club provided a sit down meal for some two hundred and fifty rally goers. The spit roast, vegetables and salads were most enjoyable and gave an excellent start to the disco dancing that followed. The revelry was not dampened by the almost continuous downpour and everyone welcomed in the New Year amid laughter, balloons and cannon fire.

A tradition of rallies has been the Perc Cousins Concert night and this year we again were privileged to see some fine talent on display. The Waikato Outdoor version of 'Gitarzan' was hilarious as was the Wellington 'Sun- rock Beauty Parade' Canterbury performed a dissertation called 'Sunrock Nuds' and all these items were interspersed with singing, dancing and instrument playing which was enjoyed by all present.

Whilst the rally was over all too soon, the local members charged with responsibility of making it happen felt a sense of relief that it had all taken place as planned and the participants in the sports events were thankful to rest their tired limbs. The rest of us rally participants were happy to have had the opportunity to have a restful, relaxing time and then there were the frogs. Rivit... Rivit...

Dear Editor,

"We are a family of new members of INF in Sweden. We would like to have penfriends from your country to exchange thoughts and experiences about naturism as a lifestyle.

Please write in English to:

Elisabet and Carl Edhardt,
Box 13, S-263 21 Hoganas,
SWEDEN."

Dear Editor,

Thank you for publishing the article by Dr Michel Vais on the benefits of sunshine (Issue 143).

I translated it because I felt quite strongly that New Zealand nudists should have the opportunity of reading something on the subject of sunbathing and the risk of skin cancer which might balance the simplistic fear-mongering of the current media campaign.

Unfortunately, a misprint on page 4 (in heavy black print) has completely reversed the meaning of one of Dr Vais' main arguments. People who read the article carefully will detect the error, but those who skim over the text could easily be misinformed. Instead of "Fresh food + sun = danger" the correct wording should be: Fast food + sun = danger.

Yours sincerely,

Doug Ball

Photo: ?   

Dear Editor,

A young naturist from Israel wishes to contact boys and girls from anywhere. Will answer all letters with photos.

Write to: Ruth,

c/- P.O. Box 28171,
Tel Aviv 61281,
ISRAEL

OBITUARY: Russell de la Cour

Russell de la Cour who for many years was a prominent member of the Canterbury Sun Club, died on 23rd October 1992, at the age of 75. Many of our present members never met Russell, but his name is frequently mentioned among older members as "our greatest president". In 1962, with his wife and family, Russell joined the club having recently retired from a career in the R.N.Z. Artillery where he held the rank of Major. His qualities of leadership were quickly recognised and he was elected President within a year of joining. Ten years thereafter could be put into two words: RUSSELL RULES!

In the mid-sixties Russell ran the meetings, wrote the newsletter, drove the tractor and organised the national rally at Pineglades. The rules and regulations of the club were tabulated in his head, to be unerringly applied when necessary, especially at AGMs. All meetings were run with extraordinary speed and efficiency, especially on nights when his favourite TV programme was due to start at 9.30 p.m. Our leader was brusque and decisive. Anyone daring to stray from the point was put firmly back on course. But he was not without a sense of humour. There was a twinkle in his eye when he reminded the AGM (concerning the Long Term Planning Committee) that "after three years the longest member drops off!"

Russell's practicality, energy and dedication contributed much to the rapid progress of the club and to the Naturist movement in the 1960s. By 1972 he was elected President of the NZNF - the only national president ever from the South Island. As front man he did not hesitate to promote the cause by speaking on radio or television. However, he was not in favour of over-ambitious development of facilities at Pineglades. Expensive up-marketing, he felt, would begin to exclude less affluent families from the benefits of social naturism.

We offer condolences to his family. Russell will be missed by many people.

HIBISCUS COAST SUN CLUB

Hi there! We are still here in the sun in the hills behind Orewa, surrounded by trees and birds. 1993 will be a milestone year for the club. We are 20 years young and will have paid off our mortgage. We plan to have a big celebration later in the year.

1992 was a year of steady progress; the weekend away at Tangihua Lodge was a great success, and the swim nights at Parakai are popular. In December we had a very successful Chicken Spit Roast. The weather was great, so were the cooks (and the chooks), and we had great turn-out of our own members and guests from Auckland Outdoor Health Club.

