# 169 - June 1999 

2

3

6

Editorial - A Textile's Tale

Manawatu & Wellington
Interclub Sports Day

Kuku Beach - revisited

Photo: Doug Cousins

12

16

Adventure with Mavis

Kapiti Island
- A Lifetime Dream

Photo: Doug Ball

18

20

Southern Sun Rises

Club News -

Letters to the Editor

8

10

Sweetwaters

Castles in the Sun

Photo: Joyce Fleming

First of all thanks to the naturists of New Zealand for providing me with the best conversation starter ever. Any lull in the evening's small talk over the past few months and I've been able to fill it with aplomb. Nothing like "I've just been working on a documentary about nudists" to liven up proceedings - and guarantee a flow of conversation. Why? Because without fail, no matter where I was or who I was with, there was a fascination about the naturist way of life. A fascination based on almost total ignorance. "Is it sexy?" They'd ask. "Are there endless orgies and are they total weirdos?". And like any story you've told a million times I had a stock reply. "They're just average, everyday people who just happen to take their clothes off."

When the producers of Ninox Films offered me the job as researcher on the documentary they asked me if I had a problem with nudity. "Not at all", I had responded lightly. Approaching my first Sun Club a few weeks later that nonchalance seemed light years away. Was I entering some strange cult that was going to brainwash me into submission? Like most textiles I had no idea what to expect and, I admit it, I was nervous. Thankfully it didn't take long for me to realise there was nothing to worry about. There were no hidden agendas, this was just a chilled-out clothes-free environment.

Now the director Howard Taylor and I talked to many naturists on our tour of sun clubs and beaches - and tried to uncover what the ethos was behind the nudist movement. Why uncover the bulges and scars? Why go against everything we're taught from the moment we exit the womb. Sure we come into the world naked, but society covers us up pretty smartly.

Photo: Les Olsen

We now associate nudity with sex - it's naughty, circumspect. So does it take a certain type of rebel to buck the accepted norm? Are you trying to prove a point?

We soon found this wasn't the case. The many naturists we spoke to were just quietly happy to have rediscovered the personal freedom and group levelling that comes with a clothes-free lifestyle. Time and time again we heard how nudity breaks down barriers and removes preconceptions. And it's true! I found it impossible to form instant opinions of anyone. I had no fashion sense to go by, there were no career give-aways in attire, no wealth indications in accessories.

And when you're standing talking to someone completely in the buff there's a curious 'cutting to the chase' mentality. You judge someone purely by what comes out of their mouth - the way it should be.

So while I've been chatting away to my friends and family about the shoot, I've found myself espousing the virtues of clothes-free lifestyle. It may not be for everyone, I say, but for those able to take the step and shed their clothes in public, it's a joy and a relief.

Oh and by the way, while I'm not about to join a Sun Club, I've already booked my next summer holidays at Mapua Leisure Park - watch this space!

by Lotta McVeigh

The weekend 27th and 28th February went off really well with a good contingent from Wellington arriving at Manawatu Outdoor Leisure Club on the Friday afternoon (26th). MOLC spent an enjoyable evening losing points in the early contests. This was a little disheartening for those of us who seemed to be playing pool a lot worse than normal. A certain MOLC person asked for a 6 ball advantage (there are only 7 each side), got the advantage and still lost the game.

The sports played included Teniquoits, Miniten, Petanque, Table Tennis, Pool, Darts and Indoor Bowls, all based on a challenge method of scoring. If you are challenged then you give it a go and represent your Club. The points are written up on a large blackboard, I point for each win, and sub-totalled at the end of each session. These are scrutinised with avid interest by the more sports minded and met with mild depression if you happen to know that many of those lost points are the result of your own lack of ability. However, the rivalry is very light hearted and humorous and with no need for prozac, we carry on...

At 9am Saturday we all got together and had a Champagne Breakfast and after dishes got straight into the Sports. The weather was very windy and with the odd shower passing over we started off inside with pool, table tennis and bowls. As soon as the rain stopped, out we went onto the miniten courts. Some fierce games ensued but all with a sense of fun and camaraderie. The Saturday night dinner was fantastic as usual; thanks to our catering staff, and when we had eaten and mentally prepared ourselves, we carried on with the games.

Photos: ?

We had lots of laughs and a really fun time over the whole weekend and the "Key Phrase" was "Bugger" (from the current TV ad).

By 3pm Sunday afternoon, we were three-quarters the way through the last game of eight aside Petanque and the points were 34 for Wellington and 34 for MOLC.

The Petanque was won by Wellington and so they went home the victors by 1 point.

The scope of challenges was amazing. There was very tuneful playing of spoons, raw egg eating (the secret is not to break the yolk, YUK!) and the main focus was to enjoy ourselves, and that we did.

by Candace Turner

Have you got
the Boules for
Petanque?

The popularity of Petanque as a rally sport was most evident at the annual NZNF Rally at Manawatu this year.

A wide range of age groups participated in the event and many thrilling games were contested.

Perhaps it was the ability to "free range" about the grounds whilst playing that was the attraction with a number of games able to be contested simultaneously.

