National Committee

To be confirmed by annual General Meeting

President John Groombridge

04 589-5461

Vice PresidentLinda Geeves

(North Island) 04 478-4820

Vice PresidentJoyce Fleming

(South Island) 03 322-7990

Secretary Ian Bushett

04 237-0193

TreasurerJohn Groombridge

04 589-5461

Members 

 Bill Baine04 562-8514 

 John Lowe06 752-7915

 Barry Marten04 567-5216 

 George North06 549-2158

Send all correspondence to the official address

LOCAL CONTACTS

Whangarei Roger Morris 

09 435 3623

Auckland Alison & Graham

09 817 8266

Tauranga Ted Lidgard 

07 542 2344

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

Nelson Dennis Moyniham

03 544 9550

Christchurch Joyce Fleming 

03 322 7990

Robin Gray

03 389 1919

Ngatuhoa 98

Another successful annual Free Beach Group camp has been and gone, and once again this special part of New Zealand was enjoyed by all, in spite of some inclement weather.

The lamb on a spit, together with chips cooked to perfection by Bill, Ian and Neil was a treat to be hold, only to be repeated on Friday night with spit roasted "chicken 'n chips".

There were some trouble makers in the camp during the spud scrubbing competition. Enough said!

Sadly, the annual "triathlon" was cancelled due to the weather, energy being conserved for the "Fancy Undress Ball" with many imaginative artistic painted bodies, the winner being the infamous "Crocodile Dundee".

Thanks to all, including "Reverend Graham" and "Firemen Barry" for their early morning devotions, for making a beaut place better.

See you next year

Ted Lidgard

And from us all, Ted, we thank you, for yet another great Ngatuhoa!

Rotota New Year 98

Swimming or Hiking or Walking through Trees
BBQs, Card games, or Baker's PT
Wading the gorge, or boating the lake,
Maintaining the lawns, or enjoying the break,
Riding the tractor, or playing Petanque,
Dancing to the Disco, or hitting the plonk,
No pressure, No worry, No need to drive home,
No crowds, No traffic, relaxed is the tone,
But all too soon it's time to return
to the city to shirts, shoes, and electrical gadgets,
We remember so fondly, the lake and the ferns,
The hot tub, the glow worms, and the Rotota Magic.

Meryl Baker

Patuna Chasm Walk

A nude adventure in the Wairarapa

The walk is all set for Sunday 8 March. Those who have booked their places should have received a letter giving full details. If you have not received your by now, contact me urgently.

There is still room for a few more to join us, so if you wish to come, please phone me as soon as possible. The walk takes about 4 hours, but is not strenuous. The guide says people in their 80's do the trip with no trouble at all.

The cost of the guided walk is $10 per adult, $5 children.

Barry Marten (04 567 5216)

Barry has Fax and answer-phone if he's not there.

Council turning the other cheek on beach nudity ...

The above headline featured an article in the March 6, 1997

North Harbour News

The article states that more than a blind eye is being turned to a North Shore beach used by nudists inside Auckland's most popular regional park - Long Bay.

The Auckland Regional Council has put up a sign condoning nude sunbathing at the beach; operations manager Dr Digby Whyte confirmed that the regional council has a no-nudity policy, but says Pohutukawa Bay, a 30-minute walk into the reserve, has a long history as a nudist beach; "In essence we have no official view." "We are open to most forms of recreation so long as they can work compatibly together,"

He says the sign makes it clear to beach-goers Pohutukawa Bay is the park's only "clothing optional" place and includes restrictions about walking on the track. "I suppose it is a warning for people walking along the track that they could come across naked people in Pohutukawa Bay."
Police confirmed they too have been turning a blind eye to Pohutukawa Bay.

One sunlover on the beach says he thinks the sign is a good idea although he is unsure what motivated it. He always covers up if women or children venture near and says it is up to beachgoers to be discreet.

"Turning a blind eye" sounds like a euphemism for "it's not illegal".

Nudists should be considerate, but there should be no need to "cover-up". A genuine nudist has nothing to hide!

