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

04 236-8297

TreasurerJohn Groombridge

04 589-5461

Members 

 Bill Baine04 562-8514  

 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 2463

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

Marlborough Ed Knowles 

03 574 2144

Nelson Dennis Moynihan

03 544 9560

Christchurch Joyce Fleming 

03 322 7990

Robin Gray

03 389 1919

Still a few places available for

Naturist Trip to Kapiti Island

4 January 1999

Members of the Free Beach Group are invited to join a trip to the nature reserve on Kapiti Island on the day after the National Rally. The trip involves a 5 kilometre launch trip to the island, an introductory talk on the history, wildlife and vegetation, and opportunity to explore the coastal track, or visit the summit of Tuteremoana, 521m.

Launches leave the mainland at 9am and 930am, returning about 4pm, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy a memorable day on the island. The total cost will be $38 ($30 launch, $8 permit) per adult and $24 ($20 launch, $4 permit) per child.

Only 50 people are allowed to visit Kapiti on any one day, and a landing permit must be obtained from the Department of Conservation. Permits cannot be Issued before 4 October, and if we apply after that date we might miss out. We need a list of participants as soon as possible. It would be great if we could fill the whole 50 places and have the island to ourselves for the day.

Payment can be made by cheque (To Doug Ball Photography and post-dated 4 October 1998) or by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Bankcard). If we get more than 50 applicants, we will have a waiting list. No cheques will be banked nor card accounts debited until we have the landing permit. If we fail to get the permit, you will be advised and your cheques or credit card details destroyed.

Assuming we get a landing permit, there is still one possible problem you should know about, If the sea conditions are too rough on the day, the launch will not run. In that case you will receive a refund of your launch fare, but not your permit fee.

Please complete the enclosed Registration form if you wish to be included In this unique trip.

Doug Ball

With apologies to Doug for the error on the Booking slips enclosed with the last newsletter. The date should have been 4 January 1999. If you wish to go, please amend the date on the Booking slip and mall it to Doug immediately. If you have lost it, phone Barry at 04 567 5216.

Editor

Forum

Joyce dubs our flag a "mobile statement" - a nice phrase. She proposes the addition of the words "Bare on the Beach" in a column around Fred's outstretched limb. The reason? Bareft (sorry!) of words: He doesn't signify our identity as nudists/naturists.

Well maybe. I have had reports from people using the current flag, that people just come up and ask if they can leave their valuables while they swim, and other indications that the mere presence of the flag gives a sense of safety to other users.

The paramount thing is: use it!

But it would be nice to have an option. Can we not have two versions: with words and without? Perhaps we could have a large one with words and the more 'personal' one without - after all some flag barers (sorry!) may be less comfortable about strangers having to approach too closely to read the inevitably smaller wording.

But there's a related question dying for a 'Forum'. A few years ago, the Aussies asked if they could borrow 'our' Fred Bare for their free beach logo. Our current President simply decided 'No' and there the matter stopped. But: what do you think?

It seems to me the wider the recognition of our logo the better - and the Aussies in the last 10 years have been pulling ahead of us in the naked lifestyle promotion stakes, despite their much nastier legal situation. Fundamentally, what we are promoting is that which is common to all mankind (even Aussies): our natural, basic, true state. They have had the naturist lifestyle featured on mainstream 'Holiday' type programmes several time already there. They are rather more likely to get 'our' logo on OUR telly sooner than we are! John's objection was simply that they'll end a trying to 'own' it, like Pavlovas. So? What matters is that it's as recognised as a pavlova!

John Lowe

John may not be aware that "the Aussies" have long since decided that they would prefer an original logo of their own design.

As the President referred to above, I decline to be drawn into a public debate based John's disposition to use words out of context.

Editor

Remember ......

If your bum is bare,

place a towel on the chair.

Welcome to the Home Page of the

 

Free Beach Group Inc.

PO Box 30-099, LOWER HUTT, New Zealand

Click here to contact us via e-mail

 

 

The Free Beach Group Inc is a New Zealand-wide Organisation, registered as an Incorporated Society in 1977 to promote clothes-free recreation at beaches and other suitable locations. The Free Beach Group is an affiliate member of the New Zealand Nudist Federation Inc.