Our thanks to all who have supported us in 1992, and our best wishes to all our Sun Club friends from all of us at Kirikau.

Enquiries - phone President Jim on 09-525-6067.

NEW ZEALAND NUDIST FEDERATION INC.

The 33rd Annual General Meeting on the NZNF Council was held current with 41st Rally at Rapere, the grounds of the Hawkes Bay Sun Club Inc on the 28th December 1992.

The following officers were elected for the current year. President: Les Olsen Auckland, North Island Vice President: Stan Gartner Waikato, South Island Vice President: Joyce Mullen Otago, Secretary: Peter Holt Auckland, Treasurer: Ian Miller Auckland, Trophy Secretary: Kay Burrows Canterbury, PRO: Brent Thompson Waikato. Kevin Sampson and Norman Wilkinson who had served the Federation each for some five years did not seek re-election this time and were duly thanked for their efforts by Les Olsen and presented with a pewter goblet each in appreciation of the work that they both had done.

Further work is being done in preparing a new marketing strategy for nudism in New Zealand and it is intended to seek some outside help to direct us in the best way that we may achieve greater member numbers for the clubs in the future.

Following the membership survey that was carried out last year, seminars have been held with clubs in the South Island and lower North Island. It is hoped that the clubs will use some of the ideas put forward to greater enhance their management techniques and work harder to retain their current membership numbers.

For the first time in many years our Federation was represented by Eddie Kwok at the I.N.F. Conference held at Paradise Lakes, Florida in August 1992. In many respects these congresses are talk-fest for the Northern Hemisphere clubs which only occasionally bring forth anything of value or relative to us here in New Zealand. The value we gain is sharing our progress with the overseas delegates who in many cases remain in awe of the climate and conditions in which we enjoy nudism in this country.

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB

We were greatly excited at winning 13 sports trophies at the Hawkes Bay Rally, the prize for the best newsletter, and a plate for our contribution to the catering and organisation of sports.

The winnings have been a spur for us to get our preparations underway for this year's "Wild West" rally. We have finished the emergency exits and ramp to the clubhouse, installed kitchen facilities and wallpapered the hall. Our cars no longer need wheel alignments after traversing the driveway, now resurfaced with new (but not Heavy) metal. The trophies look great in a new case beside our own shields and Indians hanging high. Already we have many firm bookings for our rally from other clubs who will gladly compete to take the trophies away from us in 1994.

The Central Districts NZNF seminar held on our grounds before Christmas was very informative and helpful. After altering our weekly advertisement in a local free newspaper, we received three new enquiries from couples interested in the relaxing lifestyle. Many ideas flowed from the executive and club representatives, we are especially grateful to the NZNF PRO for doing the excellent survey of present and past club members to help improve the recruitment and retention of members.

ROTOTA SUN CLUB INC.

Summer holidays! The grounds are looking great, the weather is great, the population is great and nice people, too! All areas were in use at the busiest time, just after the rally.

The stream was slow to warm up with all the heavy rain, not helped by the bare hills around us after logging of the pine trees. The pumice and silt coming down the stream is terrible to see, although the stream is usable.

For those of us lucky enough to have walked and swum from the waterfall to the lake and know the rock you either dive under or climb over, the pumice was banked up so solidly for five metres, that we walked across it to the top of the rock. An hour's work with me soon had it cleared. Erosion in this pumice country is extreme with regular or heavy rain.

The grounds and surrounding bush are intact. We seem to be visited by more birds now - that is nice.

Speaking of birds: one little bird fell off a bike, and after seeing the sights of Taupo hospital, returned with a wing in plaster. Last year her mother arrived with a leg in plaster. There must be other ways of being noticed.

Thank you to all our visitors. We enjoy your company, and we are pleased to be able to share our lovely grounds with you all.

RIVERLANDS CHANGE IN STYLE

For the past eighteen months Riverlands Hideaway resort has been pursuing a clothes optional policy. While the holiday complex was not totally completed - we ran it on the lines of the European style resort where people had a choice if clothes were to be worn or not.

This season we introduced restrictions to this policy made from comments by holiday makers. Clothes had to be worn in the kitchen, lounge and rec. room plus single males had to be accompanied by a female. There are a far greater number of male nudists in New Zealand and women are put off by having a lot of naked men around. Riverlands - operating as clothes optional relied on the support of nudists throughout New Zealand, but operating this policy kept a large number of clothed people away.