The growth of Petanque in New Zealand has been quite rapid with a number of pitches being established in communities throughout the country. Regular competitions are now held in many communities and this growth and attendant publicity has raised the profile of the sport amongst the naturist community.

The ability of all age groups being able to compete against one another has surely added to its popularity within nudist

clubs both here and overseas.

For some years volleyball and miniten held sway as the most popular rally competitions. It would seem we are on the verge of a breakout when Petanque will become the most social of the New Zealand Naturist Federation interclub sports.

Photo: Les Olsen

In February 1969 the Wellington and Wanganui Clubs spent a very pleasant day at Kuku Beach, south of Levin. This year Wellington, Manawatu and the Free Beach Group revisited the beach for a combined picnic. The weather was again fine and with only a slight breeze so everyone was happy.

The whole area has completely changed over the last 30 years. On that first visit there was a large open flat with plenty of space for parking as well as our picnicking. The river was not tidal and only about five metres wide, then only 200 metres on to the open sea. Now the flats are small being overshadowed by large plateaux of sand a meter high with meter high dune grass on top. The river is tidal so very muddy and is around 16 metres across. The open sea is another half kilometre beyond that. But as we went all the way across we had the beach almost to ourselves, so there were no complaining tractor drivers nor Police to worry us!

It was almost midday when we were all set to enjoy the beach so lunch was the first item on the programme.

And it was not until late afternoon that the last members arrived. Instructions to find us were drawn on the sand by the car park and it seems that everyone found their way.

Kiwi ingenuity soon had the volleyball net up with logs to help keep the poles upright as the pegs were short and the sand soft. No serious games were played but there was plenty of fun. A number of dives to try to retrieve the ball ended with sliding on the sand (shells had been removed before play started). These keen types were, however, warned that diving like that could be painful on a grass court! Quite a few sandy bodies were washed by a swim in the sea. That was safe and very pleasant. As there was little wind the sea was fairly calm. Some people swam, others were body surfing, body boarding or just jumping the waves. Some had more than one swim during the afternoon.

Near the water's edge the artists were busy making sculptures. There was Moby dick, a shoe, the hole to nowhere, the human sculpture and real sit-in dinghy. There was also some makeshift cricket, but it had its limitations.

The most solid sand was close to the water's edge so the ball was frequently hit into the water and that reduced its ability to bounce. Petanque was tried out too. The first ball hit soft sand and did not roll forward, but on the next round closer to the sea the ball rolled much too far!

One member had brought along a meter long kite. He spent some time sorting out how the bits and strings fitted before he found there wasn't enough wind to keep the kite up! It finally did get up with a slight increase in wind.

When the party first arrived it was low tide. During the day we kept wondering how deep the estuary would be on our return. Fortunately it was no more than thigh deep so we crossed with little or no clothing on and dressed properly at the car park. For the actual crossing, several chilly bins were floated across and small children were carried.

It was such a nice day, some members suggested they should have this as an annual picnic. If they could be sure of good weather it could be a possibility. No doubt this will be considered by the Committee later in the year.

Sweetwaters

Sweetwaters. A huge community event that reflects the diversity of our collective creative expression. Although it's often music that initially entices people to come, festivals are far more than purely musical events - they are the perfect place for the sharing of information, ideas and visions.

The first ever Sweetwaters happened in 1980 on the banks of the Waikato river, an hour south of Auckland near Ngaruawahia. Over 28,000 attended and the Sweetwaters Festival continued to grow over the next four years.

Sweetwaters would reflect those heady days of freedom in all manner of choices in the 60's and 70's from music, free love and happy backy and all sorts of things in between. We'll so I'm told. This post war baby-boomer had somehow missed the boat when it came to indulging herself in anything remotely connected with Bob Dylan. Somehow, competing in the Quickstep at the National Pipe Band Championships doesn't have the same kind of pulse does it?

It has been 15 years since the last Sweetwaters and many New Zealanders were keen to see its resurrection. Previous rock music festivals all around the world saw many of those attending with little or no clothes, making the most of the freedom of the occasion. Where better to promote our lifestyle and target young people as well as those who wished to relive memories of festivals gone by.

This Sweetwaters was held at Puhinui reserve, only ten minutes away from Auckland International Airport, with 50,000 ticket sales expected. The reality was, although great entertainment for the 20,000 that actually purchased tickets, it was a financial disaster of huge proportions for both organisers and many of the promotions.

Head-liners such as UB4O, Elvis Costello, Tim and Neil Finn, Cowboy Junkies, Mad Professor, Grant Lee Buffalo, Donovan (oh that's one I remember) and over a thousand other performers played on one of the five stages over the four day festival.

Against this diverse cultural backdrop the concept of the Blue Dome of Clothes Free Recreation was born.

A static display site where all the clubs and naturist organisations could display photos of their facilities, distribute brochures and invitations. No, not the idea of the NZNF, but that of a free-thinking, enthusiastic individual name Tony Judson.

