National Committee

President Traven Searle

(0061) 7831 1731

Vice President John Groombridge

(North Island)          (04) 596 5461

Vice President Joyce Fleming

(South Island)         (03) 322 7990

Secretary Jackie Caldwell

 

TreasurerJohn Groombridge

(04) 589 5461

Members

Ian Bushett(04) 237 0193

John Lowe

Steve Wilkinson

Correspondence should be mailed to the official FBG address

LOCAL CCONTACTS

Auckland Bob Williamson

(09) 410 6030

Tauranga Glenda Harper

(07) 542 0290

Ted Lidgard

(07) 542 2344

Waikato Roger Morris

(07) 856 8857

Taranaki John Lowe

(06) to be advised

Hawkes Bay Murray Ennor

(06) to be advised

Sthn Hawkes Bay Hugh Bowles

(06) 374 6238

Wellington Meryl Baker

(04) 528 7010

Alan Geeves

(04) 478 4820

Christchurch Joyce Fleming

(03) 322 7990

Cap d'Agde Next Year?

 

Wouldn't it be nice to escape our winter for a while, and go and sunbathe with 40,000 other nudists at the world's premier (in my opinion) nudist resort? I know that many nudists don't like the "concrete jungle" of all the modern apartments and shopping complexes at Cap d'Agde. We're all entitled to our own opinions - some people prefer the more rustic environment, and good on them. Personally, I believe in always living naked, be it at home or, where the weather and the law permit, walking down the street, going shopping and dining out in restaurants. I recently received a postcard from Cap d'Agde sent by Clayton Wills of the FBG in Auckland - he describes it as "PARADISE".

 

So, I am planning to have my fourth holiday at Cap d'Agde next year. Two other Wellingtonians have shown a very definite interest. Now is the time to begin thinking of these things and planning ahead for them. Anyone else?

 

I receive the brochure every year in January, so I cannot yet confirm the prices for next season. However, based on the prices for 1995 and on the currency exchange rates at 1 June, a modern apartment for six people would cost NZ $21 .80 per person per night; an apartment for eight people would cost NZ$27.20 per person per night. These prices include electricity, bedding and linen, crockery and cutlery etc.

 

Obviously, we would have to pay for food, beverages etc as well, but these things are not at all expensive. For example, a very drinkable bottle of wine could be purchased for about $5.00. Add some cheese, olives, a few other bits and pieces, and we'd be away laughing.

 

So, clearly, the biggest expense by far would be the return air-fare: NZ$2,500 approximately. Other than that, it's not actually very expensive to have a great holiday in the south of France. What's more, the prices above for the modern apartments are the prices during the most expensive time of the year - peak season for July-August. If we were to go earlier, say, sometime from mid-May to mid-June, an apartment for six people would be NZ $13 per person per night; an apartment for eight people would be NZ $15 per person per night. That time of year, or even slightly earlier, would probably suit us better as we would still have some of our southern hemisphere tan.

 

I will be able to confirm 1996 prices in January. We will need to book three months before arrival and pay a 25% deposit for the apartment at that time. Full payment needs to be made one month before arrival. So, how about it?

Frank Peek

Subscriptions

 

Subscriptions are now due, and again this year, all those who pay before 30 November 1995, will go into a draw for a refund of their subscription.

Subscriptions have been kept at $20, however if you can add a small donation, it will be very welcome.

Cruising the Net

 

While filling in a quiet night at work I went "surfing the Net".

 

My employer has installed "Netscape" on our LAN (Local Area Network) and at the moment we have free access to it, though guidelines are given (though commonly ignored).

 

The joy of this system is that you enter a keyword and the computer brings up the listings on that subject. So enter Nudist or Naturist and the world comes to you. Listing after listing of nudist groups around the world. I even left a message in the visitor's book of an Alaskan naturist group.

 

But imagine my surprise when browsing the naturist reference pages I came across an Aust/NZ regional map, so click, and up on the screen comes a contact list of official Australian and New Zealand nudist bodies including our own FREE BEACH GROUP.

 

Further down the screen are four listings under NZ: Uretiti Beach Reserve List of Free Beaches New Zealand Clubs New Zealand Resorts.

 

So I clicked onto Free Beaches and seven extracts from our Beach Guide appeared, along with a brief statement of the legal position in NZ. Richard M Mathews states "New Zealand has no national laws prohibiting nudity, save where it is intended to be offensive." Some local bodies have regulated against nudity on their beaches, however they have not yet managed to police such by-laws in an effective way. Police, if they question someone in response to a complaint against nudity, would usually request that the nude person dress, rather than arrest them. You should assume on NZ free beaches that you will need to bring your own food and drink. None that I have visited have toilet facilities (or changing rooms!).