This season being our second, has seen very few naturists using our facilities. Apart from the handful that stayed on for a few days after the Hawkes Bay Rally, they have been non existent. We have decided that if the naturist content of New Zealand was not interested in coming here it seemed pointless trying to carry on with clothes optional policy.

The resort - while still not entirely complete has been very expensive to set up and we need a continual flow of people through to make it pay. While many are staying away because of the naturist element as well as not being supported by the naturists themselves, we are forced to cancel the clothes optional policy.

We still will welcome naturists - but nudity will not be allowed in full view of other campers unless in specific areas - spa - sauna and sunbathing beaches. The swimming pool is one area where discretion must be used ie: during the day if children are using the pool or families of clothed people, togs must be worn.

Other sunbathing areas are to be built as we can afford it and in most instances will be available for nude sunbathing.

Riverlands station has 1700 acres in which to roam if they please. We apologise if this new policy upsets naturists but in order to survive we must attract people from all walks of life.

The proprietors,
Bruce and Pauline McVicar

Photos: Les Olsen 

THE AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

Oops! Sorry folks. Last issue saw a reprint of our September newsletter. Mr Editor's mistake, not ours. But still, it re-advertised the "How to Lose Weight with sweets and chocolates" theme.

There is now a new "B.P." station on the nudists map. No, not petrol filling station, but Bryce and Pauline McVicar's clothes-optional Riverlands complex. Still in its infancy, it already has quite a lot to offer. Set in almost 2,000 acres of both flat and hilly country. This complex has the usual cooking, laundering and ablution facilities with a nice lounge, games room, a good spa and sauna room.

It is quite a wonderful experience taking a walk in the nude, along one of the many paths running through the property. Then taking a cooling dip in the Mohaka River. A bit of care has to be taken to avoid many brambles in some places.

Of course, for the more adventurous, there is always the white water rafting, horse riding and tramping.

The Hawkes Bay Rally, to say the least, was a dampening experience. Unfortunately, the rain, almost every night, left the non-absorbent soil rather slippery and boggy. David's trusty tractor had to be called on more than once to rescue some stranded vehicle designed for more firmer terrain. Although damp under foot, and often overhead, spirits were not, as the sometimes crowded shower room could tell. A good effort, Hawkes Bay, better luck next time.

Back at our own club, progress is continuously being made on the upgrading of the premises. We now have a small spa pool, which is proving very popular. The basic sauna room has been made. It just needs to be lined and a heater installed. The pipes have been laid in the ditch, bringing the Ring Road a stage nearer completion.

Membership is well up, due to advertising and good media coverage, both in newspapers and on the radio. We seem to be attracting quite a number of families with several small children.

We're such a nice group of people it's no wonder everyone else wants to join.

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB INC.

Some fifty-nine members of the club travelled to Hawkes Bay for the 41st NZNF Rally. Although the cold and wet dampened the enthusiasm of some most had an enjoyable time relaxing.

Auckland Anniversary weekend has for many years been the time when other clubs in the region have joined in a weekend of social and sporting activity. And so it was last weekend with a Country and Western theme social complete with a demonstration Square Dance put on by members of the North Shore Round and Square Dance Club; a number of whom belong to AOHC.

Crazy games of Crackit, Volleyten and Top Team took place over the three days much to the enjoyment of the locals and visitors from Waikato, Rotota and Hawkes Bay.

For those not familiar with the crazy games, Crackit is a multi member team cricket game played with a bat and tennis ball with all members batting and bowling. Volleyten is a multi-sided team played like volleyball except that a small soft ball is hit over the net with Miniten bats and scored as for Volleyball. Good fun but not as easy as it seems.

For the third year running the champion Top Team was the Black and Tans. This year they were given a very close contest by the runners-up who show a lot of promise and may take the trophy off them next year. Indoor bowls and Trivial Pursuit completed an enjoyable weekend of fun.

NELSON SUN CLUB

In the September issue our club news contained the information that "Sunrise" had experienced the driest year in over 20 years. Obviously it shouldn't have been mentioned as spring has seen more rain than can be remembered for a long time!!!

