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FREE BEACH News |
September - October, 1997 |
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FREE BEACH GROUP Inc |
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PO Box 30 099 LOWER HUTT |
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Top-less in Canada / NZ?
The Canadian Appeal Court has ruled that women have as much right as men to be topless in public, however the law here is not so clear cut. NZ courts decide cases on an individual basis.
Hamish Woods of the Wellington police says the offence that could be committed by women going topless would be under a section of the Summary Offences Act dealing with offensive behaviour. "It's all a matter of time, place, and circumstances," he says. "What is offensive in one situation won't be so in another. It's a reflection of public standards and expectations."
"If a woman walked around topless in a public library, it probably wouldn't be considered the done thing, whereas lying on Paraparaumu beach it could be."
"Normally, police would only respond if there was a complaint. Then they'd look at it and decide whether the complaint was being raised by some busybody type or genuinely reflected what most people are thinking. Public standards are a moveable feast. If women are bare-breasted in circumstances where people aren't going to be annoyed, then nothing will be done about it."
Municipal administrations in Ontario, Canada's most populous province with 10 million people, are at a loss to deal with the impact of the unexpected court decision. It all began two years ago, when Gwen Jacobs, a young woman from Guelph, Ontario, went bare-breasted in a park on a hot summer day. She was arrested and charged with indecent exposure. But Miss Jacobs fought the charge in court. She won, and the case worked its way up to the Ontario Court of Appeal, which ruled in her favour during the winter.
Nothing happened until a heat wave hit Ontario and women of every age and size began taking advantage of the decision. |
National Committee President John Groombridge 04 589-5461 Vice PresidentTo be appointed (North Island) Vice PresidentTo be appointed (South Island) Secretary Ian Bushett 04 237 0193 TreasurerJohn Groombridge 04 589-5461 Members Bill Baine04 562-0514 Joyce Fleming03 322-7990 Linda Geeves04 478-4820 Barry Marten04 567-5216 George North06 549-2158 Send all correspondence to the official address |
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LOCAL CONTACTS Waiheke Island John Augustine 09 372 2044 Auckland Alison & Graham 09 817 8266 Tauranga Ted Lidgard 07 542 2344 Waikato Roger Morris 07 856 8857 Taranaki John Lowe 06 752 7915 Hawkes Bay Murray Ennor 06 879 6988 Sth Hawkes Bay Hugh Bowles 06 374 6238 Wellington Linda Geeves 04 478 4820 Meryl Baker 04 528 7010 Christchurch Joyce Fleming 03 322 7990 Robin Gray 03 389 1919 |
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It is intended that this Newsletter will be the forum for the expression of ideas, opinions, and criticism; and therefore may not represent official policy.
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FREE BEACH News |
September - October, 1997 |
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Page 2 |
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Uretiti Are you a naturist or a Sunday Nuddy? Are you into clothing-free or clothing-optional recreation? Is your fundamental struggle to: put clothes on, or take them off? These seem to be defining questions for us. In my experience, most Free Beach Group members are naturists, into clothing-free recreation (if male): clothing-optional (if female); where the male's effort is to dress, and the female's: to undress. So our chief defining characteristic is that generally, we're not Sunday Nuddies (those are mostly in clubs). A significant reason for the popularity of Uretiti among our members, (particularly the males) must be the attraction of being able to hang about at one's site without the struggle to dress. Especially in these cancer-aware days, not everyone likes to spend all day frying on the beach. From this perspective, one can see why Uretiti has consistently been the most popular holiday destination for many members. All that shade and only 20m to the beach. Consternation arose, therefore, when we were informed of a notice: NO NUDITY IN CAMP that appeared on the DoC information board at the camp-ground entrance, a couple of years ago. In working our way carefully up the administrative ladder, the committee has made both written and personal representations to various DoC staff, expressing concern about this notice. But without much joy. This year we were told in definite terms, by Whangarei's Acting Regional Conservator, Mr John Gardiner, that the ruling was legal (no law cited!) and would stay. A practical solution for us, provided by Leon - the long-time Camp Manager; has been the acceptance of groups of those like-minded, sharing carefully positioned camping gear. Note that the Camp Manager is not the same as the Camp Host, which is a voluntary position for just peak times. The main hosts for the last couple of seasons have tried to strictly enforce the rules (despite being ex-nudists). DoC has received a number of complaints about them. We wait with interest to see if they are back again next season. Note that none of this affects your rights on the beach - even the last Camp Hosts accepted that! At present hosts are in residence only over the Christmas (school) holidays. And - DoC is happy to receive offers to be Camp Hosts from anyone (not sure if there's a preference for a couple). You get free camping in return for light duties. The time to enquire, would be about September - October. John Lowe |