Editor Ron refers to this report in his article on page 4

Papamoa Beach

Papamoa Beach has long been recognised as a popular nudist beach. Once an isolated stretch of coastline, there is now rapid growth of high-density residential housing all along the area.

Papamoa police Sergeant Mike Blong has warned the public about inappropriate behaviour by some beach-goers. In an article in the local "Bay News" Jo Ferris quotes Sgt Blong saying: "I have no gripe with law-abiding naturists who want to bathe nude, but I do have a problem with bathers who constantly choose to parade inappropriately when there are clothed people around". He asks people to contact the police immediately if they witness anyone acting inappropriately or indecently. "It is very important people witnessing incidents can give us detailed descriptions that we can pursue, or take the registration number of the vehicle the person gets into".

The Free Beach Group supports any action to purge our beaches of indecent or offensive behaviour. Our mission is to promote the pleasure and benefits of clothes free recreation. We cannot tolerate any inappropriate behaviour, and encourage our members to take action to discourage those who may be inclined to these activities.

It is obvious from the article that nudity is not the issue. Our standards of behaviour are no less than those expected by the general public. If we work with the authorities to purge the beach of inappropriate activities, the area could continue to be shared by clothed and unclothed bathers.

Reference is made in the article to establishing a "designated" area for nude bathing. The Free Beach Group does not support the notion of "designated" free beaches, since the implication would be that nudity is forbidden at any other area. Since there is no statute in New Zealand law that defines being naked as illegal, this would be a retrograde step.

Meanwhile, until clothes free bathing is generally accepted as an option on all beaches, we do not oppose the adoption of an alternative nearby stretch of beach, so long as we have the protection of the authorities from those who spoil our place in the sun.

The article in the Sept-Oct 1996 Free Beach News about Haulover Beach, Florida, demonstrates how everyone can benefit from nudist beaches which are strictly controlled (by the nudists), and which are free from deviant behaviour. Florida Free Beachers purged the area of druggies, perverts, etc, and noted that "textiles" regarded the nudist beach as safer than nearby regular beaches. The police had less problems, increased parking revenue, and hoteliers reported that nudists were their preferred clients.

John Groombridge

Regarding the recent report by Jo Ferris about the Papamoa free beach area, I can only agree with all that has been said by police Sergeant Mike Blong. Whilst I have not been able to visit "our beach" often this year, it is still being used by many bona fide nudists.

However, we have all been aware of the undesirable element, usually evident behind the beach in the dune area, for those who wish to look for it! They generally don't bother us on the beach.

I also agree, and have been of the opinion for some years, that the area was becoming incompatible with the bulk housing developments in the area. I would be pleased to hear of Tauranga District Council and Sgt Blong's suggestions for an alternative stretch of beach for us sun lovers. Perhaps the Council and police are more forward thinking than we have credited them in the past.

Ted Lidgard

NZNF Survey

The NZ Nudist Federation is conducting a survey aimed at finding out the needs and opinions of all club members. You will find a copy of the questionnaire with this newsletter for each member.

Please read the questionnaire carefully and use it to record your opinions and feelings about the way in which the Federation works now, and how you think it should work in the future.

When you have completed your responses, fold the questionnaire as indicated, and put it in your nearest post box. THERE IS NO POSTAGE TO PAY. It would be appreciated if you could post your form(s) by 15 March 1998.

A Tour of the North

You may be interested in my visits to some of the free beaches last season listed in the Free Beach Guide (unfortunately I did not visit them all, but I am working on it!).

Early in the season (September 1996) I went to Goat Island but saw no other nudists there, went to the far end of the beach (to the left), it is a bit daunting to go to a beach where you have never been before and where there are no other nudist, and strip off. Very few people on the beach. This beach is no use for swimming being very rocky on the water line.