 

Ross Thornton

President's Report

 

This year has been a bit different for the President. I have spent most of the year in the land of OZ. I would like to talk a little about the Free Beach in OZ (Queensland). I was present at their AGM held at Pacific Friends. They were hard pressed to get a quorum, and Les Hoskins was elected President. I have visited several of the "Free Beaches" in the Queensland area, and talked to several in-state and out-of-state nudists. APATHY was the catch word. One Sunday (mid-winter) there were 80+ people on the beach, about 4-6 belonged to a Free Beach Group (in one state or another). It appears to be the idea "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

 

Back in New Zealand, the economy is moving upward and ever so slowly our membership is growing. Wellington and Christchurch being the leading lights. For their efforts I must thank the Wellington Region and Joyce Fleming in Christchurch.

 

What are we doing right? Exposure in magazines (NZ & OZ), beach BBQ's, brochures, discussions with the police. Every time good things get to the public, the easier it becomes for us to "expose" ourselves. What we want to achieve is to have the police say to a complainant, "That's a nudist beach, they never cause us any problems".

 

Highlights of the year: Breaker Bay becomes the social centre, Ngatuhoa was a success as 10 day event. Christchurch is attempting to overtake Wellington in size; Papamoa had a quiet summer, no hassles so to speak.

 

I look forward to seeing you all at the AGM and 21st Anniversary Dinner celebrations.

Traven Searle

1995/96 Committee

 

The number of nominations received for the 1995/96 National Committee was equal to the number required to form the Committee. As has been the custom at previous AGMs, it was therefore deemed unnecessary to have a postal vote as resolved at the 1994 AGM. We welcome Steve Wilkinson to the Committee, adding to our South Island representation.

Auditor's Report

 

Auditor's Report to Members of the FREE BEACH Group Inc, for the Year Ending 31 July, 1995.

 

I have examined the books of the Free Beach Group Inc and carried out accepted audit procedures that I have considered necessary. It is my opinion that the Financial Statements give a fair and true view of the position of The Group as at 31 July 1995, and the results of its activities for the year.

 

signed: Andre Rieper ACA

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Treasurer's Report

 

It is with pleasure that I write this report for the 1994/95 Financial Year. After three years of negative results, it is pleasing to be able to report that we have at last reversed our losses, and have made an operating "profit" of $837. On top of this, we received $1105 in generous donations from members and a $700 grant from the Percy Cousins Trust (NZNF).

 

The response from members to our call for donations following last year's $928 loss and $1237 legal opinion was very quick and gratifying. To all those who answered the call for help, A Big Thank-you, the Free Beach Group is indebted to you.

 

An analysis of the accounts reveals the following statistics:
    11% Increase in Membership
    10% Increase in Income (not including Donations)
    48% Increase in Subscriptions received
    20% Decrease in Expenditure
    77% Increase in Monies in the Bank
$1105 Received in donations from members

 

This is a very satisfactory result. We should continue to build up our reserves so that we are prepared for unexpected drains on our resources and to promote our mission. The best way to do this is to continue to increase our membership.

 

A special thank you to our independent Honorary Auditor for his valued time and assistance.

 

John Groombridge

FREE BEACH GROUP Inc

 

BALANCE SHEET as at 31 July 1995

(last year)		ASSETS
757.99		Cash at Bank		3,241.59
2,000.00		Term Deposits		2,000.00
390.00		Stock		466.70
203.52		Typewriter	318.00
		less accum depreciation	155.18
				162.82
3,351.51		Total ASSETS		5,871.11
		LIABILITIES
4,027.18		Accumulated Funds		3,098.56
(928.62)		add Excess Income		2,642.55
3,098.56				5,741.11
252.95		Subs in advance		130.00
3,351.51		Total LIABILITIES		5871.11

Profit & Loss income Statement below ...

FREE BEACH GROUP Inc

 

RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 1995

 

(Last Year)
RECEIPTS	PAYMENTS			RECEIPTS	PAYMENTS
391.43			Cash at Bank	1,130.98
291.40			less unpresented cheques	372.99
100.03				757.99
2,804.00			Subscriptions	4,157.80
252.95			Subscriptions in advance	130.00
255.00			Donations	1,805.00
143.44			ASB Interest	133.21
	1.50		Bank Charges		4.00
475.85	199.50		Shop	162.00	405.00
910.00	1,043.91		Ngatuhoa	1,549.85	1,443.00
1,400.00	1,017.48		Waiwera
	32.95		Advertising		104.35
	897.70		Postage		1,004.85
	1,305.55		Printing		1,546.00
	80.00		PO Box Rental		80.00
	344.90		Stationery		181.40
	168.75		NZNF Levies		171.00
	483.64		Toll calls		329.75
			Inland Revenue		89.66
	50.00		Photo Competition
			SPANZ		50.00
	1,237.50		NSCC By-law		150.00
	40.00		AGM Expenses		177.26
	30.00		Miscellaneous	370.81	88.80
1,482.15			Surrender of TERM DEPOSIT
	1,130.98		Closing cash at Bank		3,548.97
	8,064.36				9,374.04
	372.99		less unpresented cheques		307.38
7,691.37	7,691.37			9,066.66	9,066.66

E.O.E.  

