# 159 - December 1996 

INF YOUTH RALLY

1996

This year the International Naturist Federation (INF) Youth Rally was held in the Naturist Headquarters Foundation of Orpington, County Kent, about an hour by train from Waterloo station in London. The rally is always held over four days in mid-May in a different European country, whichever one happens to volunteer to host the event.

There are usually about 300 participants from various European countries. The largest contingents are always from Germany, France and Holland, but there have been people from Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Britain, Austria and me from Canada. So far I have never had the pleasure to meet any Australians or New Zealanders, but I would be happy to hear from you any time.

Back to this year's rally it was a disappointment due to the miserable cold and rainy weather. A lot of the tents were inundated with water and people got colds. Alas, our only chance to be nude was at an indoor fitness centre for a few hours one evening. Nevertheless, it was a great opportunity to meet all sorts of interesting people and have a day out in London. Last year's rally in Gouda, Holland was far superior. The weather was perfect and we engaged in volleyball, swimming, art, archery, potato-sack races and many more zany games such as mud wrestling.

I made quite a few friends, particularly Dutch. I have since been on holidays with the Dutch Naturist Youth Group• which was fabulous fun.

I also appeared in the Australian naturist magazine Sun & Health and have consequently received some interesting letters from Australia. Perhaps if there is sufficient interest, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders could all meet up one summer in France for a naturist tour! Please write if you like the idea.

Thomas Lundy

Young Canadian Naturists

Youth Officer

P.O. Box 186

Islington ON M9A 4X2

Canada

ENGLAND & NETHERLANDS

Photos:

Thomas Lundy and friends at the 1996 INF Youth Camp, Kent, U.K.

SUNRISE
IN NELSON

'Sunrise', the home of the Nelson Sun Club, is situated at the head of the aptly named Sunrise Valley. Five kilometres from the nearest main road, surrounded by forest and farm land, the peace, privacy and tranquil atmosphere lends itself perfectly to the enjoyment of naturism. In existence now for more than 25 years, the Club grounds reflect the foresight and hard work of a stalwart group over the years.

Led by Bill and June Davis (still resident on the site) the grounds are centred around the original farmhouse. With the purchase of about seven acres of run-down berry orchard and scrub, a plan was developed to provide a naturist setting unequalled in New Zealand.

Over the years the scrub and orchard were cleared, and a 9 hole golf course developed. While the Sunrise course will do wonders for your short game, serious players will find at least seven full size courses within an hour's drive, all in lovely settings with very reasonable fees.

Powered caravan and camping sites were established, also a twin pool swimming complex and miniten court, ablution block, Clubhouse, recreation room, and all the facilities necessary for an enjoyable stay.

As members realised the appeal of the lifestyle, permanent residences were built to provide the Club with a work force and security, which must be the envy of other less well established clubs.

The Nelson district has long been famous for its climate, being sheltered by mountain ranges on three sides and open to the sea from the north which produces a micro climate unique to Tasman Bay area.

Record sunshine hours and light winds have provided for a district renowned for its horticulture and agriculture. Upper Moutere, the nearest village to 'Sunrise', is at the hub of a fruit and hop growing area extending from Richmond township to Marahau at the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

During the long summer months thousands of visitors pass through the district, some to take up work (which is always available) in the fruit industry, some to tramp the seemingly endless tracks of the local national parks and enjoy the fabled golden beaches north of Kaiteriteri.

Others to enjoy the craft trail provided by the many free spirits who choose to make the Nelson district their home.

Artists, potters and other crafts people seem to find the live and let live environment a stimulus for their creativity and the markets and fairs provide a constant outlet for their wares.

As the attractions of the area became more widely known, a thriving tourist industry has developed to cater for the visitor influx.

There is never an excuse for a boring day in Nelson, a bus tour, kayaking, tramping, golf, beach combing, wine tasting, bungee jumping, tandem parachuting, fishing, craft trails, the unofficial free beach at Rabbit Island, or just lazing and socialising at the club.

The Nelson Sun Club hosts many local and overseas visitors during the summer and always has a warm welcome for fellow naturists who wish to use 'Sunrise' as a base during their Nelson holiday.