Auckland Events Hibiscus Coast Sun Club swim nights at on the last Saturday of each month - 6pm till midnight at Palm Springs, Parakai, near Hellensville. $8 per adult. Take your own food and drinks or buy them there. Auckland Sun Club invites visitors to their Spa and Sauna evenings, held every Sunday from 4pm to 7pm; $2-50 per person. Take your towel and FBG membership card. Phone 09 814 9973 for more details. Voting Procedure Some may have wondered why the recent voting papers provided the option to vote "For" or "Against" nominees. In a book written by John Milligan titled "Chairing Meetings" he states: Unless the constitution of the organisation specifically so directs, no one maybe declared elected unopposed. As with any other motion put to a meeting, the election of an officer requires at least the concurrence of the majority of those present. It is a common practice to declare elected the required number who receive the most votes. This is a risky practice. If for example, there are ten members to be elected and thirty nominees for those ten posts, it is conceivable that none of the nominees may receive a majority of those present and voting. So to declare elected the ten candidates with the greatest number of votes maybe to make a declaration which the meeting might not in fact support if each nomination were put individually. These requirements are even more relevant to postal elections, especially when there is only one nominee for a position. Providing an opportunity to vote against a nominee avoids the situation described by John Milligan. If members have had the opportunity to reject a nominee, (and there is evidence some voters exercised that right), ranking the votes cast in majority-order should be a valid method of determining candidates elected. Obviously, a nominee who had more negative votes than "For' is not elected, regardless. We may need to refine our instructions on the voting papers, and any comments would be appreciated. John Groombridge National Camp-out - Rotota In place of the NZNF Annual Rally, Rotota Sun Club will host a 'National Camp-out' from 29 December97 to 2 January 98. This will be an informal event, with fun and games in the morning, rest and recreation (of your own choice) in the afternoons, evening activities and entertainment. If you would like an enrolment form, contact the Secretary, Free Beach Group, Box 30-099, Lower Hutt. |
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DEADLINE for the next FREE BEACH News will be 10 October, 1997 |
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FREE BEACH News |
September - October, 1997 |
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Page 3 |
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President's Report This is my first time as President, and it is a pleasure to report on another successful year for the Free Beach Group. As we look forward to a the warmer whether, we can look back at the good times we experienced last summer and through the winter. North Island members enjoyed visits to Uretiti, Rotota, Katikati, Mapua, and Ngatuhoa in addition to days at local beaches, Winter events included Fernland Hot Pool, Swim-nights / barbecues at Cannons Creek and Parakai Hot Pools, Spas, Mid-winter parties, etc. South Island members enjoyed a visit to Mapua, Petanque at Woodend, Pot-luck barbecues, dates at Taylors Mistake, Tumbledown Bay, Aquacise at Wharenui Pool, and evenings at Pineglades. Wellington and Christchurch members are fortunate to have regular events and activities arranged for them. It's a pity that our many Auckland members have not yet formed a regional committee to arrange more activities north of the Bombay hills. Newspaper reports indicate that nude recreation is being recognised as normal and acceptable on some of our regular local beaches. North Shore City Council appears to have surrendered its intended notorious by-law, and public signs at Pohutukawa Bay clearly recognise nude bathing as a legitimate activity. Police have on several occasions been quoted as stating that the legality of being naked in a public place depends on "the time, the place and the circumstances". Be sure you have read the article on the front page for a NZ perspective. During the year, Jackie Caldwell resigned as Secretary, and we were very fortunate to have Barry Marten step in and pick up the tasks that Jackie had been doing. Thank you Jackie for all the time you have devoted to the Group. Thank you Barry for coming to the rescue, and keeping the wheels turning smoothly. And a special thank you to Tony Wilson who has cleared our St Lukes post box during the year. Our thanks are also due to the Sun Clubs which have invited Free Beach members to their grounds or events during the year, including: Rotota, Auckland Sun, Hibiscus, and Pineglades. All club members have been invited to FBG events, and are always welcome. I would like to thank Committee members, and all our members for support during the year, because without this support, there would not be a Free Beach Group; and although we may not be big in numbers, our presence on beaches and other locations, promotes and educates the public of the pleasure and benefits of clothes free recreation. John Groombridge |