 

 

 

Members meet for beach and river outings, camping holidays, tramping and naturist walks during the summer months, with swim nights, sauna evenings and other social events during the winter months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our clothes-optional policy caters especially for families, as there is no obligation to be clothes-free.

 

 

 

 

 

Our logo came from the catalogue of a small printing press owned by our founding President. We named him "Fred Bear", from 'threadbare'.

 

 

There is no statute in New Zealand law which expressly forbids nudity in a public place. Being naked is not illegal unless it is offensive and inappropriate. The legal status of public nudity changes according to prevailing public opinion. On a beach, our behaviour is governed by the constraints of public acceptance, and must be beyond reproach.

 

During the early years, the Free Beach Group sought to establish legal free beaches, mainly by writing letters to district councils. With the passing of the Summary Offences Act in 1981, nudity in a public place was no longer defined as illegal, and so it was clear that the creation of designated free beaches would be prejudicial to our cause.

 

 

 

 

Our booklet "Free Beaches in New Zealand" describes places around New Zealand which are usually suitable for clothes-free recreation. At many beaches, only part of the beach may be recognised as clothes-free, so we choose a particular area on the beach, usually apart from the area used by 'textiles' (those who prefer to wear clothing).

 

 

 

Regular newsletters inform members of current news and notices of events. In some areas outings are arranged by a Regional Committee or Local Organiser.

 

 

 

Towels, tee shirts, caps, beach flags, car stickers and other items featuring our Fred Bear logo, are also available to members.

 

 

 

 

Our annual subscription covers one membership unit, that is, a family, couple or single person, and is due in September.

 

We reserve the right to interview prospective members to establish their sincerity and support for our ideals.

Remits

 

The following four Motions have been received for consideration at the Annual General Meeting of the Free Beach Group Inc, 19 September, 1998, in accordance with Clause 15.2 of the Constitution.

 

1 ... That Clause 7.3 of the Constitution be amended by deleting the words The Group will render such assistance as it considers appropriate and within its resources, and substituting the words:

 

The Group shall render such assistance as the Committee may consider appropriate and within the resources of the Group.

 

Clause 7.3 would then become:

In the event of any legal action being taken against a member arising out of nude recreation in a place and at a time which the Committee considers suitable, The Group shall render such assistance as the Committee may consider appropriate and within the resources of the Group.

 

Explanation: A typographical error occurred in the preparation of the Constitution which was adopted by members at a Special General Meeting, 27 January 1996. The word "will" should have been "may".

 

Moved: John Groombridge

Seconded: Ian Bushett

 

2 ... That Clause 8.2 of the Constitution be amended by deleting the words confirmation of election of officers; and that Clause 9.1 be amended by deleting the sentence beginning with the words "These are to be elected ..." and substituting the sentence:

 

The National Committee shall be elected annually by postal ballot; in the case o resignation, a committee member may be appointed in an acting capacity.

 

Clause 8.2 would become:

The business of Annual General Meeting shall be the presentation of Reports of Officers, consideration and adoption of accounts, and general business.

Clause 9.1 would become:

 

The business of The Group shall be managed and controlled by a National Committee consisting of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and members of a number to form a committee not exceeding eight persons. The National Committee shall be elected annually by postal ballot; in the case of resignation, a committee member may be appointed in an acting capacity. The Committee may appoint Vice President(s) and shall have the power to co-opt members within the limit of eight persons forming the Committee. Committee meetings shall be open to all members;

 

Explanation: Clause 9.1 states that the election of the National Committee be conducted by postal ballot. A postal ballot enables all members to participate in the democratic election of the National Committee; it is therefore not appropriate to conduct another ballot at the AGM to confirm or reject the results of a postal ballot.

 

Moved: John Groombridge

Seconded: Ian Bushett

 

3 ... That Clause 12 of the Constitution be renamed Liquidation and that the words wound up in Clause 12.1 be replaced with the word liquidated and that the words winding up in Clause 12.2 be replaced with the word liquidated.

 

Explanation: The Incorporated Societies Act has been amended so that it is no longer correct to refer to the "winding up" of a society. The amended Act defines this action as "liquidation".

 

Moved: John Groombridge

Seconded: Ian Bushett

 

The above amendments are general housekeeping, and do not change the original intents of the Constitution.