Clubhouse accommodation is very reasonably priced as are powered caravan sites, but booking is advisable. The appropriate contact phone numbers may be found in the Club Directory of this New Zealand Naturist magazine.

Make Nelson your holiday destination and you will soon know why people who visit often return to live in this unique and beautiful part of New Zealand.

- more from a
Kiwi in Oz

Located on the Bruce Highway, some 58 kilometres south of Gladstone, Queensland, is a beautiful property owned by Jim and Liz, who last year decided to open up their farm property for other travelling nudists to stay awhile and enjoy the experience of a clothes free environment.

The eighty acre property is not difficult to locate. It is literally just off the highway, half way between Bundaberg and Gladstone, on the central Queensland coast. This we found was an excellent base from which to explore the Gladstone, Tannum Sands, Lake Awonga and the coastal towns of Anges Waters and 1770. At the end of our touring and exploring day, we could return to the farm, laze around the pool, meet fellow nudist campers, or if preferred, could take a stroll around the farm. For the really active there is a volleyball court and a table tennis table.

Self sufficiency is the aim here, so Jim and Liz have established a good sized orchard with a wide variety of fruit trees and a well established vegetable garden. If so inclined, the visitor could gather up the fresh eggs or milk their cow. Little rain over the past years has meant that pastures are dry and cattle had to be fed daily with supplementary feed. Early in the morning or later in the day an abundance of wild life appeared. Mobs of kangaroos came down to the dam to drink and graze, to say nothing of the large selection of colourful birds sweeping and swooping in flights of fancy about the property. These watering holes appear to be the meeting place for all wild life.

If you don't bring your own accommodation with you, then there is something a little different here. If sleeping in a restored railway carriage appeals, then try this one.

It has been converted into self contained accommodation, containing a comfortable double bed, an adequately equipped kitchen, complete with cooking facilities and fridge. You do have to bring your own pillows and bed linen.

More basic accommodation is available in a larger building. Three rooms, each with a double bed and fold up single beds are available for a larger group. Minimal shared cooking facilities are available, but if you wish, Jim and Liz are happy to arrange some meals providing ample prior notice is given. I gather that most visitors prefer to self-cater. Supplies can be bought at the local shop at Newnham, or the larger town of Gladstone to the north.

Of course if you are into camping, you are welcome to pitch your tent or park your caravan in the beautifully landscaped garden, complete with Chinese pagoda and bridge. You may well be lucky enough to catch the peacocks putting up their early morning show. Perhaps I should warn you that you may well be woken by Jenny, a friendly kangaroo.

While there we met nudist campers from Tasmania, Sydney and Brisbane.

It was great comparing and sharing experiences from like-minded travellers. We seemed to always manage a happy hour around five o'clock and the sharing of knowledge, especially of road conditions etc ahead of us, but more importantly of all the locations of clubs and nudist resorts was freely given down to the point of contact phone numbers. As travellers we certainly appreciated this information.

This is not a licensed business club. Jim has retired from his profession and turned his interest and hobby into a life style, which he is prepared to share with others. There is no set charge for accommodation or camping, however a reasonable donation will ensure a most friendly departure and a very warm welcome upon your return.

Interested? Let Jim and Liz know in advance (079) 744 2478, that way they will give you some directions and prepare a welcome.

We found this a truly relaxing environment, a wonderful place to stay with hosts who went out of their way to make us feel at home, and if you require the ultimate in relaxation, then get Liz to give you a massage.

Nude Helicopter Flight

For our first nude helicopter flight we approached the officials of the Teuge Airport, which is located near the city of Apeldoorn, Holland.

Days before the flight I was looking at the sky and listening to the long range weather forecast and it surely did not make me too happy as the forecasts were for lots of clouds, rain and even in some parts of the country, stormy conditions.

On the day of our flight the sun broke through with a moderate 17°C temperature - suitable for us to continue with our thirty minute flight in the four seater helicopter.

