Many of you will be off to the beach etc for holidays soon or just lazing around home. Make sure you take your Fred Bear flag and some Free Beach pamphlets to spread the good word of the club around. Please let us know of any beaches or areas you find which we could Include in the beach list, or any changes required to the beach list. It is only by getting feedback from local members that your area can be kept up to date. You know the old story - if everybody leaves it to somebody else to do then nobody does it. Who gets the blame? Yes Who.

Have a happy summer and don't forget the suntan oil - and warn other people if you see them burning.

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Make sure that you book early for this popular event. See separate sheet in last newsletter for full details and booking slip (or contact your local organiser). If you require transport make arrangements in plenty of time. Entry times are important and must be adhered to. Mail gets a bit erratic over Xmas so be in early.

 

CAMERAS AND VIDEOS - some people are a little camera shy. Please ask permission before filming.

 

Meeting place - it is sometimes difficult getting across the main highway into McLarens Falls Road in heavy traffic especially in convoy and on Friday evening. Thorn Rd is on most maps so for new members we have kept the same meeting place. We suggest that after meeting up people go across the road individually and arrange to meet up again at McLarens Falls Park or, if you have been to the Lodge before, at the first gate.

Make sure your tour leader knows where you are. Don't go from Thorn Road down to Omanawa Rd - it is too dangerous turning into Omanawa Rd.

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NEW ZEALAND FREE BEACHES PROVEN LEGALLY FREE. Read the article by Tony Wilson on pages 6 & 7 of the latest NATURIST, This must justify the effort put in by all past and present club members. Watch for the Australian SUN & HEALTH - we understand they will also be writing up this case and comparing it with the Australian scene.

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For those of you in Auckland over Christmas don't forget the NZNF rally at the AOHC. (Dec 28 to Jan 3) The Free Beach Group delegate will be Tom Lewis and anyone who wishes to have anything brought up at the meeting must get it to your secretary well before the meeting so it can be given to Tom.

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Don't forget the photo competition next August while on your travels.
The subject is things of interest to FBG. Your fellow members do the judging.

 

 

 

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Dress optional holiday is now available in the North Island. The latest NATURIST (p8 & 9) has all the details. RIVERLANDS HIDEAWAY RESORT (Clothes optional) is situated about 45 min from Napier on the road to Taupo. Official opening is mid November. We understand there will be some caravan sites available at Christmas. Facilities will include accommodation units, large kitchen dining room, lounge with bar, recreation room, communal showers, spa, swimming pool, horse treks, white water rafting for all ages, trout fishing in the adjacent Mohaka river. Only yesterday, the day before and the day before that someone remarked "if only a dress optional resort was available in the North Island". Perhaps we might be able to organise a club trip? Anyone who goes there please write something for the newsletter.

Contact address -- RIVERLAND, Private Bag, Napier.

Phone Bruce and Pauline McVicar (834) 9756 or cell-phone 025-427194

 

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Papamoa beach update -- Local organiser tells us that it is alive and well with many nudists enjoying the fine weekends. The housing development at the southern end is not causing any problems so there is no excuse to keep off the beach.

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TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES At the moment phone numbers are being changed faster than the clothists fashions. Our address and phone lists are all on a computer data base which was set up in recent years by Tony Wilson and Dave Hobart. We appreciate their excellent effort which is being continued on by Bob Williamson. Please keep us informed of any changes you have. This can be done direct to the committee or through the area organiser to save postage.

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This is your newsletter - read it and enjoy it - if we don't get some input from your area then we cannot put info in for you. In the last few years the newsletter has improved considerably and it is the important link to keep the club together.

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NEXT DEADLINE FOR THE NEWSLETTER IS FEDRUARY 1st and remember all copy goes to our Auckland box number. We need to receive copy in Auckland by this date.

 

NEXT YEARS PHOTO AND DRAWING COMPETITION Remember this during your travels and let us & see the things that interested you. Your contribution may lust win a share of the jackpot prize,

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

WAITANGI DAY There will bean be Day at St Leonards Beach on Waitangi day, Feb 6th (Thurs). This day will be publicly advertised. More bodies on the beach the merrier.