A few days prior to the festival a television news item on Sweetwaters depicted a sign "No Nude Bathing". Just three words and the unique opportunity of freedom from clothes was out the window. Somewhat disappointed, nevertheless we continued with our arrangements. Tony frantically building the geodesic dome and sundry hardware to be used in the display; continuing all manner of communications between his home in Auckland, mine in Lake Tekapo; and practically begging the support of clubs in other regions in between.

When Tony met me at the airport it was teeming with rain and the 100 hectare festival site was shaping up to be a quagmire. The dome was like a bright blue oasis among a conglomeration of marquees, tents, craft stalls, displays and oh yes... portaloos. Hundreds of them arranged in a one sided guard of honour at every turn.

I found Delia Adams sensibly au naturel in the dome, painting display boards. Agreeing that this was the only way to work in this humidity I began preparing the photographic displays. Several photos that Brian had taken over the years had been enlarged and laminated with large captions outlining the benefit of clothes free recreation.

Some clubs had no idea at all and their contribution was abysmal, others had sent a wealth of material and this proved valuable during the next few days.

The air inside the "Dome" was hotting up just as it was outside since that first rainy Thursday. By now the word had got around and people of all ages were strolling in to find out why. Our team was pretty relaxed and natural among so many clothed people and in the sweltering temperatures that were recorded on Sunday we were regarded as being the most sensibly attired!

Always one for bright ideas Tony and Chester daubed themselves with brightly coloured body paint advertising free sun block and touring the grounds in and around the stages. Result! Several thousand visited the Blue Dome for more free sunscreen and to find out about our lifestyle choice. I dare say if the festival had attracted a further 20,000 as the organisers had hoped, our small band of helpers would have been inundated with young people asking about Miniten, Clubs, Rallies, Free Beach Group and viewing naturist videos. Some shedding their clothes and hundreds taking away brochures and naturist magazines.

By lunchtime Monday, we were dismantling the dome with Tony and Chester putting in a twelve hour day breaking down the site. Several brownie points must go to Anne and Chester Holmes who came along to Sweetwaters with their family to enjoy the festival. We very much appreciated assistance from Beth, Delia, Eddie, John, Julian and several others who helped the team.

So what were the results? Was it all worthwhile?

Opportunities to present our lifestyle to such a wide and largely receptive audience come few and far between. The seed has been sown in the minds of many more New Zealanders already seeking freedom of choice, freedom of expression. Now. more informed, they in turn may seek opportunities that will give them an even greater freedom - the freedom from clothes.

Article and photos by Kay Hannam

Kay putting together one of the display boards Sweetwaters.

Saturday 18th December, 1998.

Waikuku Beach (Canterbury).

When Dorothy and I arrived at Waikuku it was early afternoon and the sandcastle building was well underway with Joyce and Richard down on their knees, so intent on their creation that they did not see us coming. Bert stood nearby, apparently acting in a supervisory capacity.

In a few minutes we had slipped off our clothes and with various sized and shaped flowerpots, headed down to pit our skills against theirs.

Other visitors arrived - ardent sun lovers - swarms of ladybirds apparently anxious to join the Free Beach Group. They were insistent and it became distracting to reach behind and brush them off my back and to answer the pleas of my wife to do the same for her. She was too busy digging moats, piling sand just where I didn't want it, on top of my partially erected castle.

We all worked in silence, deep in concentration. Jealously I kept an eye on Joyce and Richard. Their castle was four or five times the size of ours. By now Bert had decided on creating something completely different - a sand sculpture.

Photo: Kevin Gdanitz

CASTLES IN
THE SUN

Photo: Joyce Fleming

High up on the beach, other FBG members baked softly in the sun, now and then cooling off in the sea. I decided to do the same, leaving my moat digger to her task. I didn't do any swimming: I dipped instead. The water, though not warm, was pleasantly cold.

Back to the castle. I felt young again. Building castles makes you feel that way. Creativity, the feeling of the sun on your bare body. Reminds me of when I was thirteen...

My mother said, "When you go up the beach today, don't take off ALL of your clothes. You're growing up now".

I took my younger brother with me, for safety's sake. We took off all our clothes, keeping a sharp look out for intruders. In those days they could throw you in jail if they caught you - or so they said.

Once again, at Waikuku, I experienced that wonderful feeling of freedom.

Joyce by now has the yellow flag proudly flying from the top of their castle, a sight to gladden the heart! Dorothy and I work feverishly to make ours look something like a castle, a square one with tiers like a wedding cake with battlements on top. Finished at last. Joyce carefully places the flag, taking care not to damage the fragile structure.

Now we got to view Bert's creation. WOW! A real work of art! A delicate sculpture of a woman, a supine Venus de Milo in sand, with arms, legs and everything in the right place, with seaweed hair and shells for ears. In the outstretched hands of the sand maiden Joyce places a 'Fred Bear' flag bearing the words, "Bare on the Beach."

Then the tide comes in to fill up the channels and moats around our castles. Before long, the elements mingle. I wax philosophical about the ephemeral! But stay - we have taken photos as proof of my story, and as a permanent reminder of a wonderful day at Waikuku Beach.

Some day I'll challenge Bert to do another sand sculpture - a reclining or sitting figure, perhaps. Maybe YOU could try it. A sandcastle doesn't really have to be a castle; it can be anything you wish, even an armchair, a sleepy animal, a dolphin.., there are endless possibilities.