When Frans, Joline, Arie and 12-year-old Annemieke entered the helicopter they all put on ear phones so they could talk with the pilot if they wished. Annemieke was a bit nervous and found it pretty scary at first to sit in this transparent cockpit but both her parents were there to support her. She soon relaxed and enjoyed the flight immensely.

Flying at 160 kilometres per hour just four hundred metres above the ground was a unique experience, if a little draughty at times, but Annemieke and her parents were pleased that they had joined the Friends of Nature Photo Club on one of their many exciting outings.

by Robbert Broekstra

However, after much perseverance by organiser Jim Peddieson, Ivan finally decided to allow a trial run and thus the swim nights at Palm Springs were born.

Ivan now says that the nudists are possibly his best customers, mainly because they are polite, friendly and always courteous to those members of the public who join in but don't wish to strip off, and because they always leave the complex in a better than tidy state once they've finished.

About 40-70 nudists regularly attend the swim nights with a large contingent from Auckland Outdoor Health Club, Hibiscus Coast Sun Club and the Free Beach Group making up the vast majority of attendees, with upwards of 50 members of the public also in attendance. It's not unknown to have nudists from as far away as the Waikato attending on occasion too.

As mentioned previously, there are two large pools available for use. One super deep and with temperature at around 32°C while the super large main pool is tempered at a hot but comfortable 39°C and is ideal for soaking those tired and weary bones whilst catching up with friends.

Hands up those of you who have enjoyed attending the annual winter event held at Fernlands Hot Pools near Tauranga. Did you know that an opportunity exists for nudists in the Auckland area to come relax and enjoy the benefits of bathing in natural thermal springs on a regular basis? Well, on the last Saturday of each month (Feb through Nov) starting at 6pm, a nudist swim and spa night is held at the modern Palm Springs Hot Pools complex in Parakai, Helensville, north of Auckland.

Now into their third year and run by the Hibiscus Coast Sun Club, the evening is billed as "natural swimming" and remains open to the public throughout the night, meaning that casual visitors can suddenly find themselves relaxing in the company of nudists in any one of the two large heated pools, children's pool or three spas available for use.

Members of the public are warned upon arrival of the activities inside by way of a large notice at the front entrance and are not expected to undress if they don't want to. Naturally some patrons do an about face at the door, but by far the vast majority find the nudity inoffensive and happily share the facilities alongside the nudists. If only because of the old adage "if you can't beat 'em you may as well join 'em", some even find themselves converted to "natural swimming".

So by night's end they've found out just how truly liberated one can feel in the water, without the need for constrictive bathing suits.

Originally the owner/proprietor, Ivan Grace, wasn't too receptive to the idea of having "natural swimming" on his premises - he was understandably a little worried as to what is regular Saturday night clientèle's reaction might be.

In addition, there is a small toddlers pool and three spas for those who prefer a little bit more of an intimate setting.

Palm Springs also has a licensed cafe offering full bar facilities as well as allegedly selling the best toasted sandwiches and hamburgers this side of Auckland. If you fancy bringing your own picnic tea during the more warmer months then there are also several barbecue sites available.

Auckland nudists would have to agree that they are quite lucky to have a facility of this calibre made freely available to them so all are encouraged to attend at least a few times a year. So whether meeting old friends or making new ones, Palm Springs is sure to be an experience you will always remember with pleasure. Enjoy.

By KELVIN MORGAN

Winter in Queensland

   Photos: Doug Ball

On top of the Rex Range is Julatten, and about 35 minutes drive from Port Douglas, we stayed at a 35 acre naturist paradise called Mountain Retreat, which provides overnight accommodation (bed and sumptuous breakfast) or longer holidays if you prefer.

The two-storey mansion is owned and operated by Anita and Mike McGoldrick and their daughter Maya McDonald. They have a beautiful swimming pool, and shady bush walks - an ideal place to relax in a natural environment and enjoy friendly hospitality away from the bustle of city life.

For bookings or information write to P.O. Box 698, Mossman, Queensland, Australia.

We then journeyed on to Port Douglas, continuing our winter in Queensland.

