#  98 - September 1981 

THE CANTERBURY SUN CLUB
INCORPORATED

The Canterbury Sun Club originated in 1951, when three couples met through the good offices of Percy Cousins.

Until the club was formed nude-bathing took place on secluded beaches and in private homes with sunlamps. Social nudity was looked upon with grave suspicion and a lot of care and secrecy was required in those early days in New Zealand.

The Canterbury Sun and Health Club received the breath of life, when the first six 3-acre blocks were purchased at Rolleston by sixteen couples. This first block cost £30. The price reflected the work needed to clear the gorse and fire-blackened timber. Pineglades didn't just happen. it was hewn with hard work over many years. No roads, no water, no toilets, but there was always a 100% turnout for the work of making a nudist club. A turning point in our history was precipitated by a film called: Garden of Eden. A poster was placed in the cinema foyer giving our box number. The response was an exciting 40 new members.

The need for screening on our narrow strip was urgent. The first attempt merely provided fodder for numerous rabbits. Poplars to the west of the Clubhouse are the sole survivors. Other remnants from those early days are wattles in the caravan park.

The Pineglades' traditional 3 o'clock afternoon tea goes back to those early days. It started soon after the water supply arrived by way of a shallow bore and pump, driven by a second hand windmill. (Where is it now?) A shed housed a copper in which water was boiled. When a clubhouse was eventually erected and power installed, this shed became our first shop. This building is still enjoying a useful life as the North end kitchen.

The first clubhouse was built by one of the members at no cost. It comprised three sections: a central communal section, next to (definitely at opposite ends) one gents' and one ladies' bunk room.

It was never used as such, because of another landmark in early club history: the arrival of baches. Thirty six of these were purchased at a cost of £35 to £63, and placed on a hastily bulldozed strip.

When was Volleyball first played in a New Zealand nudist club? Our latter day Holinshed has it as 1956. Introduced to Pineglades by a visiting American couple performing with Winifred Attwell. Abundant hot water for showers was a dream until the advent of "Wray's Wrocket". This was a dieselene-burning monster or giant blowlamp. The boiler existed out of two oil drums welded together. I'm sure the Ministry of Transport (Marine Division) would not have approved, but it worked.The foundation of Wray's Wrocket Wroom is still visible by the North ablution block.

After all this our nudist pioneers still had their appetite for work, you've guessed-it: a swimming-pool. A few false starts, but then hole-digging started in earnest at the site of the existing pool. Anyone who has probed beneath the surface of our club soil will know how many sore muscles and blisters ensued.

When the boxing and reinforcing were placed and the concrete poured, still more patience was required: it took two weeks to fill.

Without filtration it took a very short time for the water to resemble a highly organic soup. Empty and refill. Was it worth it? With the benefit of 20 years hindsight the writer can definitely say: yes. A new shop, toilet blocks to replace the long drops, and filtration for the swimming pool bring us to the era of the modern Canterbury Sun Club. The next major project was a rather splendid clubhouse and sauna complex. Ambitious may be, but about this time the club must have reached its zenith in many ways and $16,000 was raised towards the realisation of this plan.

Everything was set fair and buoyant, then tragedy and dissention struck. The government decided a city was to be built at Rolleston, swallowing Pineglades in the process. It was 1974. Amidst the conflict of strong feelings 50 acres were bought at Halket, with the clubhouse money as deposit. Some developments took place, but on the eve of completion of compensation for Pineglades being paid, the government changed and the Rolleston city project was scrapped. In hard cash and nervous energy this traumatic experience has cost the club dear. The year 1980 hopefully will see an end to these difficulties and the sale of Halket will be completed.The return to the improvement and expansion of Pineglades will be put in hand. Improvement and building has gone on in spite of setbacks such as the "Big Blow" of 1975. This year a new clubhouse has been built and paid for by members. Out greatest asset, when the list of bricks and mortar is completed will always be the members, past and present. This history of the Canterbury Sun Club must be fairly typical of many clubs throughout New Zealand, so you must feel as proud as I do to belong to such an organisation and know why it is so important that we remain a united national body.

This article is based on a more complete history of the Canterbury Sun Club by a founder member, Bill Price.