Come on out and join us. Swim in the blue Pacific, lie in the sun, build a sandcastle, leave your worries behind and feel alive and free!

by Kevin Gdanitz (Senior)

Photo: Joyce Fleming

Photo: Kevin Gdanitz

Arriving at Havelock 30 minutes late with fellow Nelson folk Manfred and Gabby, Lisa and I met our unfazed hosts Ed and Druscilla Knowles from the Havelock Outdoors Centre.

We had been tempted to join a cruise for quite a while, but now the kids were back at school it was a good chance to enjoy a day away.

After teaming up with Andrew and Eva from Canterbury it was down to the wharf, board the good ship "Mavis", and cast off.

The weather was beautiful. A cloudless sky and hardly a breath of wind. As we cruised out through the Mahau Sound, past lots of bachs, we got to know each other better over a coffee. The water was "glass like", as we chugged along the fairly isolated Pelorus Sound. Once we had passed a couple of mussel boats Ed gave us the all clear to strip off.

After about an hour our first stop was a nice secluded cove where we all went overboard for a refreshing dip.

After a brief jellyfish initiation, with one being discovered in a shoe later in the day, it was back on board for a cool glass of wine.

Ed's motto seems to be "the boat's yours for the day, we'll do what ever you want", so we decided on a bush walk. Off to Jacobs Bay, where we were dropped at the jetty to follow a well formed track around the coast for about an hour. We walked through Beech forest with lots of picturesque views over the beaches and Sounds, along with some interesting bird life, to another bay where our launch and lunch was waiting.

After dining on picnics and fresh Marlborough mussels washed down with a Nelson wine, it was a chance to relax for a while until the heat got to us.

Again it was back over the side into the clear blue water... and so it went for the next couple of hours until all too soon, it was time to head for Havelock.

The return trip was enjoyed by all with one or two relaxing over their books while the rest of us soaked up the ever changing scenery of native forests, pine plantations, farmland with the occasional abandoned homestead and of course the bachs (cabins) tucked away in sheltered spots.

About 30 minutes out from Havelock the heat overcame us again so we tied up to a handy buoy to have one last swim before getting back to the main channel, civilisation and clothes!

We all agreed that the day was over too quickly and that we should plan to take advantage of the Outdoors Centre over night trips, where we can do more of the same with an over night stop in a bach, giving us more time to enjoy this magical part of New Zealand.

Denis Moynihan

A happy group on the Kapiti summit.Photo: Doug Ball

Doug Ball fulfils a lifetime dream by visiting Kapiti Island with fifty naturist naturalists.

I spent the first twenty-five years of my life in Wellington, and after moving to New Plymouth, Peggy and I travelled back to Wellington more times than I care to remember. Always, as we drove down or up the Kapiti Coast, we would see Kapiti Island beckoning from across the water. The thought, "We must visit Kapiti one day" would often cross my mind, and then be forgotten.

Last year, however, I decided to make the effort and do something about organising a visit. Having enjoyed a few tramping trips with naturist friends, I wondered if we could arrange a naturist trip to Kapiti.

On making inquiries, I discovered that only fifty people are allowed to visit the island on any one day, and then only with permission from the Department of Conservation.

KAPITI ISLAND

- A Lifetime Dream -

Photo: Graham MacGregor 

So I wrote to every Naturist Club in New Zealand proposing a naturist trip to Kapiti. I chose the day after the Annual Rally at Manawatu so that people could come straight from the rally and save a lot of travelling. There was such a good response, mainly from the Free Beach Group, that I applied for fifty permits from the Department of Conservation. With a party of fifty we could have the island to ourselves.

Luckily, everything went according to plan, and so on January 4, with a calm sea and under a cloudless sky, fifty naturists waited at Paraparaumu Beach for the Kapiti Tours catamaran. It took two trips to ferry the whole party to the island. I took the second trip, and when I arrived at the shelter where the Ranger was to give us an introductory talk, most of the group were already stripped off and enjoying the sunshine. Nudity was obviously not a problem.

We sat in the shade of the shelter and learned about the history and wildlife of Kapiti while an inquisitive Weka checked us out for anything she could play with or eat.

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve is a unique place, where the forest and bird life are rigorously protected and human visitors are strictly controlled. It is ten kilometres long and about two kilometres wide. The highest point, Tuteremoana, is 520 metres above sea level.

The island has a long and chequered history. It was inhabited by Maori long before the coming of Europeans, and in 1822 became the base of the famous warrior, Te Ruaparaha. During his reign, whalers arrived and established seven whaling stations. By 1846 they had hunted the whales almost to extinction and moved away. In the 1840's Europeans started farming on Kapiti and destroyed nearly three-quarters of the indigenous forest. Sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, deer, cats and dogs were introduced. Polynesian rats had arrived much earlier with the Maori and Norway rats came ashore from the whalers. Finally, Australian brush-tailed possums were brought in to establish a fur trade. The forest and bird life was being irreversibly altered.