The highlight of our holiday was a day trip on Phantom, a 65ft cruiser operating out of Port Douglas. Powered by two 750hp V12 motors, it has a top speed of 30 knots. Since the reef is 60km from shore, the high speed Phantom is ideal for the trip. A visit to the reef on this powerful, luxurious cruiser would be exciting enough at any time, but on Wednesdays it is extra special because Wednesday is Naturist Day.

We were able to shed our clothes and enjoy the sun and sea in total freedom and relax in the company of friendly nudists.

There was plenty of room on the deck for sunbathing, and the lunch provided was wholesome and delicious. The sea was calm (sheltered by the reef from the ocean swells), and turquoise-blue. Under expert guidance, we swam nude among the fantastic coral formations and brilliantly coloured tropical fish - a unique experience that we will not forget in a hurry. To arrange your own trip aboard Phantom, write P.O. Box 340, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia.

A Queensland holiday is ideal for a Kiwi nudist. You can enjoy your summer lifestyle in the middle of winter! Why not give it a try?

     Article and photos by Doug Ball

Photos: Doug Ball   

EUROPE '96

A collection of experiences in July and August 1996 of Peter and Penny Moosberger before and after
the 25th International Naturist Federation Congress (where they represented New Zealand).

Photo: Robbert Broekstra   

Peter spent four weeks visiting several countries by rail before he was joined by Penny in Paris. Together they experienced the holiday atmosphere of a Normandy seaside town, a foray to the south to the nudist Mecca Cap d'Agde, and the international flavour of the Congress. A report on the Congress will appear in a future issue.

SWITZERLAND

It was early Saturday morning and the twee fields and villages of Switzerland lay beneath. After some 24 hours of flying from Auckland I was looking forward to experiencing the fun of European train travel again, armed with a two-month Eurailpass.

After a few days in Zurich with a Swiss cousin I headed north for Belgium, stopping off in Freiburg to touch base with relatives.

I was to return to Switzerland on several more occasions this trip.

BELGIUM AND HOLLAND

Amongst my plans were to reconnoitre the INF head office in Antwerp, meet Mieke Choin, my counterpart in the international federation and stay at Club Athena Ossendrecht nearby, which was to be the Congress venue. That way I had a head start with getting there in late August with Penny.

Mieke welcomed me to the upstairs office located in the suburb of Berchem.

Photo: Peter Moosberger         

There, by chance, was INF Archivist, Marcel Koks and Josie and they kindly offered to conduct me to the club. On the way we stopped off for afternoon refreshments at their delightful thatched home on the outskirts of the city.

Club Athena is endowed with modern brick facilities and a large wooded undulating camping ground. Vehicles must be parked in an outer area of the club. Available nearby was a shelter containing handcarts to assist with moving gear around the club. A cart was ideal for my large backpack, camera gear and provisions.

The weather was on the cool side and although there were sunny periods allowing me to strip off to set up camp, there was likelihood of rain during the night. Being mid-week and just before the main holiday time, there were few people about but all had a ready welcoming smile.

Campers need to be self-sufficient as there is no communal kitchen facility.

GERMANY - BERLIN

AND POTSDAM

Berlin is readily accessible now that Germany is united. The stories of this great city have long fascinated me and a visit this time was a must. Armed with my rail pass and the INF World Guide I travelled south from Copenhagen to one of the principal Berlin Stations, Berlin Zoo.

The eastern part of the city, together with the old East Germany, is seeing a frenzy of redevelopment. I sensed that there was a feeling of wanting to make up for lost time - to heal the scars of the Second World War (still evident especially in old East Berlin): the Cold War and The Wall.

Berlin in mid-summer is breathtaking for its greenness - these people treasure their trees. A huge woodland area just west of Berlin Zoo - Grünewald - is the setting for Club Helios. Here I stayed two very pleasant days in most congenial company (photo, bottom left). It was a special honour to be able to stay because the club, due to its smallish grounds size, does not normally cater for campers.

Photo: Robbert Broekstra

Photo: Robbert Broekstra

   Photo: Peter Moosberger

There are very modern facilities with an emphasis on physical fitness. Again it happened to be midweek - even so, a good number of members were enjoying pleasant conditions. The tepid pool was especially enjoyable.