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LOCAL CONTACTS

 

 

 

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Stop Press - Delay in compiling the directory. It will be available for the next newsletter...

 

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AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER

 

SAUNA		Still steaming on Sunday nights
Place		Aladdin's Bathhouse, 433 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn
Time		Every Sunday from 5pm onwards (even over Xmas)
Cost		$6.50 including free coffee & fruit drinks.
Social Nights		Second Sunday of every month.

Many of the you compare the present sauna with previous saunas and want something identical. This is not possible, however don't run the place down without first giving it a try. The sauna acts as a regular meeting place for many people. Many members want functions provided but consider it is up to the committee to provide these without giving any input themselves or even supporting it by coming along. Some of the committee and a group of members put in quite a bit of effort at times for very little return but despite this they do enjoy themselves. They are usually not very vocal in their complaints but would like some support at times. We have some new committee members and the club needs them to keep the club fresh and active but we will need more next year. We are happy to invite you to come along to the committee meetings to see what happens. Ring the secretary for details of meetings and places. (Enough of the soap box).

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HOT POOL NIGHTS - PARAKAI TOURIST COMPLEX Last complex on left going through Parakai, now held last Saturday of each month, 4pm to 10pm.

NEXT NIGHTS Feb 29, Mar 28. Subject to confirmation from the Hibiscus Club.

Adults $5.00 Children free. Chinese takeaways on site. Nude swimming only please.

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URETITI XMAS CAMP. (Uretiti Recreation Reserve.) At Labour weekend we were a majority with 20 - 30 members in attendance from as far away as Wellington. The weather was reasonably, kind to us with some good tans starting. The fish were a bit scarce but the last day saw a good catch to bring home. All interested members are invited to join our camp at Uretiti from Xmas till mid January for as many days as suit. Good sunbathing, swimming and fishing. Look for the Fred Bear flag.

From State Highway 1, 6 km north of Waipu and 1 km north of the golf course, turn right into Uretiti Beach Recreation Reserve camping ground. Water taps, flush toilets, cold showers. NO DOGS. Supplies at Ruakaka, 3 km further north. Contact John or Fran on 5765 219 for further information. Present camping charge is $5 per per adult per night.

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TINOPAI If you wish to camp there at Xmas or at other times please ring in advance. Contact is Don Ovens. Phone (089)4 317 195.

« « « « « « « « « « « « « « « « « «

BEACH DAYS The popularity of some beaches for nude recreation over the holiday period may change. St Leonards is handy to central Auckland and is always popular but room is often limited at the highest tides. Often on fine days hundreds of nudists enjoy this beach. Tide times are printed in most local newspapers. However as a quick ready reference here are the High Tide times for Saturdays during December to February. Sunday times are about one hour later. Please note that daylight saving time has been taken into account in these times.

		AUCKLAND ONEHUNGA					AUCKLAND ONEHUNGA
December	21	7.48pm	11.13pm		December	28	1.52pm	4.53pm
January	4	7.56am	11.14pm		January	11	12.30pm	3.13pm
January	18	6.30am	10.00am		January	25	12.36pm	3.33pm
February	1	6.45am	10.10am		February	8	11.23am	2.12pm
February	15	5.25pm	8.33am		February	22	11.20am	2.23pm
February	29	5.31pm	8.44am

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COMMITTEE MEETINGS Members may not be generally aware that they can attend FBG committee meetings if they so choose. They cannot vote at these meetings but they can speak at the discretion of the committee. To find out times and venues of meetings, please ring Fran on 576 5219.

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AOHC invitation to us all. There will be an Inter-club Fun Weekend at the AOHC grounds on Auckland Anniversary Weekend Jan 25 - 27. Take your membership card for entry. Something to do if you are not at Ngatuhoa.

There is also an inter-club tramping trip to Uretiti on Feb 8-9. Ring the AOHC for details.