In 1897 an Act was passed to make Kapiti a reserve for the flora and fauna of New Zealand. Since then, strenuous efforts have succeeded in removing all introduced species. In six years (1980 to 1986) 22,500 possums were removed, making this the first ever possum eradication programme. As I write this (Jan 1999) Kapiti has just been declared rat-free.

Considering the damage done in earlier days, the vegetation has made a remarkable recovery, and the island now has a dense covering of regenerating forest. Many rare and endangered birds have been introduced to Kapiti. The little spotted Kiwi (now extinct on the mainland), saddle-backs, stitch-birds, takahe and kakapo are among the rarest.

The summit party pauses for a breatherPhoto: Doug Ball

Many other native birds including tuis, robins, bell-birds, wekas, kaka, native pigeons, fantails, tomtits and white-heads are thriving in the forest. On the coast, which is a marine reserve, there are many coastal and marine species: black and red-billed gulls, white fronted terns, black and little shags, oyster-catchers and little blue penguins.

Visitors are required to keep to the formed tracks. Some of us chose to climb to the summit of Tuteremoana, while others followed along the coastline in a northerly direction. Some took a guided walk with a Ranger.

Peggy and I went with the summit party. A kaka followed us for quite a distance as we climbed. We saw robins, fantails and wekas, although not as many as we had expected. I imagine if we had come earlier in the morning, or else had the patience to sit quietly on the track as the Ranger had suggested, we would have seen more birds.

From the summit lookout tower we had spectacular views down the steep western slopes to the Tasman Sea, southward to the South Island and eastward to the North Island. It was a magic moment. With a gentle cooling breeze, brilliant sunshine, tuis feeding on flax flowers, and the company of our naturist friends we felt on top of the world.

After a picnic lunch we wandered back down to the beach. An old iron trypot bore silent witness to the slaughter of whales in years gone by. A takahe (notornis) scurried into its nest. Some of our naked friends were enjoying the warm sunshine on the stony beach or swimming in the cool clear water. We felt very much a part of nature in an unspoiled natural setting.

As we waited for the ferry to take us back to civilisation we realised how fortunate we had been to have shared such a unique experience. Our country abounds in beautiful wild places like Kapiti, and the naturist lifestyle allows us to enjoy them to the full.

Southern Sun Club, the world's southernmost naturist club, formerly Southern Sun and Health Club, is currently thriving because of the dedication of keen naturists from South Island's lower half.

It was during NZ Naturist week when an entourage of naturists from the four smaller clubs south of Canterbury gathered at Aparima (the grounds of Southern Sun Club) to assess whether the club could be revived or be wound up. To close the doors for good was not an option anyone would choose to do lightly when once the club was so very strong on social activity with volumes of tales of good times and friendships formed over the 40 years in Southland.

It was soon apparent that the club didn't lack support from within when the majority of people present were either past, present or intending members. It was a joy sight to see the park full of caravans, motor-homes and tents as well as the bunkhouse accommodation in use. A meeting of the twelve attending Southern members plus the visiting naturists (which included the presidents from each of the other three lower South Island clubs as well NZNF SIVP) resolved that the doors should not be closed and that the world's southernmost club could be revived.

Photos: Steve Patrick

A natural co-operation simply evolved when the tools were selected and many of the clean-up areas attacked. The lack of electricity did not deter the workers, after all, there were plenty of 'kiwi blokes' there who would quote "nothing's a problem".

'Right, we'll run the water pump off the generator' says one chap.

A woman looking in shrieks, 'Hey! we've struck oil!' and the boys reply 'it'll come clear in a little while lady, how about you check out the dunnies'.

'But the cistern isn't filling up after I flush' quips one lady.

'See that bucket beside the dunny? You fill it up from the swimming pool and tip half into the cistern. That stuff will flush anything away'

'Oh! What a sad ending for the poor tadpoles' she thinks.

Soon the place is a hive of activity with petrol driven mowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, while generators rev away and a giant thermette supplies continuous hot water for the cleaning of walls, windows and dishes. The solar showers were laid out on the miniten court. Sometimes a power supply is not necessary but oh! how we take it for granted. It was comical to note the odd person put food in the fridge or switch on a light - forgetting: there's no electricity.

During the meeting it became obvious that the club had mainly cosmetic work to complete. The pool needed cleaning and a commitment to its maintenance; a contractor was needed to top the hedges; the hall is due for another coat of paint, and perhaps furniture could be updated. An important consideration is: will the interest and commitment from members going to be enough to encourage and support new growth. The following two months activity proved that Southern Sun was definitely not going out.

Southern Sun has assets to be envied by any social club. The Aparima School grounds that Southern Sun & Health Club purchased after the school was closed and put on the market 21 years ago, boasts a swimming pool, amenities blocks, cabin accommodation for nine people as well as heaps of room for tents and caravans (with power points), a social hail and kitchen facilities, huge BBQ area, miniten court, trampoline, volleyball and various other sports equipment.

Another asset that the club had was a very old church building on a neighbouring property which they were able to sell off, giving them a little money to use for the club revival. But most of all and positively unique to this club, is the Southern hospitality on offer although it is not unlike the hospitality shown at most smaller New Zealand clubs. As with those other smaller clubs, meal times generally become group dining or pot luck meals.