Election and Postal Ballot Un-opened envelopes containing voting papers were sent to the NZNF Secretary who had accepted the task of acting as an independent scrutineer. There were 75 envelopes containing 92 sets of voting papers. The votes cast for committee members were then ranked in order of the number of votes received by each nominee. The five candidates receiving the highest number of votes were declared elected, in conformity with the instructions prescribed on the voting paper. The figure of five on the voting paper was based on the normal situation when the nominees for the three executive positions are separate individuals. The decision creates a Committee of seven members. The scrutineers decision was:
Results of voting for Remits was as follows:
All these results are subject to confirmation at the Annual General Meeting. The Scrutineers Report will be available for inspection at the AGM. Thank you, Peter for being our Scrutineer this year. |
FREE BEACH News |
September - October, 1997 |
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Page 4 |
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clothes free recreation At my desk With the number of "Polar Bare" dips reported around the country it's heartening to note that social nudity is alive and well. If one looks further into newsletter reports it becomes evident that many clubs continue to encourage year round social activities such as swim nights including aquacise sessions, mid-winter dinners, even bowls by candlelight and many have held their Annual General Meetings. Spring is just around the corner and with it, many more varied opportunities for clothes free recreation, whether it be at your favourite picnic spot, club, or the local free beach. Having read many overseas publications over the past few months, I have become increasingly aware of the constant battle our American counterparts have with local authorities, monitoring, protecting and defending their right to enjoy nude recreation. At the same time I cannot help but be dismayed by the mistaken belief of many that we as New Zealanders do not enjoy the same rights here. We need to remind our members and the public that nudity in itself is not an offence. Provided that right is carried out with the respect and consideration of others then the continued enjoyment of nude recreation can be maintained. The situation at North Shore Beach has changed with local body by-laws being introduced. Other areas of our coast-line where nude bathing has been the accepted norm have also been under threat. Thanks to the vigilance and support of those keeping a close eye on the situation, the trend towards introducing further restrictions on beach areas has been stymied. On the 'office' front, the Federation offices have been kept busy in preparation for the NZNF Investigation. This was instigated by out-going President Brent Thompson in his report to the Council last summer. If you have not taken the opportunity to read Brent's "butt-kicking" report then I strongly urge you to do so. Although Brent's recommendation was that the NZNF Survey be carried out in person, the Federation officers felt that given the constraints of time and budget, this was not a practical option. |
A successful pilot survey has been carried out and this summer a nationwide questionnaire will be sent to all members. It is envisaged by using this method together with the assistance of club delegates, we envisage a higher return rate than would otherwise have been expected. Questions raised in the survey include: We are extremely grateful to Peter Holt, former NZNF Secretary, who has been instrumental in compiling the questionnaire with the assistance of North Island Vice President Mike Kelly, valuable input from Federation officers and other interested parties. We now look forward to your views and recommendations as to what you see the role of the New Zealand Nudist Federation and the services it should provide. Your Federation Officers held a successful telephone conference last June to address business matters and issues facing us in the near future. A further conference will be held mid-September. Should you wish to raise a particular item of discussion then write or fax NZNF Secretary, Peter Moosberger. Let's welcome Spring with a renewed vigour as with it not only do we have ample opportunity to do away with restrictive clothing in many of our recreational pursuits, but so too do the opportunities for the less informed in our community who insist on making a career campaigning for the "protection of our morals". Make it business to defend our way of life, our natural right. Write to the newspapers, call up the radio, talk to others. We are a valuable part of the community, let's make it an accepted part. In the July edition of "The Bulletin" - this quotation by Ray Connett, Founder of the Glen Eden Sun Club: "for real growth in the next 50 years we will all have to lift up our heads, look friends in the eye and say 'sure I'm a nudist, have been for years'." Kay Hannam President NZNF |
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FREE BEACH News |
September - October, 1997 |
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Page 5 |
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CHRISTCHURCH News
Last month's aquacise and supper evening at the Wharenui Indoor Pool was so enjoyable that we decided to make it a regular social event during winter months.
On the other hand, very few FBG people turned up at Hanmer Springs on the appointed day, which was in the middle of the school holidays. This is a very popular place and it seemed as if every other family from Christchurch was there that day. Hot pools are fun, but wearing togs is not! Two of our members travelled alone in an otherwise empty car whilst others decided not to go because of lack of transport. Gordon Sim has now offered to be transport coordinator (or car pool manager!) in future. His phone number is 342-5839.