The next event of significance was we purchased a caravan (October 1996) which is located at Ruakaka, which as you probably know is close to Uretiti. This beach has been my main place to visit. A glorious place on a fine day, and you can walk for miles along the beach in the nude, no problems at all. Most of the nudists of course are on the beach adjacent to the DoC camp. The strange thing is that here and every where else for that matter, I have never ever come across a Free Beach Group member. At the southern end of Ruakaka a new subdivision has been created backing onto the beach with about sixty sections, so I hope they don't keep developing further south. This does not seem likely at this stage as the land is owned by DoC (but?).

One weekend, returning from Ruakaka where the weather was doubtful, I stopped off at Langs Beach when the skies suddenly cleared. Now I have visited the beach many times over the years with friends but have never considered this to be a nudist beach, and have never seen any nudist there. However I gave it ago for an hour or so, but was a little more discreet than I normally am (but not furtive). This beach has few secluded places with the road running close behind, and a new subdivision at the southern end, so I would have thought this would not be an ideal nudist beach.

The same day I went on to Mangawhai Ocean Beach, the weather was not so good now, walked north up beach for a kilometre or so. No other nudists, stayed about one hour. Looks a good swimming beach. A constant stream of people walk along this beach, but it was a holiday.

On another day I went to Ocean Beach North near Whangarei, but went in at the southern end instead of the north as directed. Walked north for about three kilometres, saw no other nudists despite it being quite a fine day. Beach almost empty.

I have been several times to Tawharanui Regional Park, walked north along the beach beyond the remote camp, never seen any nudist here either (except me), a good swimming beach and a lovely place. Again few people seem to use this beach.

Went to Ladies Bay a few times, this beach access was closed this winter and has been upgraded, also the viewing platform.

My next most frequented beach is Pohutukawa Bay. I now go there less often than I used to, because of the caravan, and because of the restricted area nudist now have available to them. used to strip off in Grannys Bay even if I was going further on. There are signs now at the back of Grannys Bay and Pohutukawa Bay as well as the original two on the approaches to Grannys. However despite this I have still seen the odd nudist in Grannys Bay. I must admit to still stripping off after the Grannys Bay entrance path if I see no one on the beach as I go on to the next bay.

 

I enclose a news clipping from a local paper, this is similar to one you have already circulated (see Page 2, Ed). There are several observations I would make about this news item. One is the police are quoted as saying that they turn a blind eye to the nudists, this seems to indicate that they could prosecute if they wish. This is the opposite of what I understand, as I thought that nude sunbathing was acceptable on beaches and other places where it was an established practice. Secondly I wonder who the spokesman is, I would have thought that a nudist beach was where you went to relax so you did not have to be on the alert as to who was coming along. Surely this is what you try to avoid, as this is what you have to do on a non-nudist beach (ie; be alert in case someone is coming). It goes without saying that a good standard of behaviour should be expected on any beach. I am not always just sunbathing on the beach but will swim in the sea, go for a stroll and chat to other beach users who I know, so really I can become oblivious to who is coming or going. I feel the article still portrays nudism in a negative way.

Once I went to Fitzpatrick Bay but no other nudists there, in fact not many people at all, however no one seemed bothered I was nude sunbathing, so it must be fairly common on this beach even though it is quite small in size. Not suitable for swimming.

Visited Mellons Bay but did not sunbathe, just went for a look, saw Manukau City Council sign which said no nudity was allowed on any beach in the city (which is a bit of a put off).

This takes us to our holiday in western Bay of Plenty. Visited famed Papamoa once for about two hours, I could see this beach has had better days. Nudist are now hemmed in from east and west, into, I would think, an ever decreasing area. I have heard, though I cannot believe it, that in its glory days this beach could have up to 3,000 nudists coming from all over the country. On my visit there were only about thirty nudists. I was appalled at the rubbish dumped in the dunes which could be seen when passing through to the beach, a strange sense of values prevails when complaints are made about nude bodies when this type of thing is accepted.

Opoutere, not many people there but it was a weekday, several other nudists, nice walk up the beach to northern end. A safe swimming beach away from estuary, though might be dodgy at high tide. A very attractive beach.

Waihi Ocean Beach, again weekday, no nudist in sight; went several times to beach just north of Bowentown. Safe for swimming. Few other beach users.

