# 151 - December 1994 

To quote an old saying "Time never stands still" and so it is with the N.Z. Naturist. After 14 years and 56 issues it's time for me to step aside, hand the reins over to a new editor and put my efforts into new endeavours.

It is with a sense of pride that I hand on a magazine with a strong and growing readership and equally important, in a strong financial position.

Fourteen years earlier I had found the Naturist in a much different condition. It had a small readership but, much more significantly, had ceased publication for two issues because it was broke.

With the help of Marion and Ray (then Business Managers) and Ron Rencher (then NZNF President) we put our heads together and came up with a new look Naturist, it was to be A4 in size, a more efficient use of the paper, and 24 pages with only the covers and centre spread in colour, the beginning of today's Naturist. To raise the money to print the first issue we needed to sell the idea to the clubs. The N.Z. clubs, to their credit, saw the value in the new Naturist and so with the money in the bank our first issue hit the book stands.

The new format quickly proved, thankfully, to be very successful, with the readership significantly stronger.

Photo by Doug Ball

Within the first year, sales were sufficient to repay our loans and we haven't looked back since. As sales have increased so has the Naturist: we now boast 28 pages - eight in colour.

The editor is only one part of a team, the other major player is the Business Manager without whom a magazine could not exist. After my first business managers Marion and Ray, came Graeme Anderson. Graeme was a very active member of the South Auckland Sun Club and local sports clubs. Graeme was also a very good Business Manager, but unfortunately it was also a very distressing time in the history of the magazine as Graeme was killed in a car accident on the way home from a N.Z.N.F. rally.

Since then, for more years than I care to count, I have had the marvellous help and wisdom of a very good friend, Frank Murphy. Those readers who have corresponded with us over the years will undoubtedly be familiar with Frank's business acumen and flair.

Frank's enthusiasm has seen us optimise our return from every issue of the Naturist. This has taken many avenues but the most important has been the tight control over expenditure and the active selling of back issues around the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have made submissions over the years, whether it was editorial comment, club news, letters to the editor or you who took photos and photos and more photos. These people are the backbone of the volunteer NZ Naturist; without them there would be no New Zealand in the New Zealand Naturist.

Finally I would like to ask you to support the new editor (who will be elected at Christmas time at the N.Z.N.F. annual general meeting). Their energies will mean there is a NZ Naturist to read for many more years.

Thank you for your support.

- Graeme Brown
Retiring Editor

"Want to take a shower with me?" I asked my filthy 6-year-old, who apparently believes water is only for drinking. She looks horrified.

"I can't take a shower with you," she answers with exaggerated patience. "You're a dad and I'm your daughter."

I knew of course. But what I didn't know was that she already recognises the implications of that relationship, loaded with centuries-old overtones of social censure, taboo and Freudian meanings.

Looking back, I didn't want to molest my daughter but I didn't want to stop touching her either. And suddenly the kid who still snuggles under the covers with me on chilly mornings, is just as likely to slam doors in my face when she gets dressed.

No point in telling her I've seen it all before in intimate detail. She's seeing it all in a new light.

"Do you have to potty?" I ask before we leave the house.

"Dad," she moans, casting a mortified look at her friend. "How would you like it if I said that to you?"

She has a point. I guess any child old enough to play sport in the rain - despite every instinct urging me to keep her inside warm and dry - is old enough to deserve some privacy.

My daughter is too old to share a bedroom with a brother.

We are leaving diapers and naps behind and heading toward deodorant and dating. Suddenly modesty forbids a lot.

Now, I am not saying the atmosphere in my household is electrically charged with sexual tension. But as the kids grow older, there is new awareness.

I never thought twice about hiring male babysitters - until a mother of daughters told me she would never consider it; then I recognised it, in a new light.

One day this summer a woman sunbathed at the beach topless.

"Did you see?" My three children each inquired separately, giggling and bending low to my ear.

I saw, but I didn't speak. I was torn. A sense of propriety urged me to scold them but I was held back by the thought that perhaps we would all be healthier, if natural were normal.

Of course, it isn't. We don't live in a suburb of "The Blue Lagoon," but we don't need to go back to covering piano legs with skirts, either.

Still, as my children grow, some new rules prevail.

I now knock before bursting into my 10-year-old's bedroom. It doesn't matter that I remember when she used to sleep in my room.