 

 

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  Crankshaft / By Tom Batiuk and Chuck Ayers

 

 

 

[Page 5]

	WELLINGTON NEWSLETTER January - February 1992

 

 

A WOMANS' PERSPECTIVE     I have been a social nudist (or naturist) for about six years. Several months after I joined a local sun club I found it a little too commercial, expensive and regimented. I felt uncomfortable after being approached by a particular 'type' of man. After I declined the man's advances Rick and I became subject to criticism by some members to the point where we finally left the club.   We then joined another club which we found much friendlier and less materialistic. Later we joined the Free Beach Group.   It takes courage to persevere as a naturist, I still feel that any person who feels that they are worthwhile as a person can, and should, feel able to say no to sexual other pressures and still feel comfortable with themselves and others as a naturist.   Even more courageous though is the naturist women who can feel good about herself in spite of her upbringing, social criticism and media pressure to look like a 'Barbie' doll. But like anything else, the effort is worth the rewards.   Meryl Baker   EDITORIAL COMMENT   Meryl's comment in this issue of our newsletter includes reference to a very important topic, that of sexual harassment. As an editor I would like to offer my thanks to her for speaking honestly about the issue. It does happen and the silence about it is part of the problem.   Peter Hooper   ROTOTA SUN CLUB CAMP   Those members and friends who are planning to camp at Rotota Sun Club during the Wellington Anniversary weekend (18-22 January) and the days preceding the Ngatuhoa Lodge Camp, please phone Bill at 04-562-8514 before 20 December. Alternatively members may make direct contact with the Secretary (Shirley), Rotota Sun Club, P.O. Box 164, Reparoa; or phone Shirley at 07- 333-8502. The fee is $4 per night.

RANGI WOODS CAMP We have booked a weekend at the Rangi Woods Camp, 24Km North of Ashhurst, which should be of special interest to Wellington, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Taranaki, and Hawke Bay members, and all others who would like to join us. All ages welcome.   RANGI WOODS CAMP is a YMCA Hostel located in the Pohangina Valley, 24Km north of Ashhurst. The camp is surrounded by native bush beside a fast flowing river. The date of the Camp is 28 February to 1 March, 1992. See the special sheet attached to this month's Newsletter.   The camp has a maximum capacity of 85 people, and a minimum charge of $275 for the weekend. Therefore we only need 20 adults to cover the minimum charge. We are required to pay a deposit by 31 December, so I would like an indication of the number of members (and friends) who would like to come.   For more details please contact Marilyn or Grant at 04-564 6672.   GRANTS REPORT   About 40 people turned up for the Wellington Sun Club's annual Labour Weekend Saturday night function, including a small number from the Free Beach Group.   The theme of the evening was Country & Western, with music being supplied by the Hill-billy Band. Whilst the entertainers were pleasant, they were unable to move the audience, until, that is, an FBG member joined forces with them. From the time Andrew set his guitar alight with FBI, Ghost riders in the Sky, and Roll Over Beethoven, the atmosphere was electric, with dancers on the floor applauding and shouting for more!   In summary, an evening with a quiet start, but which really warmed up towards the end. Perhaps next year's Labour Day Weekend at the Wellington Sun Club will draw a larger contingent from the Free Beach Group.   Sunbathing in nude A middle aged man was spotted sunbathing naked in a public car park off Pirie Street yesterday. A member of the public complained to police, and the man was told to put his clothes back on. He was not charged.   EVENING POST     30 July, 1991.

 

 

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	P.O. BOX 41-171 ST. LUKES AUCKLAND 3

Jan - Feb 1992

 

At present I am writing this from Carters Beach, Westport, where there is not a cloud in the sky, it's 23° and the only person for miles is Fred Bear over my flag beside me. I'm here on business and beaching is the best way to spend the lunch hour. The weather around Canterbury has not been favourable to us but nevertheless there has been some activity:-

Labour Weekend saw some of us invited to the Canterbury Sun Club opening day at Pineglades where we met old friends, participated in the bring and buy, played miniten and petanque. It was a great day, with good hospitality and fun, particularly as the FBG team, who had never played petanque before, beat the Pineglades seasoned campaigners! Well done Janet, Sue and Anna.

In my business travels I have been made welcome in other areas in particular Dunedin where Neville and Margaret have got together with another couple to start swelling numbers there. Unfortunately my trip didn't coincide with their Nude Fondue evening but I did enjoy watching Naked Down Under and Naked Oz Style whilst there.

