FBG - Newsletter

Hullo again — Last week the Parks & Reserves Committee of the A R A voted to recommend to the full Authority meeting that certain selected areas be put aside for nude bathing for a six—month trial period from 1 December. This recommendation will be considered by the Authority on 22 September, so the result will probably be known before this newsletter reaches you.

Irrespective of the Authority decision, our fight has rea1ly only just begun. Until now, apart from letters to newspapers, there has been little opposition from the public. Given a favourable decision by the Authority we can probably expect far greater opposition in future.

It is felt by this committee that when one local body has voted in our favour others throughout the country will follow suit. Those beaches will have to be used; it may be difficult. The reaction of the public is unforeseeable. Overseas experience has demonstrated two extremes, from a few brave nude bathers surrounded by a crowd of gawkers to an overwhelming support from members of the public who have previously not considered nude bathing. It is to be hoped that the New Zealand experience will be the latter and that nude bathing becomes the "in thing".

The night before the newspaper report about the Parks and Reserves Committee's recommendation, the FBG committee had a lengthy discussion about future strategy which was, of course, rendered superfluous. In the main, we have felt that the best policy is to make haste slowly without making too many waves. We sometimes have letters from members who want to want a bit more positive action, like making an assault on a public beach. I hope this answers these members - we really don't want to queer what is at the moment quite a hopeful pitch.

And from there to THE DIARY:

The last Diary caused some confusion and raising of eyebrows! This was not intended. The Group has many aspects in its membership; to some the social side is as important as the politicking or simple sunbathing. The Diary is designed to cater for all, hence there are scheduled outings not suitable for nudity. Piha Glade and Wenderholm were two such in the last Diary. To save future confusion such items will be shown as clothed outings.

CAMPING is well to the fore in the interests of members. Are you all aware that there is a Camping and Club directory available at a cost of $1.00 from the NZNF, P.O. Box 1359, Wellington. Adrienne hopes, too, to include frequent camping trips in the Skinny-dippers' itinerary.

DIRECTORY Applications are coming for the New Directory. This will be compiled in early November, so please ensure your application reaches us before the end of October.

Now please excuse me. I'm off to Queensland to ensure that I, at least, get a sun tan this year.

HAVE YOU PAID YOUR SUB?

Best wishes,

TONY (in absentia)

Now, a word from the workers:

BAY OF PLENTY TRIPS Charles has advised that another trip to Mayor Island has been arranged for the week-end of January 24, 25 and 26, 1981. The charge for the three days is

$26 per head for boat trip, marquee, landing and
camping fees; $19 students 13 to 18 years;
$16 children under 13 years.

A 20-seater bus will be available to the first twenty people to send their money. There will be a full refund if the trip has to be cancelled, but no refunds if you change your mind; you will have to dispose of your ticket to your friends, which should not be difficult.

On the week-end of 6, 7 and 8 February another trip to Ngatuhoa Lodge has been organised. There are bunks for 50 people, but accommodation for 100 plus; all cooking facilities, hot water, showers, lovely fresh running stream and bush for miles. NO PETS ALLOWED. The cost will be $3.00 per person, children $1.50. Cash in full by end of November.

Please contact Charles direct about these trips:

218 Papamoa Beach Road, R D 7, Te Puke.

TOWELS We have had many enquiries for a F B G towel with our emblem. It is now possible to make these available, a reasonable quality towel in plain gold sporting our Fred Bear, at a cost of $5.50 A great Christmas gift, or for just being kind to yourself.

WAIWERA TRIP Owing to a regrettable breakdown in communication (euphemism for foul-up) this trip will now take place on 8 November instead of Labour week-end. I am afraid it is going to cost a wee bit more this time, so you've got a bit longer to raid the kids' piggy banks.

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MEDLEY Gary Pennell would like to know of any good camping places within 2—3 hours' drive of Auckland. If you have any helpful suggestions perhaps you could give him a ring at 675—042. In NORTHLAND Bill Main and Craig Buckley are keen to get things going this summer. I am sure they would welcome help and suggestions. You can ring Bill at 875 Whangaruru or Craig on 71 373 Whangarei. At CLIVE GREEN we can use the free-standing lockers, so that busy-bodies are not so likely to interfere With clothing and other belongings.

SWIMERAMA The next one, on 18 October, will be the final for this year. If you haven't gone to Queensland too by then,
I hope to see a record number there.