When we hug, in fact, I notice that she sometimes touches me tightly, only at the top.

Of course, as the children become more self-conscious about themselves, my wife and I have become more conscious about ourselves.

My wife tells our 7-year-old son to leave the bedroom when she is getting dressed. I have disappeared inside the closet to avoid changing in front of my daughters.

It seems like we just barely took the child-proof latches off cabinet doors. Next thing, we'll be putting locks on the bedroom doors.

We should start, come to think of it, with mine.

Photo: Alpine Lakes

THE WAY AHEAD

A Report from the President Bart Wijnberg
for the 1994 INF Congress

Naturism is doing well in most parts of the world, but organised naturism could do much better. My report for the Congress will focus on the differences between countries and the role of INF. These differences could be perceived as lost opportunities for those who lag behind, but could also be seen as excellent opportunities to catch up with the "leaders".

The world map of naturism has been expanding drastically over the past year. Only last year we welcomed in our midst the representative of Russia, which meant to INF a huge step forward in territory covered by the international federation. The number of member countries now circles around thirty, a number never reached before. INF has correspondents now in ever more countries. But we are talking about relatively small numbers of people who carry the INF card. Yet, those new countries should merit much attention from the international community to help them develop and overcome possible difficulties in the prospective growth. So far, INF has been stimulating the local federations mainly through intensive letter writing and occasional talk when a board member would happen to be near Antwerp or Mönchengladbach. More is needed, but our budget does not allow for more.

Remaining for a while in the worldwide arena, the past two years have seen a slow turning point for our American friends who felt that INF was not doing enough for them. Whatever may be true of that tenet - half of the contribution of the non- European countries already stays there - what showed here was a difference in outlook. How do we define our communal naturism?

Turning to the European heartland there are interesting trends to be observed. In some countries developments are much more favourable to naturism than in others. If I may be allowed to mention a few countries by name: the Netherlands federation is now second in number of naturists and thereby by-passed Germany. To be sure: this is not the proud remarking of a trend by a Dutch INF president, but it does give food for thought. The French federation has a relatively small number of France-based naturists in its ranks. Again: food for thought. Some federations spend a large amount of their budget to reach out and get new members/clients, while some others do not seem to be in that position. And lastly there is a trend to follow political developments in the wish to create a European Union of Naturists within the INF.

Last but not least: there is a precarious balance of different sorts in the naturist world. I mention a few: in more than one country the number of club members is outstripped (no pun intended) by non-club members - and in small countries surpassed by non-organised naturists. In some countries there is a special balance between clubs / associations on the one hand and individual members on the other. And in other countries again there is a precarious balance between non-commercial clubs and holiday centres. One could probably mention a few more national trends. But I would like to draw your attention to a few international trends: in more than one part of the world the cold north needs the sunny south for its sun, but inversely, that sunny south needs the cold north for the number of naturists it provides.

And there is a balance to be found between the European heartland and what should not be labelled "the rest of the world".

Now if the non-club members and non-organised naturists and the organised ones do not look each other straight in the eye and do not widen each others' opportunities, valuable opportunities are lost. If the individual members and the clubs do not work together, valuable opportunities are lost there as well. If the holiday centres and the cooperative clubs do not work together, they will both lose. If the northerners and southerners do not see their communal interest, naturism will suffer. And if we cannot keep sufficient unity throughout the world, our ideals are damaged. All of us - it would seem to me - need this international umbrella organisation to provide basic services, information brokerage and a few other things.

Let's realise that we are dependent on one another. The INF support to the war victims (in parts of former Yugoslavia) was there to prove that point, albeit in a sad way. We are dependent on each other, and in a time of severe budgetary and economic constraints it is more than ever necessary that we are aware of this. Together we are more than the individual parts that form the whole. Let us keep that in mind for a bright future.

You may have sensed some concern in this president's report. If that is the case, you are a good reader. The International Naturist Federation (I write it out in full to stress the importance of each of the words) needs your continued support.

One of the major problems which nudists face is telling people what we do. Sure, it sounds easy enough to say to people that nudist clubs are a friendly, family environment, but there are lots of other images going through their heads.

On 27 November 1994, the Auckland region nudist clubs are combining for an open day. There's nothing new in open days - the combined Auckland clubs have had several in recent years. What will make this one different is that it will be the glasnost of nudism: not just an open gate, but a total openness to curious outsiders.