In Arrowtown I had a beer with the guys from Alpine Lakes Nudist Centre who are just getting started and modelling their operation on the Free Beach Group. They have tonnes of potential and are worth contacting when in the area.

Locally, if the sun ever shines for more than half a day we will be frequenting Spencer Park Beach South, Woodend and Waikuku although no formal programme has been arranged.

My family and some newcomers had a great day at the Christchurch Show Weekend at Little Okains Bay on Banks Peninsula which was absolute bliss and pleasure.

Hopefully everyone has paid their sub and we'll see you all and some new faces over the summer.

In the meantime remember Slip, Slop, Slap and Best Wishes for the festive season.

Gerald Robertson and Family

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	Boy!  Only an idiot would go fishing on a day like this!

 

 

 

[Page 8]

The Press CHRISTCHURCH 28•9•91 Club that likes to get away — then get it off						CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH   A few weeks ago I was interviewed by a reporter from 'The Press' and the result if you haven't seen it already is reproduced. Yes I did say all those things (it was a one and a half hour interview) but the emphasis seems to have changed somewhat. Oh well! What's done is done and all publicity is good so they say.       Chris Arnold (03-355-8337)
THERE'S a lot to be said for nude bathing. It cuts the cost of swim wear, overcomes fashion debates about the merits of one-piece or two piece and all those concerns about high-cut sides and low-cut fronts, and makes it much easier to shake the sand from where it inevitably collects on the human body. If these were the only considerations, there would be no problem. Unhappily for the advocates of the all-over tan, there are other views which tend to place a constraint on those who wish to strip. Opinions, though, vary around the world. In Germany and Europe, official nude beaches are almost as numerous as ordinary ones. In some areas of the Mediterranean, the difference between nude beaches and dressed areas is so fine that the dividing line is almost unnoticeable. National attitudes to nudity are highly individual. The Germanic view is almost religious. It is now said that 60 per cent of Germans prefer to swim in the nude. The Swedes and the Danes are probably the least self- conscious of all Europeans about total nudity. Australia's east coast contains so many vast kilometres of golden beaches that it is almost a surprise not to see topless bathers. Nude bathers are less common, but not unexpected, on beaches 10 or 15 minutes' walk from the main family bathing areas.		• Canterbury sun lovers are seeking the freedom to swim and sunbathe in the nude on public beaches. The 'free beach' cause has the backing of the courts - now all they need is more supporters on the beaches.
		New Zealand's comparative lack of good swimming beaches, particularly in the South Island, has created frustrations for nude bathers, whose desire for freedom has not gained the acceptance of all Other beach users. Slowly, however, the weight of numbers and a recent legal case in their favour may be starting to tip the balance. Sun bathers are now beginning to venture on to beaches with less attire and greater courage. Backing this trend is the Free Beach Group, a national organisation established six years ago to promote the freedom of nudity on New Zealand beaches. A Christchurch branch was set up about three years ago. According to national secretary Fran Riggir of Auckland, the Free Beach Group's ideal is for all beaches to be legally "clothing optional", with clothed and unclothed people enjoying the outdoors together in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect.		According to the Christchurch branch secretary, a Canterbury University lecturer who declined to be named, there is already some measure of success. The group meets most weekends through the summer at Spencerville Beach north of Brighton, and also organises social activities such as winter swims at heated swimming pools. The group has met in past summers at a number of other Canterbury beaches, including Okains Bay and Tumbledown Bay, Taylors Mistake and Woodend beach.     The 'Fred Bear' symbol which appears on flags staking out Free Beach Group sites   "We've backed off from one or two of those places because of some concern by people living in the area," the secretary said. "We don't want controversy and we don't want confrontation; we're not trying to hide, but we don't want to cause any affront."		The secretary says Free Beach offers the benefits of an organised social group - security for nude bathers, especially women, and also an awareness of their legal rights - but without the formal structure of nudist clubs which own their own property. The problem for the Free Beachers, however, is a gradual withering in numbers, creating an overbalance of men and an older average age of club members. Once the problem begins, it is easy to become self-perpetuating. "We find women are more reluctant to get involved, which is a pity," the secretary said. Even his own wife, although she enjoys sunbathing nude in private, does not feel inclined to join the group - and this situation is repeated many times throughout the local group. The challenge facing them now is to break that cycle and encourage more women, couples and families to join. "It's a very relaxed atmosphere and clothing at our outings is entirely optional - if people don't feel they want to take it all off, they don't have to," the secretary said. "We just wish to get together as a group of people who think along these lines.		"I think there are a lot of people who like nudism; they have their own spot they like to swim at, even people who just like to strip off in their own back yard and many may not know of the group's existence." He said nude bathers who acted discreetly were seldom bothered by police and local authorities. They were also buoyed by a District Court case in Auckland this year in which a judge dismissed charges of indecent exposure and offensive behaviour laid against a man who was practising "passive nudity", on a beach known to be used by others for the same purpose. The secretary said nudism had nothing to do with eroticism - "sometimes it has quite the opposite effect." But he said being with others who were naked added to its appeal. "I'll be honest - if I saw a good-looking woman in the nude I'd look at her, but in no different way than if I saw her fully dressed on the street." According to the secretary, skin cancer fears had not squashed the over-all tan. "We're pretty sensible about It now - we advocate wearing a hat, putting on sunscreens and spending time in the shade."    • The Free Beach Group's address is PO Box 41-171, St Likes, Auckland 3