The club was officially reopened on 1st April 1999. This year marks the 21st year on the Aparima site and the 40th year as a club. There'll be a big celebration on the weekend of 27/28 November 1999 with an open invitation to all affiliated naturists.

The visitor can be guaranteed a friendly welcome and a comfortable stay at any time of year, and Aparima's grounds provide a perfect base from which to explore the best part of the mainland.

Lake Te Anau and its glow worm caves, Deep Cove power station, Doubtful Sound, the Percy Burn Viaduct; Riverton, the site of the first white settlement; Bluff, at the end of State Highway 1, and Stewart Island; are all within two hours drive. Milford Sound is only three hours away.

So take some time out and visit the wonderful south of New Zealand. Take in the Southern sights and experience the famous Southern Hospitality.

Photo: Maureen McQueen

Warren checking the rules

Another Camping By The Clutha weekend was quite successful. The difference this year was that on the second day, rain chased campers out to warmer comforts of a member's home for a BBQ in comfort by the fire. Lifting clouds revealed, later in the day, a snow capped hillside. Alpine Lakes can always guarantee that Camping By The Clutha will never be just an ordinary affair. March saw the battle between us and South Canterbury and The Orchard members for the shield at the Inter-club silly sports and games tournament. Orchard won the shield by losing. (I did say these games are wacky). Also in March was the 4WD trip up Carrick Range, Central Otago. The roads had only just been reopened following the recent fires in the area. We were able to combine driving with walking, exploring our pioneers' relics and picnicking. With great weather and fabulous scenery combined with the usual Central Otago sense of fun a great weekend was had by all. We're looking forward to more activities next season.

With the rapid onset of winter it is time to reflect on the wonderful summer we have had this year.

Many visitors enjoyed the fine summer evenings around the BBQ and the planned sports and social events have been enjoyed by many.

Photo: Maureen McQueen

On the water-wheel at the Young Australian Gold Mine, Central Otago.

The recent visit by Ninox films to complete filming for the forthcoming TV3 documentary on "Clothes Free Recreation" was well supported and we thank those people who so willingly allowed themselves to be interviewed and filmed.

This year our club will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on the weekend 27-28-29 August 1999.

Past members and current members of NZNF clubs are welcome to attend.

The cost of the weekend activities is $45 per person plus the usual camping fee and early registration is advised. (Write to our secretary for further details. Registration needs to be completed by July 31st, 1999).

Planning for the year 2000 rally is well under way. All club accommodation is booked out and we are in the process of trying to hire caravans from outside the club and also private caravans on the club grounds. We have very few powered sites left but plenty if tent sites are still available.

Our entertainment person is well on the way to finalising his programme. We have a live band booked for New Years Eve with maybe an option to bus into town, user pays.

The children and youth will be catered for with plenty to keep them busy.

The registration form will be sent to clubs very soon with a programme. Check out our web site for up to date information.

We had a great day for filming when Ninox films came to our grounds. We are all looking forward to seeing the results on Inside New Zealand on TV3 in the future.

Out spa and sauna complex is well under way and hope to have it completed for use this winter.

This summer also saw a good number of overseas visitors which proved to be a good income and also great for public relations. We have found that the internet has been the main source where overseas people can quickly book accommodation via. E-mail.

Thanks to Sue's meal deals, we have had many people attending regular nights where you can get a meal for $10. All profits are going towards a dishwasher to be installed in time for the rally.

This has always proved to be a very popular event.

After months of preparation the Naturist Homestay Network has been formed, with five privately operated homestays included in the application for membership of the NZNF presented by Lionel Meade on behalf of Rose's Cottage, Levin; Gold 'n' Terrace Lodge, Havelock; Upson Downs, Otorohanga; Aoraki Naturally, Tekapo; Argyll, Havelock North. An accord was achieved with positive acceptance by delegates at the Council meeting. Interest in this type of accommodation has been from visitors from both here and overseas, many finding the information in the NZ Naturist.

Aims and Objectives of the Network is as follows:

- To provide Naturist Homestay accommodation, ie Bed & Breakfast, Self-contained cottage, Backpacker and/or Camping, within the bylaws of our Regional Council.

- To promote clothes free recreation, within the framework of the aims and objectives of the International Naturist Federation, in conformity with the laws of New Zealand.

- To act as a co-ordinating body for Naturist Homestay proprietors and to set guidelines for accommodation

- most likely along those already set out be the New Zealand Association of Farm and Home Hosts etc.

- To abide by the Constitution and Rules of the New Zealand Naturist Federation.

- Homestays NZnaturally accept the INF definition of Naturism as a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment.

We would like to thank the NZNF for accepting our application and look forward to mutual co-operation and the further acceptance of clothes free recreation and the naturist lifestyle.

It is pleasing to report that after two years in recess and a recent name change, the sun is once more shinning on the worlds southern most club.