Part of the warm-up to the open day was a display at Mind Body '94, a major health and lifestyle exhibition promoting well being, health and nutrition, natural beauty and environmental awareness - the open day organisers figured that naturism was in there somewhere.

The Expo lasted from Friday to Sunday 7-9 October, in the basement of the old Auckland Central Railway Station. It attracted a great deal of interest. Thanks to the miracles of colour photocopying, the open day display used a number of enlarged photographs, showing some of the advantages of nude recreation.

The display used images that focused on activities, rather than people: partly in sympathy for the variety of people attending the Expo, and partly because there was no need to zoom in on individual nude people, the photographs were distance shots, or swimming pool shots, showing that being nude is a very natural (and sensible) thing to do, in the right circumstances.

Photo: Brent Thomson

Because the message of the open day is very inclusive and free, the display also included shots of nude and clothed people socialising or playing sports together.

For the open day itself, the message will be even clearer: nude recreation is a fun, family-enriching, liberating experience - but most of all, it is relaxing. It is precious time out of the busy world with all its distractions and commitments.

For the Auckland open day, being nude is secondary to projecting a positive message about nude recreation and nudists. Even those people who would never consider undressing in public will be welcome at the Auckland Outdoor Health Club grounds on 27 November.

For people who are curious about how it feels to be outside with nothing between you and heaven but a layer of sunscreen.

There will be every opportunity, but no compulsion.

The Mind Body Expo gave nude recreation a chance to put its message across, but the real chance will be in November. Nudists who can get to the open day are encouraged to bring anyone who'll come with them. If you've been reading the NZ Naturist for years, waiting for the video, then this will be your best opportunity.

The open day will provide plenty of organised activities for children, teenagers and adults of all ages. There will also be stall, food, information booths, sports, coaching sessions - even a world-class aerobic lesson.

The organisers don't expect everyone to be nude; just to have a really good time.

Naturism is an intimacy with the natural world of which we are apart. The feeling of sun and air on one's body, the exhilaration of swimming and emerging naked into a bluebell wood - what a heavenly sight and smell to heal the mind!

"Make your club a Nature Reserve" was the title of an article in a recent bulletin of the International Naturist Federation. Most of the clubs I have experienced in this country and in Europe do have this character, with a nice balance of developed and wilderness areas, which is a major part of their appeal to city dwellers. The theme of responsibility and care for the natural environment is further developed by Konrad E. Bronnimann in the Guest Editorial (issue no.150).

What I am suggesting is that the environment - whether it be trees, green grass, woodland, mountains, river, waterfall or beach - is such a significant component of our enjoyment that is appropriate to indicate this is our appelation.

The word "naturism" is validated by its inclusion in that most conservative of dictionaries, the Greater Oxford (1989) which defines it as "A movement for, or the practice of, communal nudity in private grounds." Chambers Dictionary (1983 edition) gives a definition similar to that adopted by the INF at its 1974 World Conference: "Communal nudity practiced in the belief that it encourages self-respect, respect for others and a feeling of being in harmony with nature" - though this noble claim is somewhat modified in the latest edition.

I find that "the cult of nudism" is regarded by most of society as an UNnatural practice; therefore I think it was, and still is, a wise decision on the part of our INF forbears to bring nature into our title - for it seems we must have a title and can't avoid it! Naturally, we all wish to be respected by society and to feel confident rather than secretive about our lifestyle. Respect is not available by means of exhortation, but must be earned.

People don't seem to mind the idea of a "clothes-optional" holiday or "skinny-dipping" at a quiet beach or river, but most are averse to the idea of joining a nude cult or commune. "Sun" clubs, in planning their future, need to look around and think realistically about these facts in order to establish an attractive and viable identity.

Joyce Fleming

Photo: Joyce Fleming

Options & Definitions

There are various reasons why some people like to go without clothes, occasionally or often. We can debate till the cows come home about the words nudist, naturist, naturalist, au naturel, or what have you? I believe that our future ideal would be freedom of choice, whether on the beach, at home, at certain holiday resorts or within our "Sun" clubs, where membership is, in any case, limited to those of like mind.

Meanwhile the debate goes on, and in stating our own preference we cannot presume to speak for everyone.