During the long evenings I joined a merry group for drinks, delicious breads, cheeses and a special local savoury dip.

Later in the trip, I had the opportunity to return to Berlin briefly from Holland. Making use of overnight trains, it was possible to return to see a few more sights in the available time.

I stopped off at Potsdam just west of the city for an afternoon visit and to admire some of the striking architecture I had seen earlier from the train. The city park contained a naturist sculpture - three bronzed figures basking in the sun - with a large paper umbrella that had been set up for them that day by a group of craftspeople working nearby. I couldn't resist a photo with my reclining Potsdamer friends. Pity I couldn't have been bare with them!

FRANCE

A highlight in France was the Normandy coast town of Fécamp where we stayed with Penny's sister and partner close to the beach.

Jill & Roland had rented a tiny apartment just metres from Fécamp's promenade and stony beach. The town has an interesting history. Readers with a penchant for liqueurs will know that Benedictine is made at the fabulously ornate Palais Bénédictine here. A tour of the palace and ritual tasting of the yellowish-green substance was a priority.

The weather was variable and often quite windy, but on warmer days we'd swim and sun on the beach. Tides in this part of the world are amazing - many metres - and with a steep slope to the shore one can swim in sufficient depth, very close to the waterline. Getting in and out was rather tricky.

Peter, Jill, Penny and Roland on Fécamp Beach.

   Photo: Peter Moosberger

The beach is covered in fist-sized cobbles and even the most sure-footed bathers looked ridiculously clumsy shedding or donning sandals and coping with the vagaries of wave action. The water was bbbracing! Jill was almost always keen - after all, she only had two weeks holiday and this was a refreshing change from the bustle and concrete of her workaday Paris.

Our hosts know the pleasure of nude swimming and there were times when we wriggled out of togs in the water and waved them at each other in a kind of victory salute before slipping them on again to get out. Costume changing and topless sunbathing on French beaches is practised with nonchalance - so different from the usual beach scene at home. Back at the apartment, there was no reason to suffer the clamminess of swimwear so we enjoyed communal use of the hot shower and tiny ablution facilities.

IRELAND

My rail pass was valid for certain ferry travel, amongst which were routes to and from Ireland. Railways were also available to me in Eire so this was an opportunity not to be missed! Moreover, the embarkation port of Le Havre was two short train journeys from Fécamp.

After a 21 hour crossing with Irish Ferries I arrived at Cork, a busy city in Southern Eire. The plush late-afternoon "City Gold" service bore me in great style to Dublin, albeit about 2 hours behind schedule, purportedly due to breakdown of other trains on the line. The obviously embarrassed train attendants, who seemed to outnumber the passengers, busied themselves with serving silver service complimentary refreshments.

An unusual customer relations touch was regular intercom reports by the chief attendant keeping passengers informed of reasons of the delays. For almost an hour at one halt, I was able to enjoy excellent hospitality on board with the opportunity to take in some beautiful pastoral landscape. It was truly one of several memorable journeys where I got much more than my money's worth.

From Dublin next day I took a coach northwest to Navan in the delightful County Meath farming district. There I was privileged to stay two nights as guests of keen naturists Tom and Olivia Clinton. Tom and Olivia have a large property just out of Navan which they had hoped to develop into a naturist camping facility.

This may now not come to fruition due to local government zoning adversely affecting part of their property.

In fine sunny weather on the Sunday, Olivia and family took me to a nearby village where the equivalent of our annual Agricultural & Pastoral Show was being held. The Irish certainly know how to enjoy themselves at this type of country function. Some interesting tests of local skill were available, amongst them a dunking seat triggered by ball-throwers hitting at a target and a faggot pitching-by-pitchfork competition.

At the end of my foray to Ireland, I returned to Dublin for the train journey south along the pretty coast to Rosslare Harbour. In perfect sunny weather the long ferry crossing to France was made arriving at the port of Cherbourg from where I took a succession of trains back, to Fécamp.

Relaxing at Navan in Ireland

   Photo: Peter Moosberger

Ready to depart - Rosslare to Cherbourg.