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RANGI WOODS CAMP

 

Of Special interest to FBG members from Wellington, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Taranaki, Hawk’s Bay, and all others who would like to join us. All ages welcome.

 

RANGI WOODS CAMP is a YMCA Hostel located 24Km north of Ashhurst. The camp is surrounded by flowing river. There is a flat grassed area suitable for cabins, and ablution block (with showers and toilet), kitchen which includes two electric stoves, fridge, a washing up, and a few pots and pans. in the Pohangina Valley, native bush beside a fast tents. The camp provides and a large hall with a small table, two sinks for washing up and a few pots and pans.

 

   When ......          from 5.30pm FRIDAY        28 February

   to 4.30pm SUNDAY        1 March, 1992

 

    costs ......            ADULTs ........................ $15.00 each

School children ............    $5.00 each

or FAMILY .......................  $40.00 each

Payment before 31 January, 1992, use slip below.

 

Each camper will need to bring ......

 

Sleeping bag, pillow, blankets, towels, etc

Cooking equipment, including plates, cups, and cutlery

Dish washing liquid, tea-towel, toilet paper, etc and

any other items you may need (eg: can opener)

All your food and drink requirements.

 

Note ... NO dogs, NO cats, NO firearms. Bring your own firewood if you want to light the fire. All rubbish must be removed, so bring suitable containers to take out all that you bring into the camp.

 

The camp has a maximum capacity of 85 people, so I would like an early indication of the number members (and friends) who would like to come. Please let me know how many will be coming.

 

If you need more details, phone Marilyn or Grant at 04-564-6672, or write to:

Marilyn O'Hara, 80 Peel Place, Wainuiomata.

 

For directions and a map, plus a layout of the camp, see over.

 

Tear off - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

RANGI WOODS CAMP

 

Name ______________________    Adults: ______ @ $15 = $

 

Phone _____________________    Children: ____  @   $5 = $

 

Address ____________________   or FAMILY ___  @ $40 = $ ----------

 

__________________________                                   $ ----------

 

Please cross your cheque, and make payable to M J O'Hara.

Mail to Marilyn O'Hara, 80 Peel Place, Wainuiomata.

 

 

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RANGI WOODS CAMP - DIRECTIONS

 

		Travel to Ashhurst, and then follow the AA signs to Pohongina (14Km). At Raumai, approximately 10Km from Ashhurst, turn right, and follow the road North. You will cross the Pohangina stream several times, pass the Ruawai picnic area and Awahou School, and Totara Reserve. Turn left at the fork in road, into Churchill Rd. Follow the signs to YMCA Camp, crossing a one way bridge, then turn left off the road through a (locked) gate, which will be opened. Drive along the road, (this land belongs to the Palmerston North Council, and has signs saying no camping). Pass through the second gate into the YMCA property.     See you there ......

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Send your Booking off to Marilyn before 31 January,

 

Marilyn O'Hara,

80 Peel Place,

WAINUIOMATA