Alan McWilliam, in his Guest Editorial (issue no.149), prefers the word "nudist" - defined in his Shorter Oxford Dictionary as "an adherent of the cult of the nude." This, he claims, is exactly what we are. Hmm. Some of us dislike this label. Nudist is a stark word with narrow connotations in the minds of society at large; likewise the word "cult" which means "religion, obsession or fad."

To me, the naturist lifestyle (which, like Annette and Alan McWilliam I first experienced at a delightful clothes-optional resort) is characterised by freedom of choice.

Adults and children alike have an innate need to touch and be touched by other human beings. This need has seldom, if ever, been adequately met in Western society. The climate of the times makes this an even more pressing problem than ever before. If I touch another man, will it be conjectured that I am homosexual and making overtures? If I touch a woman, will this be construed as unfaithfulness to my wife, or even sexual harassment? And should I touch a child with too much affection, or even, God forbid, tenderness; will it be claimed that I have sexually abused him or her? Who then, is there left to touch? My wife and my cat. Both, I submit are very touchable. Yet this is hardly a full plate. What has gone wrong?

In our attempt to negotiate a creative and balanced path in life we are continuously being confronted with the possibility of veering off towards one of two extremes. This is because the values of life always seem to have a polar quality about them.

Freedom must be balanced with responsibility. Individuality must be balanced with social cohesion and belonging. The need for change must be balanced with the need for stability, the need for spontaneity with thought, and so on.

Whenever we are on a course that affirms one side of these polarities to the exclusion of the other, we lose our balance and bring destruction down on ourselves and on those we love. This is why we are having so much difficulty with the issue of touching. Two important principles must be honoured, and we are having difficulty finding a balance between them.

First, we need to touch. We need a thousand times more touch than is normally available. Children, especially need to touch, but we do not outgrow this need as we grow older.

The second principle is that there are forms of touch that are appropriate to each kind of relationship, and forms that are not. It is good that mothers and babies enjoy touching each other with the greatest intimacy during breast feeding. It is good that adults and children should show affection for each other through rough-housing, hugs, back rubs and the like. It is not good that adults should use children as sexual partners.

Sin is missing of the mark. It is a failure to discern, desire, and implement the creative balance needed for our own well-being and that for others. If we are starving each other for the touch we all need, we have missed the mark in one way. If we fail to maintain the appropriate forms of touch, we have missed it in another.

On his way home Ulysses had, at one point, to navigate between a sea monster on a rock - the Scylla - on one side of his ship, and a terrible whirlpool - the Charybdis - on the other. In the issue of touching, the Scylla and the Charybdis that we must negotiate between are decadence and puritanism. The sin of decadence is exploitation. When we fail to observe the proper forms of any relationship we inevitably involve ourselves in the exploitation of the other. An adult using a child for his own sexual gratification is perhaps the best example of this. The sin of puritanism, on the other hand, is oppression.

The climate of the times that makes it almost impossible to touch anyone is a result of deeply oppressive, puritanical spirit holding sway over many of the institutions of society.

Whenever we lose our moral balance, the processes of life split off into extremes that encourage each other. Puritan oppression grows stronger because it is reacting to a real and growing decadence in our society. The decadent factions of our society on the other hand see themselves as escaping the chains of the puritan. Neither extreme is a real antidote for the other. Only a balanced view that affirms the values of both touching and appropriate forms, will lead us to health.

If we are to lead society in a healthy direction, we must be naturists of the middle way. We must guard against decadence within the naturist movement so that freedom of touch does not become licence to exploit. Equally, we must confront the puritanical forces within and without that would prevent needed and innocent expressions of physical intimacy and affection. Adhering to this middle way, we will be able to safely affirm every human being's right and need for the nurturing and healing influence of human touch.

This article is the editorial reprinted from Naturist Life International, No 9, one of the most interesting naturist magazines we have come across for a long time. It is published by NLI Inc., 102 Oakwood Drive, S. Burlington, Vermont 05403-6226, USA. The subscription for four issues is $25 by sea mail or $40 by airmail, in US funds only. Highly Recommended.

During recent years, the committee of the Waikato Outdoor Society has been concerned about their falling membership and at the Annual General Meeting in 1992, resolved to seek a club ground nearer to Hamilton city in the expectation that it would encourage membership growth.