FREE BEACH GROUP Inc

 

INCOME & EXPENDITURE STATEMENT for Year Ending 31 July, 1995

 

(Last year)		INCOME
2,804.00		Subscriptions	4,157.80
158.25		Subscriptions in advance	252.95
255.00		Donations	1,805.00
125.59		ASB Interest	133.21
910.00		Ngatuhoa	1,549.85
1,267.95		Waiwera
475.85		Sales	162.00
		Miscellaneous	370.81
5,996.64		Total INCOME			8,431.62
		EXPENDITURE
32.95		Advertising	104.35
1,305.55		Printing	1,546.00
897.70		Postage	1,004.85
344.90		Stationery	181.40
80.00		PO Box Rental	80.00
168.75		NZNF Levies	171.00
483.64		Toll calls	329.75
		Inland Revenue	89.66
50.00		Photo Competition
1,043.91		Ngatuhoa	1,443.00
1,017.48		Waiwera
1,237.50		NSCC By-law Expenses	150.00
50.88		Depreciation (Typewriter)	40.70
40.00		Hire of Hall (AGM)	177.26
1.50		Bank charges	4.00
		SPANZ	50.00
30.00		Miscellaneous	88.80
6,784.76		EXPENDITURE Subtotal		5,460.77
331.00		Opening STOCK	390.00
199,50		add Purchases	405.00
			795.00
390.00		less Closing STOCK	466.70
140.50		Cost of Sales		328.30
6925.26		TOTAL EXPENDITURE			5,789.07
-928.62		EXCESS Income over Expenditure			2,642.55

 

On Amendments to the FBG Constitution

 

No doubt all members of the Free Beach Group (incorporated) respect our Constitution and understand that it is the fundamental document of the Group. Our Constitution establishes us as a legal entity with rights and privileges. It sets out our mission, strategic directions and key operating procedures.

 

It is important, therefore, that we aim to have our Constitution as perfect as possible. inevitably, in trying to bring about a perfect Constitution for the Group, amendments will be necessary from time to time.

 

I think it is timely, however, to urge caution in proposing amendments to the Constitution. Law becomes fragile when it is altered too often. A stable society requires stable laws. Ever-changing laws will eventually lead to contempt of the law and non observance.

 

A law should only be changed if there is a sufficient reason for change, tor example, to correct an obvious error or to lead to a substantially better outcome than maintaining the status quo. The same is true for changes to documents such as the Constitution of our Group.

 

That is why we need to examine very carefully any proposals to amend our Constitution. The July/August FBG Newsletter proposed no fewer than five amendments to the Constitution. There is one proposal that should not be accepted in its present form.

 

Clause 2.1 of the Constitution, which develops the Group's Mission, reads: "To educate the public concerning the advantages of nude recreation and to work towards public acceptance of nudity on appropriate occasions". It is proposed that the words "work towards" be replaced by the word "achieve". The explanation for the proposal is that the term "work towards" implies that we will never reach our goal.

 

Please excuse the personal note here, but I deal with this type of thing every day in my job in the strategy and planning section of a Crown agency. The proposed amendment is heading down the wrong track.

 

In their current expression, all the Mission statements in our Constitution (clauses 2 - 2.8) describe actions over which we have control and for which we can be held accountable: it depends on us to produce them. The proposed amendment is not a Mission statement and must not become part of our Mission: it describes a state over which we do not have control and for which we cannot be held accountable. Why? Because we do not produce that state of being. To "achieve public acceptance of nudity on appropriate occasions" depends on other people, namely, the public in general. Our Mission is, precisely, to "work towards" that state of acceptance, but we do not produce it.

 

Although the amendment as proposed should not proceed, there are options for dealing with the issue of "achieving" public acceptance of nudity on appropriate occasions. I would suggest an alternative amendment, as follows:

 

* amend clause 2.1 by deleting the words " and to work towards public acceptance of nudity on appropriate occasions"; and

 

* add a new clause 3 under the heading of Goal to read: "To achieve public acceptance of nudity on appropriate occasions"; and

 

* amend all the following numbering i.e. the section under the heading of Membership becomes 4.1 - 4.5 etc.

 

A Constitution such as ours should include a Goal statement, and the alternative proposal respects the distinction between a Mission and a Goal.