Lois

FREE BEACH GROUP INC

SKINNY DIPPERS? DIARY FOR - WOULD YOU BELIEVE -
SEPTEMBER

SEPT 7	TAWHITOKINO High tide 6.20 p.m. From Kawakawa Bay drive along the coast road about 4 km to a parking area at the end. Walk east around the rocks to a little stream where there is a track leading up the edge of the cliff over the hill and down into Tawhitokino Beach. PIHA GLADE Drive north from Lion Rock about half a mile and park beside a bridge. Walk in along a track beside the stream about 300 m to a grassed clearing. Toilets, barbecue fireplace, clean water from the stream. From here, Marowhara Track leads up round the hills and loops back onto White's Track, which goes to the Anawhata Road. Suggest you bring a plastic sheet to lay your towel on.
SEPT 14	LONG BAY High tide 10.45 a.m. Those who wish may sunbathe at the first beach around the point. KARIOTAHI From Waiuku, turn left into Constable Road, then along the Kariotahi Road and Gap Road to parking area at the beach. Walk south about half a mile.
SEPT 20	SWIMARAMA 6.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. Panmure Pool, Lagoon Drive. Swim and sauna.
SEPT 21	WENDERHOLM High tide 4.20 p.m. Call into Waiwera for a warm swim on the way home. KAREKARE High tide 7.30 p.m. Walk out along the stream and round the rocks to the north end. Sunbathing and fishing.
SEPT 26	N.S.N.C. SWIM NIGHT AT RICARDO'S, PARAKAI 6.30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Adults $1.50, children 50c
26th— 28th	WEEK-END CAMP After the swim we camp at Craigwell House Hotel. Camping, hired caravans, cabin or full accommodation, and private hot pool available. Phone Adrienne for camping charges.
SEPT 27	RIMMERS ROAD High tide 12 noon Muriwai North, turn off about a mile south of Helensville bridge, drive through forest to a parking area at the beach. Toilets, sand dunes, pine scrub, swimming, sunbathing, fishing. Campers return to Parakai afterwards.
SEPT 28	MURIWAI High tide 12.45 p.m. About half a mile before you get to Muriwai Beach, turn right long a road past the golf course, then turn left near some pine trees (about a hundred yards before a locked gate and a bridge), to a parking area at the beach. LONG BAY High tide 10.20 a.m.

Would anyone interested in a fishing/swimming/sunbathing trip before Christmas please phone Adrienne with suggestions re boats, venue, or any kind of help.

SKINNY DIPPERS' DIARY

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 1980

In general, the first of the beaches indicated will be for a Saturday outing, and the second for Sunday of each week-end. This will be varied from time to time - e.g. bus, boat trips and the like - but this will be clearly indicated.

Oct 5-6	PAKIRI NORTH High tide 4.50 pm Drive through Wellsford to Te Hana, turn right towards Mangawhai Forest Headquarters, about 8 kms, then right again at sign for Mangawhai Forest. One more right turn at a box in the middle of a junction. Walk south along the beach. BETHELLS BEACH High tide 7.30 p m From the car park walk north—west across the stream and around to the sand dunes.
Oct 12-13	AWHITU REGIONAL PARK High tide 12 noon Drive through Waiuku and up the peninsula to Matakawau (about 20 mins). Turn right at ARA signpost about 1 km past Awhitu School. Walk east to far end of beach near jetty. If you wish, walk over the headland past the old homestead (some wonderful trees for the kids to play in) and there lies a whole stretch of white sandy deserted beach. RANGITOTO High tide 9.40 am Blue Boats leave from ferry steps at 9.30 am, returning from Islington Bay at 2.00 p m and from Rangitoto Wharf at 2.30 pm. Adults $3.60 return, children $2.50 return. A trip for the fit and energetic to climb to the summit (with CLOTHES ON, of course). Sturdy shoes a must.
Oct 18—19	SWIMARAMA 6.30 - 8.30 pm Panmure Pool, Lagoon Drive. Swim and sauna. Adults $1.00 Children 30c. Last one for this year, so let's make it a good one. Bring your friends, invite a crowd home afterwards. Ideal for a gentle introduction to nudism. WHATIPU High tide 5.50 pm Continue through Huia to Whatipu. From car park, cross footbridge and walk towards Paratutai Rock. Fishing or sunbathing in sand hills. Some of us intend to camp here for the week-end at Whatipu Lodge. Charges $2 per site per night, no power points, use of all facilities in the Lodge. Also units and bedrooms. Phone Proprietor, 860 Huia. LONG BAY High tide 2.45 pm Walk north around rocks to second beach along.
Oct 24—27	URETITI High tides 8.30 to 11 am Weekend camp in pine trees, 2 miles south of Ruakaka. Drive north from Waipu Bridge about 8 kms, past the golf course, then turn right and continue about 300 metres. Not a camping ground, but a place where people may camp. We will rig up our own toilet. Water (and more civilised camping) available at Ruakaka. We hope some North Auckland members will join us. Perhaps a few carloads from Auckland as a day outing? A long way, but it is well worth the effort.
Oct 25-27	HUIA High tide 1 pm Emiel's Beach. Park on road to Lookout, take track on left hand side to beach. LONG BAY High tide 11 am The opening day of our season (for or whose who haven't cheated)! KARIOTAHI High tide 1 pm From Waiuku, turn west through Constable Road, Kariotahi Road and Gap Road. Walk south about 1 km.
Oct 31	N S N C SWIM NIGHT at Riccardo's, Parakai. 6.30 to 10 pm. Adults $1.50, children 50c. Friends are invited to this one too, but no swimwear is allowed in the pools.
Nov 1—2	OMAHA High tide 4 pm From Warkworth drive towards Leigh about 8 kms, then follow signs to beach. Walk east about 15 mins. WHITES BEACH High tide 6.15 pm From the Scenic Drive, take the road to Piha for about 4 kms, turn right into Anawhata Road and drive about 8 kms to a parking area overlooking the beach. Climb the locked gate and walk down about half a mile of steepish(!!) track. Wear shoes, as the sand gets hot. Alternative access from north end of Piha up track over headland. Lois's note: This is not for the halt, the lame, the blind, the old, the very young, the unfit or the faint-hearted.

DO LET US KNOW if you have any new ideas for socials - something different that hasn't been done, or anything you'd like repeated. Also venues far same.

ANNUAL N Z N F RALLY, to be held 30 December to 3 January The Secretary is holding application forms for the Rally, and can be contacted at the Box No., or Phone 450-037.