The property at Corcoran Road, Mt Pirongia had been their home for many years since its acquisition from the late Derek Tollan, a man whom had had a long and faithful association with naturism in the region. Sadly, Derek passed away two years ago in Whangarei where he had lived in recent years. He had maintained his naturist following as the Secretary / Treasurer of the Northern Sun-seekers until its closure in September 1989.

In April 1993, Waikato Outdoor purchased a property at Matangi, east of Hamilton and soon afterward, sold the Corcoran Road property to a local farmer.

During October 1993, the club received title to their new site and soon afterward set about the formalities of getting land use permission for development of the site.

Located in a rural orchard subdivision, the property of some 4.58 hectares is screened on three sides by internal shelter belts and contains plantings of raspberry canes, persimmon, nashi, nectarine and apple trees.

The eastern boundary borders the Mangaonua Stream and this being largely overgrown prohibits encroachment of the club grounds from that side.

The embankment bordering this stream was selected for early development as it provided a natural suntrap during the winter months and the work could be carried out at little or no cost. After a general cleanup of fallen debris, some judicious minor landscaping and selective planting a beautiful tranquil glade resulted (see second to top, and bottom photos).

In September '93 the club lodged an Application for Planning Consent with the Waikato District Council. This application included the building of camping facilities, a modest clubrooms, volleyball and miniten courts and car parking area.

Five submissions in opposition to the development were received by Council and following the hearing on 17 Nov '93 permission was granted for the club to proceed with its development.

Subsequent to this approval being granted, an appeal under section 121 of the Resource Management Act 1991 was lodged by Mr R. McQueen and others, being persons who lived in the vicinity of the club site.

The principal grounds of their opposition were traffic hazard, health risk from orchard spraying, spraying constraints, devaluation of neighbouring properties, noise and adverse social and cultural effects and effects on amenity values.

The question of traffic hazard by the appellants related to the intersection of Trentham and Woodside Roads which is about 100 metres from a bend in the latter road. It was a contention that the intersection was hazardous and not capable of supporting high traffic volumes that were likely to be generated by the proposed site development.

Mr Gordon, the District Roads engineer; deposed that a 130 metre sight distance to the east of the intersection is a safe stopping sight distance for a vehicle travelling at 90 kph, and that widening of Woodside Road was currently planned. In his opinion there was not sufficient traffic hazard to justify refusing the proposed activity.

The alleged social and cultural effects and effects on amenity values were that some appellants found objectionable and unacceptable the "clothes free" recreation of members of the applicant society. They also referred to Maori traditional uses of the nearby Mangaonua stream for eeling and collecting watercress and assented that Maori would find nudist facilities objectionable and a disincentive to their traditional use of the stream. They also submitted that the proposed activity was incompatible with the social and cultural fabric of the surrounding community and it would negatively affect the amenity values of the area.

Nudity as such is not illegal, nor is it generally regarded in this country as immoral. (Ref. the judgment of Justice Tomkins in Ceramalus v. Police: High Court Auckland AP76191 8 July 1991.)

There is no suggestion of indecorous, let alone indecent, behaviour by members of the applicant society, and the acceptance just recorded would ensure nudity would not be displayed where it would be visible by neighbours or members of the public.

There was no evidence from a sociologist or anthropologist or other appropriate expert to support the appellants' claims of adverse social and cultural effects. That some residents of a neighbourhood find an activity (such as nudism) embarrassing, objectionable or unacceptable does not necessarily amount to an effect of the activity on the social or cultural conditions which affect a community, nor does it amount to an effect on the 'amenity values' of the area.

It is our understanding that tolerance of a variety of attitudes is evidence of healthy social conditions in a free and democratic society.

In summary, we do not find on the evidence that the proposed activity would have any significant adverse effect on the social or cultural conditions of the local community, or on the amenity values of the area.

Regarding the health hazard from spray drifts, the appellants' stated that the proposed activity would expose members of WOS to exposure to toxic sprays used to manage horticultural production through skin contact with grass and foliage during periods of spraying and for some time thereafter.

It was the applicants case that such risks, although minimal, were for the applicant (WOS) to manage in consultation with the surrounding neighbours. That they did not seek limits on spraying other than requiring the same care be taken that is owed in general to all inhabitants of the area. They submitted that those spraying have duties under the Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992 and the Health Act of 1956.