   Photo: Peter Moosberger

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR
HEALTH CLUB INC

The scene is set for the forthcoming rally and much work has been achieved in preparing the grounds at Camelot for Medieval Madness.

With some 180 registrations to hand and more coming daily we should have a great time. Final preparations such as marquee erection should happen around the 27th December and then all will be in readiness for the opening, following the NZNF meeting on the morning of 28th December 1996.

It's not too late to be part of the fun so why not encourage your family to join A.O.H.C. or a Club near you and enjoy a unique experience this coming Christmas / New Year.

For those who miss this opportunity to take part, we will publish photos and feature the rally in the March issue of NZ Naturist so be sure to reserve your copy by becoming one of our annual subscribers. Rates are published elsewhere in this magazine.

NELSON SUN CLUB

In Sunrise Valley the hum of bees has been drowned out lately by the hum of lawn mowers and the howl of chainsaws.

As the seasons change for the better, our residents change into spring mode and work begins to rejuvenate the Club grounds.

Already Bob has the golf course looking a picture, and with a brand new greens mower, Willie is promising putting greens of tournament standard.

Our cash crop of pine trees near the entrance gate were felled and sold during the winter, and Bob and Des, with some assistance, devoted many hours to a huge clean up job.

Des now has a worried look as he tries to find dry storage space for the mountain of firewood.

We seem to have escaped the wet northern winter and have enjoyed many lovely days with a nice frost early and two or three hours of Club uniform temperature during the middle of the day.

Reorganisation of the caravan park has made available several permanent caravan sites, plus the one bach site remaining.

Allen and Shirley have their residence nearly completed and hope to spend much more time at Sunrise.

We were also happy to welcome Kay and John as new bach owners.

On a sad note, we record the passing of Reg Smith whom many visitors will remember. We convey our deepest sympathy to his wife Margaret.

HALE MAKALA

On the sunny Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, there is one place where naturists can really enjoy living. That is Hale Makala, House in the Sun. Located within five minutes of downtown Kailua-Kona, this grand old place is modernly equipped indoors, and outdoors, sports a shielded garden with a lovely pool and a waterfall.

The owners are Sue and Len Welter, veteran naturists who cater to all naturist vacationers coming to Hawaii. They will inform you how to get to the best shopping, restaurants and boutiques which are only minutes away. And they will direct you to the naturist beaches which start just outside town, at Honokohau.

Hale Makala has 24 hour a day privacy, has an outdoor barbecue area, kitchen facilities, indoor recreation area with a bar, and accommodates up to six persons. Besides the indoor bathrooms there is an outdoor shower at the pool.

Although there are two other bed and breakfast places places for naturists to stay when visiting Kona; so far Hale Makala has proved most popular and needs to be booked well ahead of your visit. Having good relations with his two competitors, Len will refer naturists who are out of luck getting accommodation at Hale Makala.

For reservations, write to Hale Makala, PO Box 1836, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745 or call (808) 329 9576.

SOUTH CANTERBURY SUN CLUB INC

We've had a busy time at our little Club just out of Geraldine.

Early in January we hosted our Go Natural Getaway which was a lot of fun. This week-long informal get together saw between 50 and 60 people join us for a mixture of games, relaxation, socialising and sightseeing around the local walkways.

Working bees have been a regular feature since then while we endeavour to get the broom and blackberry in the overgrown area of the grounds under control. This area, dubbed the garden of Eden, is planned to be a woodland area with a cabin or two for accommodation.

One of our members pondered over puddles at the doorway to the Clubhouse, early in the winter, then while cleaning the pool one day, did some more pondering as to why a Club like ours had changing sheds by the pool. Now our changing sheds are a verandah at the entrance to the Clubhouse. No more wet footwear or floors and no more puddles!

Seating is now being erected around the pool in the area of the old sheds and what a lovely sunny, sheltered area it is.

We now have a birthday weekend each month, where we celebrate the birthdays of our members, whether they attend or not. So the last weekend of each month is our party weekend. We hope this will get members out to the Club, because something is on.