Please mark these on your calendar for September:
Saturday 20 September, 5pm onwards:
Social evening at "Pineglades", the Canterbury Sun Club, Brookside Rd, Rolleston. Spa-sauna, table tennis, bar open and log fire blazing in clubhouse. Bring board games, card games, etc. Light supper provided. $5 per person.
Saturday 27 September, 6-30 to 8pm:
Aquacise at the Wharenui Pool. As usual, $4 per adult, children free. Bring something nice for supper as this is the last aquacise get-to-gether for this season.
To check up on things nearer the time, you may phone me at (03) 322 7990.
After this, we hope - the beach!
Joyce Fleming
Canterbury Sun Club Inc.
clothes-free recreation |
PO Box 1823 |
8 July, 1997
Joyce Fleming
Vice President South Island
Free Beach Group
41 Muir Ave
Halswell, Christchurch
Dear Joyce
On behalf of the Committee, I wish to thank you for your energy and commitment in organising the "Aquacise" sessions at Wharenui Pool. Your invitation to include Canterbury Sun Club members was most appreciated and from all accounts was enjoyed by all who attended.
To reciprocate, what better than a Spa/Sauna, Pot-luck Tea, Games evening at "Pineglades" for the Free Beach Group members to enjoy with members from the Canterbury Sun Club.
The date agreed upon is Saturday 20th September from 5pm onwards. A charge of $5.00 per FBG member is requested. This function will be advertised in Pinecones.
Thank you again for your tremendous input.
I look forward to meeting you again at "Pineglades" or even maybe Wharenui Pool!
Yours naturally
Kay Hannam
Acting Secretary
FREE BEACH News |
September - October, 1997 |
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Page 6 |
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Wellington Region AGM Saturday 13 September 1997 Agenda Opening Remarks Wellington members are urged to attend, to be available for nomination for the Committee, and to offer suggestions for the Summer program. Please bring a plate of 'goodies" for afternoon tea. Saturday evening will feature a three hour Swim Night / Barbecue at Cannon Creeks Pool, Porirua from 6pm. So bring along you sausage/fillet steak, wine, etc for a very enjoyable evening. Labour Weekend Rotota is the place to be for Labour Day weekend, 25-27 October. Always a great time, good company, and no doubt Rotota will provide entertainment to suit the occasion. Why not pack your kit for the first major event for the start of another long hot Summer (we hope!). Happy Birthday
We all wish Raymond Gifford a happy 80th Birthday on 24th September and hope, he will be able to join us at Breaker Bay for many Summers to come. Raymond survived the Tangiwai train disaster, plunging into the river in the dark. Later, Raymond survived the Waihine disaster when the ferry sank in Wellington Harbour, around the corner from Breaker Bay. |
The Best Day of My Life Having had a series of tests, inspections and X-rays over a period of some months I was finally informed that a minor operation on my bowel was necessary. I fronted up at the hospital, to be dressed in a gown that the seamstress had forgotten to stitch down the back, asked to lie on the operating table and was injected with three types of 'dope' then the 'show' began. Sadly, I seemed to doze through most of the more interesting parts of the performance. This was done on a Wednesday. The following Saturday I attended my first outing with the Free Beach Group at Woodend Beach, one of my local beaches that years before I had with other workmates trawled the breakers for flounders. We found a sheltered place in the sand hills and straight-away changed into the most natural and comfortable state of all. The day was just perfect, full sun and Canterbury's warm Nor'west conditions. Not being able at this stage to walk with much vigour in my steps, the warm sand, good friendly company and the feeling of complete freedom was the most wonderful therapy one could have wished for. Lying there in the sun I couldn't help but wonder why don't the medical profession recommend this type of relaxing natural activity for post operations therapy - beats all the drugs etc. Yes I went home eventually feeling so much more relaxed and invigorated even though there were no fresh flounders in my kit-bag for tea. Yes, the best day in my life. The improvement to my inner self feeling could never have been obtained from a pill. Lester Pulley Remember the AGMs If you can't be there, appointing a proxy will ensure we get a quorum, necessary to ensure the future of the Group. |
FREE BEACH News
This Newsletter is intended to be an open forum and has been compiled from information supplied by members. If you have any topics of interest to share with others, or if you have any ideas or concerns, now is your opportunity to express them. All material contained in this Newsletter is Copyright. Editors wishing to reprint any item in part or whole are invited to contact the Editor for permission, and conditions which apply.
Contributions/correspondence may be sent to the Editor,
John Groombridge, PO Box 30-099, LOWER HUTT