But, on the positive side, as a result the Club grounds look lush with luxurious growth everywhere - trees, flowers, lawns (they would!) and especially the golf course. This has meant extra work for the "maintenance crew" which hasn't gone unnoticed by all who are enjoying the results. During 1992 numerous trees were planted and they are all growing well, thanks to the extra moisture; and the stream is still looking picturesque, instead of retreating underground which it usually does during the summer.

Our list of overseas visitors staying at Sunrise, has been added to this summer, by the presence of a couple from Alaska. Not having had the chance this time to meet to them, I wonder just how much time they are able to spend in "club uniform" in their home country! I'm sure they appreciated our warmer weather. This is just one of the many positive aspects of membership of a Club, meeting people from, not only all walks of life, but from all countries in the world. It certainly makes life interesting. Hopefully I'll meet them next time.

Our usual golf tournaments went off well again this summer, thanks to Bill for all his organisation, and for finding such interesting prizes! We are now looking forward to the Easter sporting events - something for everyone. This year we can add croquet and horse-shoe tossing to the list.

As the number of folk wanting to stay at Sunrise has increased, Doris has taken over the accommodation side of things, so if you would like to stay, please phone 03 543 2030 to book a powered/unpowered site or a room in the clubhouse. This year, thanks to the generosity of members, we are able to provide bedding/linen if necessary, so all you need to bring is your food. We can usually provide transport from the airport too if this is necessary. Although we are quite busy during the holiday time, we have never turned anyone away through lack of a bed, but if you want to sleep in the "honeymoon room" you'll need to book!!

Perhaps we'll see you over Easter.

AUTUMN

LEAVES

There are two seasons which show their beauty to the utmost of the year, 2 seasons which are outstanding in nature that depict creation, that is springtime when leaves appear on trees, flowers begin to bloom and bulbs pop out of the ground all of a sudden, but on the other hand what about autumn, when leaves are falling. I always get a little sad to see that, but before they fall on the ground and die, they show us their colours, changing from summer green to an even more beautiful red, yellow or a mixture, showing us that falls upon us. Then winds begin to howl, storms begin to blow and rip us off the branches and away we fly through streets, forests over lakes, ponds, large rain puddles or muddy roads, it is here where an end comes to our life, we die.

High in a tree we were born

Later to be torn

And trampled by human beings and cars

Many people walk and talk

And do not even look up

To see us low or high

Up in the sky

People have eyes, but often do not see

Sometimes it happens that people

will rip us off

Before its time to fall down, that's bad

And makes us sad

In fall we produce a special smell

For those who love to inhale and feel well

Then we cry

And die

We have made way for the next generation

For those who love beauty and recreation

Then comes next spring

And we hope it will also bring

New joy for those that love leaves,

trees, blue skies and sunshine

So everyone can have another nude time.

- Robbert Broekstra

NEW ZEALAND CLUB DIRECTORY

The secretaries of these clubs will be pleased to hear from genuine inquirers. Please enclose return postage.

new zealand

naturist

No. 144 March 1993

The New Zealand Naturist is the Official Journal published quarterly by the New Zealand Nudist Federation Inc. Registered at the Chief Post Office Wellington as a magazine.

Editor:

Graeme Brown

Business Manager:

Frank Murphy

This magazine is protected by copyright, no part of it may be reproduced. stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photographic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the editor.

In our desire to present different points of view we publish articles and letters which do not necessarily represent the opinion of the editor.

(Top)

AUSTRALIAN NUDIST CLUB DIRECTORY

All correspondence should be addressed to:

P.O. Box 2925,
AUCKLAND.
NEW ZEALAND

General inquiries concerning nudism in New Zealand, or overseas, should be addressed to the:-

New Zealand
Nudist Federation Incorporated
P.O. Box 1359. Wellington.
NEW ZEALAND

President: Les Olsen
Auckland (09) 444-5015

Applications for membership of clubs should be made direct to the club secretary (see Club Directory)

PHOTO CREDITS

Les Olsen - IFC, P2, P4, P10, P11, P14, P15,

P16, P18, P20, P22, C.S., I.B.C.

Doug Ball - F.C., P3, P9, C.S.

Graham Hall - P15, C.S.

Robbert Broekstra - B.C.

DEADLINES FOR COPY

145 June 1993 - 20 April 1993

146 September 1993 - 15 July 1993

147 December 1993 - 1 October 1993

148 March 1994 - 30 January 1994