The 'Aparima' grounds of the old Southern Sun and Health Club were abuzz with activity during National Naturist week, as members old and new and a band of supporters from neighbouring clubs converged on the grounds in an effort to boost interest, tidy up a bit and hold an informal meeting to ensure the local interest was there to get the club up and running again.

Saturday was spent as a working bee with weed-eaters, hedge-cutters, chainsaws, lawnmowers and a generator all turning the usual tranquil place into a hive of activity with a lot of work achieved. We broke late afternoon and with no power, we cooked as 'REAL CAMPERS' do and had a lovely pot luck meal outside before retiring into the clubhouse to reminisce on days gone by. We watched an old video of a function held at the club (courtesy of a loaned generator), and generally threw ideas around. A close bond developed between old members and new as we all looked ahead to the future of the club.

A meeting held on the Sunday attended by thirteen members and intending members plus the support crew of which there were the presidents of the three nearest clubs.

Much positive input came from those who will be left to run the show so that the supporters mostly sat back and only offered advice if it was requested.

The local paper and Mercury TV were contacted and some publicity done, which has resulted in a recent report that there are now 26 members, the power is back on, a couple of meetings and working bees have been done and their social calendar is filling up with events.

Photo: Steve Patrick

Hoisting the club banner at 'Aparima' Southern Sun Club.

The past few months which have been the hottest in ages, left the grass on the grounds a little bare and dry in places and we're pleased to see that now the cooler weather is upon us the grass is looking lush again and "curses", needs mowing.

There have been many visitors from around the country and from overseas and it is always a delight to welcome new people to the grounds. Visitors are always welcome. We have had many new members join us over the warmer season and a great response from the advertising locally and the Wednesday Club nights.

The social evenings in the club house / BBQ's and combined / catered dinners are always popular. Easter weekend saw a good turnout at the three course Pork Roast dinner. There was a sumptuous feast had by all.

During the summer it has been too hot during the day to play miniten for any length of time and so we have a new project, lights for night playing. Initially we want to properly light one court only and make provision for the other court to be connected at a later date.

In light of this project, (excuse the pun) MOLC people were surprised to see an 8 metre pole go up, between the miniten courts, overnight. The next task is the digging of the trench for the electrical cable. Working bee stuff!

The indoor sports are scheduled for winter and with the pot belly stove in the club house cranked up, we can look forward to some excellent evenings over the cooler months.

It is great to see club members staying on the grounds for their holidays and sometimes for extended holidays and commuting to town for work. We look forward to the Club being a social place year round.

In late November the club is celebrating a double event. It will be 40 years old and 21 years at its Aparima grounds.

So if you're travelling in the deep south, don't forget this club holds the distinction of being as south as you can get in the world of club naturism.

Dear Editor,

Any New Zealand naturist viewing one of the excellent videos of the Naturist France Series could not escape noticing how everyone, (even the teenagers), is naked whenever the weather is warm enough. In case you might think that the filmmaker has simply avoided the clothed people, I can assure you that he had no need to. I know because I was there, helping to make some of the videos.

A European naturist visiting our last NZNF Rally might be forgiven for thinking he had come to a clothes-optional event. One never saw a group of people completely without clothes, even on the hottest days. We even saw people playing miniten in the hot sun wearing shorts. Teenagers wandered around in sad little groups, clothed from head to foot. Many women wore sarongs, either under their arms or draped round the hips. What a contrast to the families in France, relaxed and happy on their naturist holidays!

Swimming, sunbathing, playing all kinds of sports, hiking, shopping, cooking and eating - and not a stitch of clothing to be seen. Why can't we Kiwis do the same? Are we ashamed of our bodies? I thought naturism was supposed to eliminate body shame. A T-shirt to prevent sunburned shoulders is sometimes a necessity, but shorts and sarongs???

At the rally a group of "textile" teenagers petitioned the organisers to allow them to swim in the pool with swimming togs! The amazing thing was that they were taken seriously, and allowed to do so when the adults were in the bar! I ask you, "What will happen next?"

The sad thing about all this is that a confrontational situation has arisen, whereas, given the right social environment, there is probably not one of those kids who would not revel in the freedom of going clothes-free like their counterparts in France.

Each is torn between his or her own inner feelings, and the pressure to conform with the peer group, which just so happens to have decided that nude is "not cool". So they all have to sweat it out on the hottest day, like it or not, while the rest of us enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on our naked bodies.

I believe that this state of affairs is not about whether to go nude or not, but simply pressure to do the same as one's friends. If the friends went nude it would be OK. My opinion was confirmed the day after the rally ended, and the "anti-nude" group had gone home. I saw a group of teenagers having a great time in the pool - nude! If they had followed their own inclinations earlier they could have had the same fun all week!

We adults have ourselves to blame for this slide away from the naturist ideal towards the clothes-optional. Let us set the example, and enjoy our social nudity to the fullest extent possible. Can't we convince our young people of the positive aspects of naturism?

On the other hand, there has been a one third residential response to a petition calling for the closure of the Papamoa Beach 'nude zone' recently. True, many of those signing commented that it wasn't the 'genuine users' they were concerned about, but the others. That is: those who's apparent immaturity did not allow them to discern that permission to be naked is not a licence for some form of sexual expression. Quite the contrary, in fact - not that any of the residents put it quite that way!