In summary of this subject, the judgement found that there would be a potential effect on the environment including people engaged in orchards as part of the ecosystem, of allowing the proposed activity. Orchardists in the vicinity would be restrained from managing their orchards with chemical sprays at the times and in the ways that they might otherwise do, because of the risk of harm to people using the Waikato Outdoor Society property for the recreation.

It was a coming of age for the annual Fernlands hot pool event organised by Rotota Sun Club on Saturday 21 May 1994. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the winter hot pool visits. From the beginning, these events have been organised by Graham McGregor, the Public Relations Officer of Rotota Sun Club.

"It is the people who make it happen," says Graham, highlighting the effort made by nudists coming from all over the North Island to attend the event. This year 100 adults and about 30 children enjoyed the warm water and the even warmer company.

Stan Gartner, the North Island Vice- President of the NZ Nudist Federation, provided a large cake and a few words to commemorate the special anniversary. He and Graham McGregor spoke of the value of Fernlands to nudists. Usually assumed to be a summer activity, there is a great need to provide opportunities for nudists and their friends to socialise in a clothes free environment during the cooler months.

A sign of the value of this event is the truly social atmosphere that is the best possible introduction to nudism. Even though togs are not allowed, newcomers come into a relaxed environment where the friendliness of the crowd and the cloudy spring water make it easy to forget that you are nude and just enjoy the experience. One sixteen year old local guy approached Rotota for information about their club and got an invitation to this event. In the dreary, drizzling middle of winter, could you imagine a better way to first experience the freedom and benefits of going nude?

Photo: Brent Thomson

The Fernlands complex is at the bottom of a long, steep driveway, on the very edge of Tauranga. Typically in May, the first pools you see are pools of mud churned up in the car park, from where you have to waddle to the reception desk.

There is no sign or indication that only feet away, dozens of people are shrugging off winter woollies and winter moods in anticipation of a warm dip. Having paid your money, and signed the register, you go through to dressing rooms. This year, a nudist photographer had taken over one of the dressing rooms to use as studio. An unwary newcomer could suddenly find himself walking by a modelling session!

With light rain falling on the roof, and a cool breeze wafting through the dressing room, you don't really feel like undressing.

That final few yards' dash over slippery steps to the water makes the relief of warm water all the more sweet. A few seconds of warming the body and you can choose to catch up with friends, meet some new people or join in a game with a ball or one of several floating objects - including Graham McGregor. Strangely enough, after a while in the water, even the outside is warm enough to make clothes seem unnecessary for a while.

The special day offers something for everyone: fun in the pool, good company, a precious few hours out of many layers of winter clothes, a relaxing soak and, of course, some of the NZNF cake, which hit just the right spot on a cold day.

Keep it up, Rotota - a lot of us look forward to next year.

Wellington Club News

A great deal of work has been done over the winter, but a dedicated group of members and many helpers over many of the weekends.

Due to our large and pleasant surroundings of bush and trees, it is a constant battle to keep growth in check. Some of the exotic species introduced to beautify the grounds initially have spread seeds far and wide - the sycamore being the worst. A number have been removed to encourage growth of natives which have established themselves or been planted. Willows have been further cleared from the stream area to allow Doug's Kowhai plantings to flourish. As a consequence we have had much firewood to sell and a great deal of other organic waste.

The organic waste has traditionally been burnt off. Despite notifying the neighbours, the fire brigade gets called every year. So following the establishment of "Jeff's Garden" and similar projects, a large commercial mulcher has been used on the aforementioned waste to produce mulch in large quantities.

Our very active social secretary, Wendy, has organised a number of highly successful events throughout the winter. They've ranged from fish & chips suppers after working bees, to the mid-winter feast and the most recent event - a dance entitled "A Spring Fling for an Old Thing". The hall had been especially decked out with large numbers of hand drawn daffodils and other decorations and as usual Ad & Reit excelled themselves in quality and quantity. It was especially gratifying to see the visitors brought along to the dance by members and the hall was respectably full.

A long term planning committee has been rekindled after a number of years of absence. A half day's workshop was held at Victoria University's Group Decision Centre.

Using their excellent computer software designed to help groups develop ideas, was well worth the effort. It pin-pointed one of ou main concerns: decline in membership.

We are now looking forward to our two open weekends: Labour Weekend and the weekend before it.