'Hey - you belong to one of those nudist colony places don't you?' The voice came from over the fence, and I straightened up - instantly ready to do battle - as always happens when I hear the term 'nudist colony' used derisively. This particular neighbour had been aware for a long time that I am a member of our local Sun Club and had fired some of the usual facetious comments at me over the years, and so I wondered what had encouraged this latest outburst. I went over the fence to speak to him and saw to my amazement that he had last night's newspaper in his hand.

'The wife and I were just looking at this ad in the paper' he said. 'What's an Open Day all about?' He started to look a bit self conscious - 'The wife... she thought... um... well she thought...'

I decided to help him out - neighbourly consideration and all that. 'Why don't I put the jug on and you can both come over and have a chat - it's a long time since we've socialised' - this said with a grin - seeing as how we've been staging a low-key war of nerves over kids, dogs, etc. etc. etc. for some time!

He heaved a sign of relief - you could see the word REPRIEVE written in bold letters across his face - 'O.K., thanks - I'll go and get the missus' and off he hurried, still waving the paper.

Ten minutes later we were all sitting around the kitchen table, mugs of tea at our elbows, wondering who was going to break the ice. 'Well Bev' I said to myself - 'get on with it girl, they're obviously feeling a bit embarrassed...' and so I said 'Why don't you two come along to the Open Day next weekend and see what being a nudist is like?

'Oh yes,' said my neighbour Dave, 'Joan and I were talking about that over the breakfast table - ah what does an Open Day mean?'

'Well, it's a day or, as in this case, a weekend, when Sun Clubs open their gates to people of the public who are not members of clubs, but who are interested in the whole thing. You'd be surprised how many people in New Zealand are Nudists, but who don't belong to clubs, and there are a lot of people who are really longing to come along and see how we operate as an organisation. There are so many tales and misconceptions about Nudist Clubs, and Nudists, it's really good for us to have an opportunity to show other people that we are normal human beings like everyone else - we just like getting around with no clothes on.'

'Well, if there are so many people in New Zealand who are nudists, but don't belong to clubs as you say there are, what's the point, or the need to have clubs at all?' said Joan, who was looking a little less embarrassed and who had started to take an active interest in the conversation.

'That's a good question' I said 'and there are a lot of people who don't need to have a club to practise nudism they might have a very private backyard - or their own farm or beach - but those people are few and far between, and the vast majority of us have neighbours hanging over the back fence trying to have a perv - or we haven't even got a backyard at all - and that's why groups of us have got together and found a place where we can "do our thing" without offending others. Anyway as you know, when you go down to the pub - it's far nicer to drink in company than to drink alone!

'Oh - so you drink a lot, do you?' - Dave jumped on that one, having told me proudly once that he'd never been to a pub in his life. I had to acknowledge that I'd left myself wide open for a dig like that but I answered gaily - 'Well when it's hot one has to drink you know, or else there is a danger of becoming dehydrated'. One look at his face told me that facetious comments weren't going to go down well, so I added' - it's just as it is with any organisation - you get the ones who drink alcohol, and you get the ones who don't. What you don't get is a lot of drunken idiots making fools of themselves - Most clubs allow alcohol on their grounds, but if anyone starts to misbehave or to carry on in a manner that is likely to upset other members, then more likely than not, he'll be quietly and firmly asked to leave. If he doesn't, or if he makes a habit of being stupid, then he could have his membership terminated.'

'Can you tip people out of this club' said Joan. 'What for?' 'Yes, there have been occasions when people have been asked to leave, or have been told that they're not suitable for membership. We have to be pretty careful who we allow to join a club like ours - after all, let's face it, for a person with a sick mind, a nudist club is putting a bit too much temptation in their way, and we also have the welfare of a lot of kids on our hands.' Dave was starting to look less sceptical and more interested. 'Let's get back to this Open Day. What do we have to do to be able to come along. And do we have to take our clothes off when we get there, and what if...' he stopped suddenly and looked very self-conscious again.

I knew what he'd been going to ask - the stock question that ninety percent of prospective men members ask - but I decided to let it ride for a while, and answer the others first.