 

Lastly, allow me to observe that it would be entirely appropriate for matters as serious as changes to the Constitution to undergo a process of adequate consultation within the Group. I would suggest that, before putting forward recommended changes in the newsletter along with a postal voting slip, an initial draft proposal for amendment should be notified to members in the newsletter. The notification should invite submissions or comments within a reasonable time frame. Final recommendations should appear in a subsequent newsletter only after comments from members have been properly considered.

 

Frank Peek

Constitution Status Report

 

During 1993/94, the Committee decided it was time to review the FREE BEACH GROUP Constitution and to up-date it as may be necessary to fit our current organisation. The revised Constitution was adopted by the 1994 AGM.

 

Subsequently, it was discovered that the Group could avoid payment of income tax on interest earned on investments, if we gained IRD "non-profit-body" status. This required two amendments to the Constitution, which were proposed and adopted at a Special General Meeting on 9 July, 1995.

 

Before presenting the revised Constitution to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies, the Committee deemed it convenient and appropriate to make five more minor adjustments, to be considered at the 1995 AGM. When these amendments have been processed, the finalised Constitution will be forwarded to the Registrar. The opportunity to add a Goal statement to the Constitution as proposed by Frank Peek can be considered at the AGM as an amendment to the Amendment (Clause 2.1).

 

The 1994 AGM resolved that the election of the National Committee be by postal voting. This was to be for a trial period. This change to our elections procedure has not been written into the Constitution yet and will need to be the subject of a further amendment. The Committee will consider this, and call for submissions in a future newsletter. No further amendments will be contemplated unless there is a compelling reason for change.

Editor

Ngatuhoa 96

 

Plan now for Ngatuhoa 96 which will be from Monday 22 January to Monday 29 January. If you have missed previous Ngatuhoas, you can't afford to miss another! The Summer social event of the year, Free Beach Group style away in the Kaimai Ranges in an idyllic bush setting. Comfortable lodge with all amenities, great company, activities to suit everyone. Full details next newsletter.

Waikuku 96

 

Plan now for Waikuku 96 which will be Waitangi weekend from Friday 2 February to Tuesday 6 February. If you can have the Monday (5 Feb) as a holiday, you get an extra long holiday weekend, just what you need to recover from starting back after the Summer break.

 

If you missed last year's Waikuku Lodge adventure, read Doug Ball's excellent article on it in the June "NZ Naturist". This is the Wellington Summer social event of the year, Free Beach Group style away in the Haurangi Forest Park. Comfortable lodge with all amenities, great company, activities to suit everyone. Full details next newsletter.

Our Sympathy

 

Our sympathy goes out to Bill Baine and family on the loss of Bill's dearly loved mother.

   Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow,"
   and others say, "Nay sorrow is the greater."
   But I say unto you, they are inseparable.

When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you will see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

 

From The Profit by Kahill Gibran

Photos Wanted

 

Members are invited to submit photographs for publication in the 1995 edition of "Free Beaches of New Zealand". We would like distance shots showing groups of FBG members at the beach or on FBG outings. Close-up photos of individuals are not suitable. All care will be taken, but we cannot accept responsibility for photos lost or damaged. Please enclose a self addressed envelope for their return. Post your photos with suitable protective packing to Box 30-099, Lower Hutt.

 

Jackie Caldwell

Wellington Notes

A Call to All Members

 

The National and Wellington Regional Annual General Meetings will be held at

 

Rewa Rewa School Hall
Saturday,16 September 1995

 

As this will be the only venue this year for the National AGM, it is vital that we have a good turnout. We need 30 members to form a quorum, please be there, without a quorum, the AGM cannot proceed, without an AGM...!

 

The Wellington Regional AGM will follow the National AGM, and business includes the election of a new Regional Committee. Please try and be there to have your influence on the Wellington regions activities. For more details, contact Linda at (04) 478 4820.

 

And remember the 21st Anniversary Dinner at Valentine's Restaurant, Petone Esplanade, at 7-30pm. Please ensure you confirm your booking as seating is limited.

Ten Pin Bowling at Strikeline

 

It was a small group of Wellington members that met on 29 July for Ten Pin Bowling. We were ready to play at 5pm but decided to wait for some others who had said they were coming. That was a waist of time as they didn't show up (it would be helpful if people would phone someone and cancel out).

 

It looks an easy game, just bowl a ball down and knock over those little white pins, but it would be easier to skittle 10 pedestrians jay walking across Lambton Quay at lunch time. We all had our own ideas on how it should be done and had a lot of fun coaching each other, didn't help much though!

 

Strikeline has good facilities and is not busy at that time of the day. It cost $12 for the hire of shoes, ball and 3 games each, each game taking 20-30 minutes. So come along and give it a go, you won't be disappointed. Phone Linda (04 478 4820) to book a place, or look for the "coming events" list at any event.

Barry Marten