 

4 ... I (John Lowe) move that the following changes to the Constitution be made.

1. Membership.

 

A. [5.1] Add to the end: The year in which an application is first accepted will be known as "Year Joined."

Motion 4 Continued

 

B. [5.2] Add the words: "or ex-member" after: "Any member" and change: "membership" to: "the Group" in the first sentence.

 

C. [6.1] Change the words "deemed to have resigned." to "deemed to be an ex-member." in the second sentence.

 

D. [6.1] Change the words: "Any such member may however revive his or her membership" to "Any ex-member may return to full membership"; change the words "sum due" to "subscription" and add the word "current" before the word "financial" in the third sentence.

 

E. [7.3] After "or members", add: "but not ex-members," in the first sentence.

 

F. [7.4] New: "Ex-members may be invited to participate in organised activities, at the discretion of the organiser; but they shall have none of the rights or privileges of membership."

 

2. Meetings. (Change title to: "General Meetings")

 

A. [8.1.1] New: "Notices of motions or remits for the AGM shall be in the hands of the Secretary by the 30th day of April and notified to the members at least two months before the mailing of the related voting form."

 

B. [8.2.1] New: "The results of motion or remit voting conducted by post and published in accordance with 8.1.1, shall be confirmed in general business."

 

C. [8.3.1] New: "Valid proxy forms returned for a General Meeting must be distributed to the attending member designated by name on the proxy form. Forms not specifying a personal name, or specifying the name of a member not in attendance, shall be distributed as evenly as practicable among the attending committee members."

 

D. [8.3.2] New: "In the case of a show of hands, the Chair shall ask subsequently for a count of distributed proxies, accumulating the count of those proxies for, and those against; separately from each other and the show of hands. In the minutes, shall be recorded the 'for' and 'against' count for both the hands shown and the proxies.

In the case of a secret ballot the Chair shall ask those responsible for proxies to specify them separately on the ballot paper beside a circled letter "P" or in such other way as unambiguously separates the proxy count for the voting member. The scrutineers shall keep and report separately the vote count of those attending, from the proxy count, as well as the totals. On request for a recount, two new scrutineers may be appointed for one only recount of the papers. The Chair shall declare both attending and proxy results and move that the ballot papers be destroyed forthwith.

 

[8.4] Change "twenty five" to: "twenty".

 

E. 3. Management

 

A. [9.1] After "Treasurer," add: "Newsletter Editor, Database Administrator," and, after the first sentence add: "One person may occupy a maximum of two of the specified positions."

 

B. [9.1.1] New: "A 'Committee meeting' may be conducted in writing by 'Circular', in which case the circular must be sent to all committee members and those members wishing to 'attend'. Along with the related 'response forms', that Circular will constitute the minutes for that 'meeting'.

 

C. [9.4] Add: "In the case of a Committee meeting conducted by Circular the quorum shall be 5 responses returned from the prior circular, by a committee member."

 

D. [10.2] Add: "The Secretary may initiate a meeting in writing 'by circular' in lieu of attendance in person. In the absence of a circular or other committee meeting for more than 2 months, any committee member may initiate such a circular, provided the response is notified to the Secretary."

 

E. [10.4] New: "The database Administrator shall be responsible for keeping a secure list of all P members details, compiling the Directory of Members, and facilitating other committee members, local organisers and contacts, in their respective functions."

 

Moved: John Lowe

 

Note:

Clause 8.4 of the Constitution was amended last year. The quorum for an Annual General Meeting is twenty members, including proxies.

Nominations for

1998/99 National Committee

The following nominations have been received for the National Committee:

President	John Groombridge Nom: Meryl Baker Sec: Barry Marten
Secretary	Ian Bushett Nom: John Groombridge Sec: Bill Baine
Treasurer	John Groombridge Nom: Ian Bushett Sec: Barry Marten
Members	Chris Arnold Nom: Joyce Fleming Sec: A Riseley Bill Baine Nom: Meryl Baker Sec: Neil Green Rick Baker Nom: Adrian Robertson Sec: Meryl Baker Joyce Fleming Nom: Frank Homes Sec: Lester Pulley Linda Geeves Nom: Rick Baker Sec: Neil Green Neil Green Nom: Rick Baker Sec: Linda Geeves Barry Marten Nom: Meryl Baker Sec: Robert Home

None of the nominations included a biography as requested.