'Well, for an Open Day, all you have to do is to contact a committee member, or come along with another member of the club. So long as one of the committee know that you're coming, that's O.K. Some clubs allow people to come in off the street - particularly if they're in town, but it's best to let someone know. And you don't have to take your clothes of. There's no pressure on anyone in a nudist club to take their clothes off at any time - except in the pool. It'd be plain crazy to strip off on one of our typical Palmerston North days and stand there freezing!

You see, a nudist club is essentially a social club - a club where a group of people with a similar interest, all get together - just the same as a rugby club is a group of people all with a similar interest in rugby, getting together. But a nudist club has the added advantage in that it caters for all members of the family - not just the rugby players. And it caters for all types of people - it doesn't matter what size, colour or gender you are, what job you hold down, how much money you've got in the bank, or how old you are - when you take your clothes off - you're all equal - and that's one of the things I like most about Sun Clubs - It's a family club.'

There was a lull in the conversation for a while. I knew that Dave was trying to find a way to ask THAT question, so I decided to put him out of his misery. "And you were going to ask about the possibility of you getting all worked-up when you see a naked female body - weren't you?' Dave jumped. Looked at me, and had the grace to grin - 'How did you know that' he said. 'Oh well, I think that just about every man that has been asking about joining a club, has asked me that in one way or another - it seems to worry them an awful lot.

Actually, in all the time that I've been a nudist - and that's quite a few years now, I've only ever seen one man have to jump in the pool in a hurry - and that fixed him! Everything about being a nudist is so natural - it's not sexy. The only way you are going to believe me is to come along and see for yourself.!

Dave again looked a bit awkward - 'That's the other big question I've got' he said - 'Sex.'

'What about it' I said. 'Look, what you've got to understand is that being in a nudist club is not sexy - it's natural. Why, a lot of nudists in New Zealand call themselves Naturists rather than Nudists - you know, back to Nature and all that. I like to think about it like that too, although I am definitely a nudist as well. A girl walking down the beach with a tiny bikini on is more provocative and sexy than a woman with no clothes on at all - more often than not it's what a guy can't see that gets him going, more than what a guy can see. It certainly gets his imagination working overtime, whereas in a nudist club his imagination doesn't have to do any work at all!

'Sounds as if you miss out on a lot of fun' muttered Dave - much to my surprise.

'Don't you believe it' I grinned. 'Anyway, there's nothing to stop you going back to the beach every once in a while'. 'Joan spoke up. 'But what do you do in a Sun Club. Do you just lie around in the sun all day.'

I glanced out of the window at the drizzle... 'No, that's not all we do by any means. Some members like to do that - so do I when we get some sun, but nudists play a lot of sport - there's Volleyball and Miniten

'Miniten - what's that for goodness sake - are you lot too tired to run too far for proper tennis'. That was Dave again, with a prime example of his 'SUN CLUB JOKES'.

'No, it's a game that's almost exclusively played by nudists - it didn't take on with the rest of New Zealand for some reason - don't know why, because it's a very skilful, fast game. It's played with much the same rules as tennis, on a slightly smaller court, and with a double-sided bat - takes quite a bit of getting used to, but it's really good fun. Even I have a go every now and then. And we also play tenniquoits and various water sports. At the Rally we have bowls and table tennis, and even chess for those not so sporty minded.'

'That's sun-bathing, and a few sports - what if neither of those appeal to me, what do I do then - and what's this Rally thing?' It seemed to me that Joan was going to be one of those that constantly need entertaining, but I answered her as patiently as I could.

'Well, you can knit or sew, or make cups of tea or gossip, or play with the kids or do the garden - you can even mow the lawns or paint the clubhouse if you so desire. Other than that you can just relax - which is very easy to do when you're in pleasant surroundings with congenial company'.

'And you say I don't have to take my clothes off the first time' she added.

'No, there's no pressure at all in that quarter. We do have a rule that there are no clothes in the swimming pool - after all we are nudists, and swimming in the raw is one really beautiful experience, but we've got one lady in our club who is in her sixties, and who came along with her husband because he was so interested. But she never took her clothes off, and we certainly never asked her to. Mind you, that is an isolated case - most people come along to a club such as ours, because they are interested in becoming nudists, so that sort of thing doesn't really apply. And this Rally that you asked about, is for some people, the highlight of the year.