Went to Orokawa Bay on a wonderful day, but I agree this apparent paradise is flawed, as you cannot swim on this beach, though it may be safer at low tide (arrived at high tide). Went to the northern end of the beach which was almost deserted (weekday again) no other nudists. I was lying on the middle of the beach positioned to monitor the path onto the beach from the north, thinking I had the whole beach to consider any people coming from the south. Anyway I must have dozed off and I awoke to hear voices close by, I was still not really bothered and then realised I was in the middle of a school trip with about sixty pupils and half a dozen teachers. My cloths were hanging on a branch at least ten metres away. I decided to just grin and bare it, that day I certainly did my bit to publicise nudism as a lifestyle.

Continued on page 6

Teddy's Bare Picnic?
Teddy Bares Picnic?
A Woolly Pig?
Scrubbers, Chippers and Spitters!
Painted Ladies (and Men)!

And those were just a few of the activity options at Ngatuhoa this year. Plus the usual (but definitely not ho-hum) walks to at least four different waterfalls, white water tubing, canoeing and much more. Ngatuhoa is a wonderful clothing and electronics free area - I'm sure the cell phone devotees had unimpeachable reasons for bringing theirs. Few other mod cons had to be sacrificed - even the VCR was played (for educational purposes, naturally). I managed to read nearly a book a day without being too antisocial, as well as conversing and indulging in other forms of active inactivity!

Bill managed to get us within spitting distance of the Woolly Pig (lamb) and later a spit of chickens - with Fern keeping him cool while he slaved over a hot fire or three. While the Spitters kept the meat turning, the Scrubbers got on with the spuds, so that the Chippers (Ian and Neil) could convert aforementioned veges into elegant chips. As usual, little happens at Ngatuhoa without some drama or other; and an impromptu water fight erupted between two of the Scrubbers. Amidst heapsa noise and hilarity I got doused with potato water (fortunately the potatoes missed) and Geoff managed to run away from the really filthy potato water he was threatened with.

Our trivial pursuits Meisters Bill & Fern ran a very contemporary 80 question team event, with the winners generously sharing their liquid prizes at Happy Hour next day. Obviously the Meisters are colour blind as they were (almost) the only ones who got the answer to the colour of Ngatuhoa Lodge lettering wrong!

The four day Wet deterred few from making some of the longer walks and forced the transference of Ted's Bare Picnic from the Scout Camp to the Lodge. Most of us were happy enough with our natural raincoats and the drying Room Kept up with the supply of dry towels. The Lodge also provided a haven for those whose tents and bedding found the Wet too much to cope with.

Happy campers came from Coromandel, BOP, Wellington, Hastings and Auckland - even Fiji - in a variety of cars, vans, campervans and campomatics, sleeping in colourful variety of tents, vehicle and the Bunkhouse.

More than 30 of us managed some time at Ngatuhoa - even those who arrived at the beginning of the Wet and had left before the sun re-appeared, managed to make the most of their visit.

The Lodge has an excellent collection of reference books which were often able to resolve a "what is that?" question that resident experts couldn't identify.
Once the Flying Fox was unlocked, Bill Baine led the charge. Dick was THE encourager for those of us who (for the first time) negotiated three wires to get to the platform, onto the Flying Fox and letting go for the journey to Terra Firma.

Our final Saturday night was orchestrated by Bill Baine - with the help of "resident" artists and models. For those who've never indulged in Body Painting it was yet another new Ngatuhoa experience. Even the likeable Choclit was tried! The glowing Kent fire in the Lodge meant we could enjoy a comfortable temperature while painting / being painted /watching. Jamie and Travis won prizes for Dad's artwork on their faces, Bill B won won with his Baubles, Bangles n' Beads and Graham didn't get a share of the prizes his paintings on myself (Koru Forest) and Geoff (Crocodile). John Groombridge was official photographer so we shall doubtless see ourselves in full colour at Ngatuhoa 99! Other paintings included a Visual Symphony, various styles of Clayton's clothing / adornments (you know, the clothing / adornment you wear when you're not wearing clothing / adornments!)