Voting Papers are included with this newsletter, please record your vote and mail it to be received before 31 July.

NatuRally

The 47th NZNF Rally will be held at the Manawatu Outdoor Leisure Club, Lake Downs between 28 December 1998 and 3 January 1999.

The club occupies 7.5Ha of land and are very proud of the facilities that they offer for the duration of the Rally, including clubhouse, pool, children’s playground, two toilet blocks with seven hot water showers, powered camp-sites, a campers kitchen, two miniten and two volleyball courts,

The Rally will consist of sporting and social events allowing plenty of time to relax and catch up with old friends.

Costs

	Total cost of Rally (per head, all inclusive)	$95
	... if Paid in full by 31 October 1998	$85
	Day visit (10am to 10pm)	$15
	Under 18 and day visitors casual breakfast	$5
	Powered sites (limited number available)	$20

There is plenty of space for tents and caravans, and it will be possible to park your vehicle on your camp-site.

For more details and/or Registration forms, write to:

Free Beach Group, Box 30-099, LOWER HUTT,

or The Rally Secretary, PO Box 980, Palmerston North.

Comments

So far we have not had any submissions on the proposed amendments to the Constitution, except one reported vocal outburst, along the lines:

"Why don't they change the name to Constitutions Incorporated?"

"I don't feel like belonging to an organisation that can't get on with itself. It detracts from my enjoyment."

"I didn't join to spend my time chewing the fat..."

"... mentally bombarded with this nonsense..."

"... run a happy ship ..."

I may sympathise with the sentiments expressed, (and may exercise my right to exclude a contribution which is not in the interest of the Group), however, the editor is bound to publish formal motions that are to be moved at the AGM, no matter what his opinion of the motion(s).

We all look forward to enjoyable contributions for future newsletters. It is not the editors job to write the articles...

John Groombridge

Marlborough Sounds Nudist Holidays

While enjoying the private gatherings that we all enjoy, we also run a venture that while catering largely to the general public, having been active nudists ourselves for many years, we have openly attracted and enjoyed the company of nudists from many parts of the world on many of our tours. You have the choice of deciding the holiday to suit yourselves.

Accommodation

We have available a cabin on our own property which is available for $25pp. per night. Our property is nestled on the banks of a mountain river, with private bush walks, great swimming holes, and a wood-fired bath under the stars. Rustic and beautiful - Clothes are unnecessary as often as possible.

Launch Cruises

Half-day cruises $45pp. Full-day cruises $60pp. Over-night cruises Including tent or cabin accommodation $95pp.

Day Trips

We have shuttles and larger coaches available to take a party to other private beaches, rivers, and walks. Transport for group bookings is our pleasure. This can be done with time for Impromptu stops along the way.

We suggest that a combination of the above makes for a magical trip. Obviously bookings are essential in order to ensure that you are travelling with a nudist group or alternately secure the vessel or vehicle for your own use. (Minimum numbers may apply).

Please give us a tingle for further Information.

Ed & Druscilla Knowles

Booking agents for: HAVELOCK OUTDOORS CENTRE

65a Main Road Havelock

Marlborough Sounds.

Ph/Fax (03)5742-114

Wellington Upside Down
   Midwinter Christmas

I don't know what the rest of you did to celebrate the winter Solstice. But we enjoyed a mid-winter swim followed by a Christmas Party.

On the 20th of June a few brave soles got wet on the Petone foreshore (au naturel).

After which we went back to Barrys' to warm up either in front of the open fire or in the spa pool, there was also mulled wine to warm our inner regions.

Dinner was partaken by all, in the form of a pot luck Christmas Dinner.

There were also games & prizes as well as some of us donning fancy dress Christmas costumes.

The best part (I think) was that as well as Father Christmas & Mother Christmas, with a sack of Christmas presents, the Christmas decorations were all upside down.

Much fun was had by all.

Linda Geeves

 

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.

Free Beach Group Web page

See it in full colour at:

http://multinet.co.nz/personalhomepages/fbg/index.htm

Black & white copy of first page enclosed wit this newsletter

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.