'It's a time when nudists from all over New Zealand come together in a different location each year, and have a week of socialising and sports - over New Year. It starts with the Annual General Meeting of the Federation, and goes on with clubs competing for various trophies in sporting events. Some people get really serious about the Sports - most of us get really serious about having a good time, and renewing friendships that were made twelve months ago at the last Rally. Belonging to the Nudist Movement in New Zealand is like belonging to a brotherhood which stretches country wide. You find that you have friends all over the country - all over the world for that matter - this is not just confined to our own country.'

Dave lit up a cigarette. 'Aren't you risking getting skin cancer more - lying about in the sun like that, and exposing your whole body to it?'

I had been waiting for this question and had my answer ready 'No more than you're risking getting lung cancer by smokin that thing', I retorted. Sunbathing is like a lot of other goo things - if you get too much of it - it can be bad for you. But you find that most people in Sun Clubs are pretty aware about the dangers of getting over cooked, and are pretty sensible about getting the precious all-over tan. Also after a couple of years the skin seems to adjust and adapt to the extra exposure - even people with very fair skins seem to be able to take more sun, so long as you are sensible. Most cases of sunburn come from new members trying to get there in a hurry, but you'll find that there are plenty of older members there to keep an eye on you and to tell you to put a shirt on if you're getting a bit pink.'

'You make it all sound pretty good', said Dave. 'I think I might come to that Open Day next weekend, if that's all right'.

'Oh I don't think I will' said Joan hurriedly. 'I'm awfully overweight - look at all that flab,' ... She got hold of a handful of stomach. 'And I've got that awful scar down the middle of my belly from that last caesarian ... and I'm so white - I'll stick out like a sore toe.'

I wasn't going to tell her not to think about her scars and fat etc - after all, they are there, so I said instead 'There's an awful lot of us who are overweight you know, and it's amazing what incentive it gives you to lose weight, when you can't hide it away under a corset. And there's also an awful lot of us who have scars from various operations too, but honestly, it doesn't matter.

We have nudists who have had mastectomies, and we have nudist amputees - it really doesn't matter. I'll grant you that a tanned body does look very nice and very healthy, but everyone has to start somewhere, and it won't be long before you find that your body is beginning to look better - even if it's just a glow that you get from fresh air and exercise. It's extra good for the children too - What more natural way to learn about natural things. I went through three pregnancies as a nudist and the kids in the club used to see the baby kicking in my tummy and moving around. They 'grew' with those babies, and when they were born,they were thrilled to bits to finally see them in the flesh.

'It is good - very good' I added, 'and you're very welcome - both of you - to come along and see. The only way to find out about nudism is to come along and give it a go. I've said to you before that you shouldn't knock a thing before you've tried it. It doesn't matter if you can't make the Open Day - you can come along any time - just let me know, or ring one of the other phone numbers in the Club Directory in the back of the Naturist. You'll always find someone who will be only to pleased to take you to the grounds and show you around. They'll also tell you what is required for you to join a club properly - if you so desire...

I let the subject drop at that - they seemed to be temporarily satisfied - and so was I. I only wish that some of the other sceptical critics of the nudist movement would also give it a go, before they try to knock it.

COMPLETE NUDISM

I am often asked why complete nudism - Why is it necessary to go 100% all of the way? From a practical physical health point of view the small difference between complete nudity and covering up as we do on a public beach would seem to make little difference. I think there is a wider point of view which should be considered.

Under the influence of the Christian religions which teach that we are all born in sin and that it is necessary to be cleansed by baptism, most of us grow up with the feeling that there is something unclean or at least not quite nice about exposing our private parts to the view of anyone else but our own husbands or wives. Most jokes have a sexual undercurrent, some of course are just plain crude, and this indicates that the whole question of sex, sexual relations and the exposure of all of our bodies, needs a breath of fresh air.

From a purely physical point of view I believe that the more we can expose our bodies to the sun, wind and rain, must have a very beneficial effect on our general health. In fact I have coined a phrase "mortify the body for the good of the soul" so that in general I believe that it is beneficial to expose as much-of our bodies for as long as practicable.