The road in has an undeserved reputation - OK, it's unsealed, pot-holed, corrugated, steep in places, narrow and reasonably winding. We've driven over worse in our 78 Bedford CF Camper - as usual, low speed and careful driving will make it manageable for many vehicles.

For services over above and beyond, Ted Lidgard has our Special Thanks; who with Geoff Adams (No 2) and Maureen (Camp Mum) enabled everyone to enjoy the 10 days at their own pace - Ted's ability with the written word on "Blackboard of the Day" has doubtless become legendary.

Graham and I believe in leaving something for the next visit - and that includes experiencing the Burma Trail (in the dark of night).
So-join us next year!!

Allison & Graham

Sympathy

We extend our Sympathy to John Lowe and family on the recent loss of his Father.

Tauranga Hot Pool Day

Rotota Sun Club invites members to the annual Tauranga Hot Pool Day at the Fernland Hot Pool, Cambridge Rd, Tauranga, 11am to 3.30pm Saturday, 16 May 1998. The main pool is for our exclusive use.

Cost is $4 per adult and $1 for school children. FBG Membership card or INF Passport may be required for entry.

Lunch and refreshments may be taken into the pool area and a pot luck dinner will follow in the evening at the Exhibition Hall, Tauranga Historic Village Museum, 17th Avenue west. A $2 donation per adult is requested to cover cost of hall hire.

If you need more information, contact Graham Macgregor, 14 Burns St, Tauranga, Ph: 07 578 1302, or Fax 07 578 1822.

Easter at Rotota

Easter this year begins on Friday April 10 until Monday the 13th. There will be a community Barbecue (on a day yet to be decided) with the club providing sausages, steak, etc. bring a salad to share. This will be an evening get-together to relax and chat.

Auckland Activities

Hibiscus Coast Sun Club swim nights on the last Saturday of each month, 6pm till midnight at Palm Springs, Parakai, near Helensville. $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.

Northern Tour continued...

Finally I must mention Katikati Naturist Park where we went twice as day visitors. The place was almost deserted as it was weekday again, there were less than a dozen people there both days. This is a wonderful location with splendid facilities and the proprietors certainly deserve to succeed. I have never seen better ablution facilities anywhere and I would imagine with the type of clientele they will remain in pristine condition. Also an excellent sparkling pool area. I was told a lot of people who used to go to Papamoa now use this park. Its a pity 3000 nudists can't go to Papamoa and reclaim it but I suppose nudists by inclination are tolerant and not too assertive. One rule at Katikati which I took up with the proprietor was the expectation that people go nude at all times (weather permitting). It seems this rule was imposed to discourage voyeurs (the assumption being, I suppose, that voyeurs do not like to be naked themselves), but I pointed out this hard attitude can have a downside. Many people are quite tolerant of nudism but do not wish to be naked themselves (may be for some reason only at that particular time). One could imagine a large group arriving and some would not wish to strip, so the party would move on elsewhere. Little did I realise when putting this point of view that I would be in this position before the year was out.

Recently I had to undergo surgery for a condition that has been under observation for some years. This has resulted in a fairly long abdominal scar (also the removal of some body hair which makes me look a little strange), hopefully this scar will fade in time but I am sure it will always be noticeable. I am writing this while recuperating. So this season will start of a little slow (if at all) as I cannot even drive for some weeks.

This raises an interesting point, surely there must be nudists who, like I am now, are in a damaged condition, some nudist must have levels of disfigurement, surely this would make an interesting point of view for someone to express in a future newsletter.

Here's hoping I have not bored you silly,

Ron Ellender

... a true nudist looks at the person, not the scars and odd bits, Ed

Fernlands Hot Pool Nights

Nudvanners hold a monthly swim night at Fernlands hot pools, on the second Saturday; meet between 8 and 8.30pm in the foyer. For more details, phone Ros (07) 544 1082, or Allen (07) 575 6601.