Our membership is steadily growing, as more people discover our unique way of life.

The location of our Club makes us a Club for all seasons. In summer, we have holidaying and camping visitors, in winter, we are the gateway to the local ski-fields.

   Photo: Peter Moosberger

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB INC

Various historical documents held by our Club suggest that it was founded in 1936. That makes us 60 this year. And what better excuse for a celebration? At time of writing we had set the date (Sunday, 8 December) for our 60th birthday party. Old and new friends of ASC are getting together over a birthday cake, afternoon tea and evening barbecue. Club photo albums will be on display. We are hoping to host a large gathering of friends to help us celebrate the 60 years of good times!

DD's Diner has enjoyed great success through the dreary winter months but now that daylight saving is with us, this has been suspended in favour of Sunday evening barbecues instead. We look forward to resumption of this mouth-watering enterprise next winter. Well done, David, Desma, Tony and Gae (photo above). And thanks to all the visitors who come to partake and enjoy the spa/sauna evenings with us.

At the end of September, we enjoyed the company of Adi and Torit Niv of Jerusalem who are in the very early stages of establishing a naturist organisation in Israel. They loved our spa and indoor bowls. If you would like to contact this interesting, motivated naturist couple in support, their contact details are: P.O. Box 7061, Jerusalem 91070, Israel. Tel/Fax 00972 2 791871.

In October, visiting American medical anthropologist Sydney Singer and family came with Delia Adams (NZNF's P.R.O.) to spend an afternoon with us. Sydney was interviewed by Paul Holmes on 8 October discussing the study he is making relating breast cancer to bra-wearing.

Auckland Sun Club loves hosting visitors! So through the summer why not come on up and enjoy our place in the sun. If you wish to stop over and don't have your own tent or mobile accommodation, hire our on-site powered camper. For detailed information and bookings just call our friendly caretakers, Malc and Sheila on 09 814 9973.

I.N.I.C. Award

- 1 9 9 6 -

INTERNATIONAL NATURIST
INFORMATION CENTRE HONOURS
NEW ZEALANDER FOR THE FIRST TIME

During past years it has been the practice of the International Nudist Information Centre based in Gouda, Holland to honour a man and a woman for their work in promoting naturism nationally and internationally over a period of time.

This year the award was made to Les Olsen, Editor of NZ Naturist and long serving member of Auckland Outdoor Health Club who has been associated with the nudist movement in New Zealand since 1959.

Les has held club executive office on many occasions and was the previous NZNF President for a five year term.

Les and his wife Laurel have in the past visited nudist clubs and resorts in England and France and shared their naturist experiences with many and gained valuable information to assist in the development of nudism in this country.

The lady so honoured this year is Mrs Wil Hamstra who lives in Amsterdam and has for ten years been associated as a coordinator of "Friends of Nature" photoclub.

She is very active at age 61 promoting aqua-aerobics and rhythmic gymnastics in the city of Gouda.

She has appeared on television on many occasions promoting naturism and participating in camping activities with a great deal of enthusiasm.

Hearty congratulations are extended to both Les Olsen and Wil Hamstra on the occasion of their awards.

Photos: Robbert Broekstra

Dear Editor,

We are a retired couple touring New Zealand during February and March 1997 and would be interested to hear from readers who have accommodation for rental during this period.

Please write to: CA Clyde, 40 Dovecot Park, Aberdour, Fife, Ky3 OTE, United Kingdom.

The Editor,

While living in Australia in the early 70s I worked for about five years with the NSW Dept of Agriculture. Stationed at Coffs Harbour, my work entailed looking after 11 herd-recorders (i.e., livestock improvement officers), recording the herds which each of them visited whilst they had annual holidays.

Where every regular herd recorder slept so did I. At times I had a room to myself, while at others I needed to share, even to having a bottom bunk, with a teenager in the top. Yes, I shared all those meal tables with all those families and used all their bathrooms, each day.