What the public doesn't like is sleaze. What we need to be seen doing is attending to those who don't understand that. That attendance needs to be especially forceful on the 'sleaze-balls' who are also naked.

Eighteen months ago in the local newspaper, the local cop at Papamoa called for help from the community to deal with sleaze in the dunes behind the 'nude zone'. I responded to his call, but then felt I had to resign from the FBG committee because the executive told me not to! Thus was established a local group of 'genuine users'. However, not one of them has actually contacted the local officer. Serious incidents have occurred; and he's no longer expressing his original sympathy for our cause. (Fortunately for us though, he appears to be more unhappy that the local residents have noted incidents and not reported them - I'm not aware of incidents unreported by our group of users.)

It is our own fault if we don't act to curb and disperse those unable to differentiate nudity from sex. Those naked are easy targets. Those acting inappropriately are not. If we don't get to them and stop it - who will? It is clear that so far, the public is still on 'our side'; but if we just bury our collective heads in the sand - how long will the current goodwill and acceptance prevail?

Yours sincerely

John Lowe

Photo: Robbert Broekstra

If we let things drift further in the direction they are going now, we might need to form special interest groups within the so-called naturist movement - for people who wish to go without clothes! We might needs to petition the Club Committee of the future to let us have one day a month when we could swim in the pool without togs! Or alternatively, we might have to abandon the Club to the "textiles" and join the Free Beach Group!

Doug Ball

Dear Editor

It is interesting, don't you think, that only about one third of the numbers that attended the original beach day at Waikuku in 1969, made it to this year's commemoration. I didn't get there myself, but I gather a good time was had by all.

Yes, we seem to have more options for 'nude recreation' these days. It was a big deal back then, emerging from behind the fence - out into the big wide world. But, as those of us seeking general acceptance of mere nakedness in appropriate public places all know, it's not yet 'open slather'! It was interesting to discover the Police had visited every house along Waikuku Beach Road to warn the residents that there'd be a bunch of nudists out at the beach: 'for just a day - okay?'

Need they have bothered?

Well there's a question. My surveys show that less than 2% of those at Sweetwaters would have complained to the Police about seeing a naked person there, and less than 5% in a park just off New Plymouth's main street, said they'd complain!

Dear Editor

A very, very sincere note of thanks for sending me all those copies of Solar - they are fascinating to someone like myself who is an unashamed Bibliophile of a high order (in plain terms, book lover!). If anything, some of the photographs were more "natural" than can be achieved now. - why do I say this? Well! with the censorship of the time, airbrushing out a key part of the reality of the body, there is almost a kind of openness in terms of the poses hard to express really but it was almost as if the pictures were more candid because the publishers knew they could be of all ages and sexes regardless - and the models weren't worried about being full exposed either, because they knew they wouldn't be! (Well it seems like this.)

Or maybe the photographs just date from more innocent times when not as much "political" baggage was attached to photographs of naked humanity - when we had been less educated about the "evils" that could be associated with nakedness in terms of sexual exploitation etc. Whatever the case, those who find such things as "evil" in such photographs are really speaking for their own problems (fixations, etc.)

The true naturists can rejoice in the recording of long past moments of joy experienced by courageous members of humanity who were living out the integrity of their beliefs - an example for us today.

Stephen Grace

Photo: Robbert Broekstra

PHOTO CREDIT UPDATES

In issue #167 we omitted to credit Brian Williams with the front cover photo taken at Orakei Karako during the Rotota Camp out. The picture has gained many favourable comments. Good work Brian.

The photo of Aoraki / Mt Cook in issue #168 was used by kind permission of the High Country Herald - Otago.

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. 169 June 1999

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

Editor:

Les Olsen Tel/Fax (09) 444 5015

Business Manager:

Laurel Olsen Tel/Fax (09) 444 5015

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.

All correspondence should be addressed to:

P.O. Box 101014,

North Shore Mail Centre

Auckland, New Zealand

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

The Secretary NZNF: Pamla Kelly
PO Box 20498
Glen Eden, Auckland 8
Tel 09-836 3610, Fax 09-836 3657
Email: nznf.sec@xtra.co.nz

President: Kay Hannam
PO Box 76, Lake Tekapo
Tel/Fax 03-680 6549
Email: naturally@xtra.co.nz

North Island VP: Mike Kelley
Tel: 09-836 3610, Fax 09-836 3657

South Island VP: Christine Turner
Tel: 03-337 3464

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

PHOTO CREDITS

Doug Ball IBC, 2, 13, 14, 15,

Les Olsen FC, BC, 1, 15, 20

Mike Kelley 14,15, 22. Les Rootsey 3, 4, 5

Roger Wright 6, 7. Brian Williams 1, 11, 12

Tony Hodkiss 1, 16, 17, IFC. Lionel Mead 25

Kevin Sampson 8, 9, 10, 21, 23

Robbert Broekstra 26b, 26c. Joyce Fleming 26a

DEADLINES FOR COPY

(Top)

AUSTRALIAN NUDIST CLUB DIRECTORY