Despite a number of changes in the club committee since the May election, the club seems to continue forward at a great pace.

The rally subcommittee is gearing up to make the '95-96 rally our best yet.

South Canterbury Sun Club

The South Canterbury Sun Club has been busy over the last three years, slowly getting our club grounds tidied up and better equipped. Those of us who like to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life, for a weekend or more now and again, can do so with all the essential home comforts. We can offer the holidaying nudist power, a swimming pool, ablution block, mini-ten court, a BBQ, a good sized clubhouse with kitchen facilities, lots of South Canterbury hospitality and plenty of sunshine from now on.

We have regular 'Social Sundays' once a month so we can keep in touch if we happen to miss each other on our trips to the club.

We also enjoy fun days and nights, when affiliated members are invited to join us. Our 21st Birthday in January this year was one such event. A very successful weekend where old friendships were renewed, and new friends were made. There is something special about a nudist friendship.

During the last year we have welcomed some much needed new members into our club, and, some new blood onto the committee.

The year ahead will be busier than usual as we have a little project in the planning stages for late 1995 early 1996.

In the meantime we have more power points to install and another BBQ to erect, work on the pool fence, miniten courts and gardens and a few other tasks that require attention. So when the sun gets too much for us and we just have to put on a T shirt, you'll catch us gardening, fencing or building somewhere around our little haven is South Canterbury.

Rotota Sun Club

Hibernate for winter? Not us! Too busy improving the grounds for summer.

Don't you love working bees where people bring their own tools? Things like a digger on the back of a truck. The man-hours (people-hours?) saved by this machine were incredible. We have a new winter tank above the tractor shed, new soak-holes for showers and road run-off, and some road repairs. Many thanks from all of us!

The rest of us weren't idle (except when watching the digger)! More pines pruned at ground level; pipeline to the new tank laid and tank part-filled with lake water; planting of native and firewood trees; the beachfront retaining wall and concrete boat-launching ramp completed and grasss-seeded; camping areas extended and grassed.

Phew! It's making me tired all over again. Roll on summer.

For these unable to get to the rally, come visit us at Rotota to see all these improvements for yourself.

And we're planning further ahead, too.

Waitangi Weekend (3 days!) - another famous Rotota disco.

Easter - we have live entertainment with an Irish band - more details later.

Travel safely at holiday time - remember that all roads lead to RO__TA!

Graham

Dear Editor,

We have been members of New Zealand Nudist Clubs for over 30 years and have experienced many changes. We have seen Canterbury Sun Club grow to nearly 500 members and then, like other clubs, decline to around 200.

Over this time we have often felt inclined to write to the N.Z. Naturist both in positive and negative veins, but somehow pen was never put to paper.

However, now we feel it is imperative to voice our views about what seems to be happening to our nudist / naturist movement.

We were appalled to see on pages 6-7 of issue number 150 the proposed new N.Z.N.F. logo. Our club held a meeting at which the reception of the new promotional materials was decidedly cool. We objected to "the feet" as a logo because they give no indication of nakedness and we suggested a poster competition to be held to choose a new logo. Personally, we like the present logo.

Our club also objected to the use of an 0800 phone number as it is too expensive.

Finally we wanted "Clothes free recreation" as the bold heading and were not impressed with "Gonatural". It appears our ideas have been completely ignored.

This new publicity seems to be trying to hide the fact that we are nudists. We could be slipping back to the 1950s, when membership of a club tended to be kept secret. Also, are we now so ashamed of our men folk that they must be kept out of sight for a ladies only day?

As we approach the twenty first century let us continue to move out of the closet and not return to the days of secrecy and delusion.

Yours sincerely,

W. and V. Shepherd
Canterbury Sun Club

Dear Editor,

Having been involved in the nudist movement for some 12 years now, and enjoying the freedom of lifestyle, I have decided to broaden my horizons to take in nude bathing at the beach and nude tramping. To the best of my knowledge there are no beaches in our area for this purpose, however I know of a few places that are, reasonably quiet where I could enjoy such activities. Not wanting to fall foul of the law I wrote to the police to ask what the legal requirements were. The Summary Offences Act, Section 4 states:- Every person is liable to a fine not exceeding $500, who, in or within view of any public place, behaves in an offensive or disorderly manner.