Yes, those bathrooms; private to me mostly, but sometimes humorously shared. I remember once of the bathroom door being flung open and a naked nine-year-old hopping into the bath with me. He was followed in by a laughing mother who rescued him out until I was through. My memory also takes me to a farm in a snow-line area, where teenage brother and sister had their bath and shower at the same time; then, the boy would race out to the lounge room fire with his towel, and unconcernedly dry himself there. But my favourite family of all was in the Grafton area.

The first time I went to these people I had finished my after-milking bookwork early.

The lady of the house, busy with preparing the evening meal while her husband did finishing work on the farm before dark, suggested that I could scoot their two boys (ages about 12 and 14) out of the bathroom and have my shower. Much noise and laughter was coming from the bathroom so I could easily find where they were.

When I came to the wide open door though, I paused. The older boy was in the open doored shower and the younger was sitting wet on the side of the bath and neither worried about my presence. "Come on in and shower, I'll leave it running for you." I did, and my inclusion into their family nudity began then. It was a big bathroom, and during the time I was showering and shaving, they were playing naked "bull fighting" all that time! These boys were really special, always happy and together whenever they could. A very special family and I loved being there.

It is 22 years now that our family has been here in New Zealand I have never forgotten my Australian experiences. Over the time I have been with the Supporters Group here, I have managed to visit quite a number of our members and stopped in their homes. One special Northland family in particular, impressed, and reminded me very much of the Australian family I have just mentioned.

From that basis, public nudity can be a normal progression for such families to places like free beaches, or other quiet retreats of their own. There are sure to be large numbers of people who want to be totally uncommitted to any organisation such as nudist clubs. As freedom grows, as participation in nude activities become more casual and the unclothed body more acceptable, people cannot be blamed if they don't wish to make the financial commitment to become full Club members.

It is to these people that the Supporter Group offers a midway environment between totally uncommitted, and the totally committed nudist/naturist society.

I find these in-between people very much to the fore under the Supporters' umbrella. In the case of my Australian work scene, these people were obviously uncounted and there must be a large number of New Zealanders in this same mind frame.

In our present day New Zealand scene, if Clubs genuinely wish to further their cause and increase membership, a more liberal attitude is necessary to attract people who do wish to be counted. Long gone it seems are the years of NYC - nudist youth in the age bracket of 13 to 23 years - on any organised scale. Why is this? How many, of these ages, are in Clubs now?

Does it not follow that any person over school age regardless of gender or marital status, should be looked at individually, as potential Club members? Do many Clubs have active youth organisers? And does it not also follow that active encouragement of any youth attending a Club, is a necessary ingredient for retaining their interest and membership as adults?

Some other thoughts in conclusion. In browsing through old issues of NZ Naturist, I found in Issue No 81 of December 1976, that the NZ Club Directory contained listings of 28 Clubs including three not then affiliated with the NZNF Inc. Issue No 158 of September 1996 is the last one out as I write this, and 23 are listed now. Can this be attributed to the present widespread casual acceptance of nudism by uncommitted people, making organised nudist clubs less attractive to them? How much greater now too, the total New Zealand population, than 20 years ago!

John Trotter

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. 159 December 1996

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:

Les Olsen     Tel/Fax (09) 444 5015

Business Manager:

Laurel Olsen

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.

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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 Secretary NZNF
P.O. Box 74-257
Market Rd PO
Auckland 1005

President: Brent Thomson
Tel/Fax (09) 279 3771

Secretary: Peter Moosberger
tel/fax: (09) 520-0796

National Nudist Information Freephone
0800 574 932

Applications for membership of Clubs should be made direct to the Club Secretary (see Club Directory).

PHOTO CREDITS

Les Olsen: FC

Thomas Lundy: 1

Bob Lindsay: 2, 3, 4

Ray Coates: 5

Robbert Broeckstra: 6, 7, 13, 20, IFC, IBC

John Riggir: 8, 9

Doug Ball: 10, 11,12

Peter Moosberger: 13, 14c, 15b, 16, 17, 19

Laurel Olsen: BC

DEADLINES FOR COPY

160 March 1997 - 30 January 1997

161 June 1997 - 20 April 1997

162 September 1997 - 20 July 1997

163 December 1997 - 1 October 1997