Section 27. Indecent Exposure (1) Every person is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 who, in or within view of any public place, intentionally and obscenely exposes any part of his or her genitals. (2) It is a defence in a prosecution under this section if the defendant proves that he or she had reasonable grounds for believing that he or she would not be observed.

Being a little on the modest side, it would not be my intention to be observed. However the chance could always be there, especially on local walkways. I do not believe going nude constitutes behaving in an offensive manner. Although I would be "intentionally" exposing my genitals (if, in fact the pubic hair is classed as genitals) it would not, in my opinion be 'obscenely' doing so.

Any comments from readers or people who have had experience in this area would be of interest to me. I plan, regardless, to try at least one of these 'new' areas this coming summer and hope that luck will be on my side. As South Canterbury is a pretty conservative place I will, of course, take some precautions and I don't intend to advertise the fact of what I plan to do.

I would be interested in how other nudists interpret these laws.

Yours sincerely,

Hellen
SCSC

Fellow Naturists,

The PEN PAL CLUB is a volunteer organisation dedicated to the naturist lifestyle. We at PEN PAL enjoy nudity and accept the human body as a natural, wholesome entity. We are not swingers or obsessed with sex.

The PEN PAL CLUB is a place for naturists from around the world to correspond with other naturists. To become a member, just mail a self addressed business sized envelope with (2) two postage stamps to the above address. We ask that you provide us with a brief introductory note suggesting questions, feelings or experiences on which you would like other members' comments. Personal ads are also welcome at no charge.

If there is enough interest we at PEN PAL would be more than willing to expand, our club, to include more than just the publication of addresses.

If you are an individual, family, or naturist club and have naturist related information, club news, or just an interesting story or experience and would like to share them with other naturists in the form of a newsletter, let us at PEN PAL know. We would be happy to expand and include a newsletter.

Oops!!

We were so busy making the Waiheke article in the last issue look fantastic that we forgot to tell you that our good friend John Trotter wrote it.

- Editor

As a service to members we offer a mail forwarding service for individuals that prefer not to have their home addresses published. For this service please include S.A.E. for forwarding.

Advertising will be considered only if it is of interest to naturists. All potential advertisers are asked to provide information on, or samples of their product for examination, before any advertisement is placed in our publication. Include a demo ad no larger than 3" wide and 2" tall. If accepted advertisements are placed at no charge.

We at PEN PAL enjoy hearing from other naturists, so please feel free to write us as often as you wish. If possible include photos and/or videos of your naturist activities.

PEN PAL
PO Box 112
Sierra Madre, CA 91025

Dear Editor,

I would like to correspond with Naturists in New Zealand, corresponding is an ideal way to gradually come to know other people.

Maybe I should let you know more about me. I am a married man born in 1945 and happily married for 20 years. My wife Susan is 6½ years younger than me and we have 2 boys 15 and 14 years old.

As a naturist, though not always involved in the movement, does create problems. Once a naturist always a naturist is true yet life isn't plain sailing. My dear wife is not a naturist nor my sons. So my first duty is to my family; yet I do attend "Friendly Bares" Nudist Group activities and visit "Pacific Sun Friends".

Making friendships within the Naturism movement is very difficult when one's spouse doesn't participate. The obvious feeling is: why a-man-without-his-wife, wishes to know others.

Friendship as I see it, is a two way process and I was a naturist long before I ever met and married my wife. This compounds the situation with an inability to fully participate in events of activities.

Presently I correspond with nudists in Europe but not closer to home.

Thank you

Richard Glover

25 Penson Court

Kallangur

Queensland

Australia

Photo: Doug Ball

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. 151 December 1994

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

The Secretary N.Z.N.F.
PO Box 101-187
North Shore Mail Centre
Auckland 1330

President: Les Olsen
Auckland (09) 444-5015

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

PHOTO CREDITS

Robbert Broekstra - F.C., P8

Les Olsen - I.F.C., P10, P12, P13, P15, B.C.

Brent Thomson - P5, P16, P17

Doug Ball - P1, P12, P13, P22

Alpine Lakes - P2, P3, P18, P20

Stan Gartner - P11, P14

Joyce Fleming - P6, P7

Doug Cousins - I.B.C.

DEADLINES FOR COPY

152 March 1995 - 30 January 1995

153 June 1995 - 20 April 1995

154 September 1995 - 25 June 1995

155 December 1995 - 1 October 1995