From the psychological point of view I think that if we all grow up accepting the sight of totally unclothed bodies of members of the opposite sex it would do much to destroy the prurient curiosity which most of us have towards the opposite sex. I believe that in time familiarity with the sight of completely naked bodies of members of both sexes would develop a much healthier mental attitude and restore sex to its proper place as one of the normal functions of the human body. It is because I so firmly believe that we would be much healthier mentally and physically if we practised nudism to a greater extent that I have always supported the Outdoor Health Clubs and associated organisations.

Maybe a further ancillary benefit arising from nudism is the fact that we are all sensitive, if not quite proud, of the appearance of our bodies. Health Department statistics sow that 40% of New Zealanders are dangerously overweight. Another 40% are overweight but not yet dangerously so. Only 20% of us are approximately the right weight for optimum health. Perhaps if we knew that everybody was going to see how our bodies really looked by parading around more often completely unclothed, we might take more pride in the appearance of our bodies and prevent them becoming so ugly and misshapen, all of which would be greatly beneficial to our physical and mental health.

Yours sincerely 

Robbie

SUNSEEKERS

INCORPORATED

(AFFILIATED WITH A.N.F.)

POST OFFICE BOX 220, MIDLAND 6056

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM
COUPLES AND FAMILIES.

VISITORS FROM AFFILIATED CLUBS VERY WELCOME

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COMMENTS FROM THE
NATIONAL SECRETARY'S DESK

Late last summer I was privy to a conversation between a group of Club members, where one was expounding the virtues of an NZNF Rally. The particular member had only been in the Movement a couple of years, but having heard of our Rallies, decided that attendance was a good thing. During the conversation this particular person commented that it was only at the Rally that one got to know properly their own Club members. This comment both distressed and impressed me. The distressing point was the reference in not knowing other club members unless they were at the Rally. I really wondered what was wrong in the Club if these members did not know the other members. Perhaps everybody was too busy going about their own business to spare the time to say 'gidday', 'hello' or spend a few moments in pleasant chatter. However, the impressive point of the comment was the well known fact that there is a general feeling of togetherness and comradeship at rallies and that anyway had been passed on to this member. It should not really be necessary to attend a rally to get to know other members, or to get that spirit of kinship, so I do hope Clubs take note of this and encourage everyone to get to know everyone else wherever possible.

Shortly the Annual General Meeting of the Federation will be held, and with it will come discussions on activities this year and last, together with ideas and proposals for the future. All of us who have attended NZNF General Meetings will be aware of ideas floated, discussed and more often than not dismissed. Those dismissals were not necessarily bad for us, but more probably a result of ill prepared and ill presented submissions. We are always looking for new and progressive ideas, and any club member - or even non-club member - is encouraged to present ideas to club management or NZNF executive members for discussion at A.G.M.'s. This offer should be taken up by more than just the vocal ones in the Movement.

An important aspect of any AGM is the election of officers. To these individuals is entrusted the care of the day to day running of the Federation's business, and the overall planning and policy of nudism in New Zealand. It is therefore, in my opinion, clear that officer positions should be filled by people who have the knowledge, expertise and time available to work for nudism. Any member who feels that he or she can meet this prescription should make their availability known to their Club management so that their nomination can be actioned. We all know that the 80's are going to be tough, lets lighten the burden by making sure we have the most capable people available looking after our interests.

Dear Sir,

I heartily agree with John Carpenter in his letter in the March 'New Zealand Naturist". Nudists have healthy mental and moral attitudes, so it is only reasonable to expect them to show other people how to use good natural food to build healthy bodies. Over 60 years ago, by chance, I happened to become friendly with a famous physical culture instructor, who taught me the commonsense principles eating good, natural food.

Government's are spending untold millions of dollars on so called health, which only amounts to trying to patch up ill fed people, most of whom, barring accidents, should be healthy today. It is sinful for nudists, or any parents, not to take advantage of now readily available dietic information, to at least feed their children properly. As proof of eating good food, at 78, I feel fine, and able to enjoy nude beach bathing and fun on our lovely nudist beaches at Noosa Heads, Queensland 12 months of the year - warm and sunny in winter and no sea wasps in summer. I invite any reader of "New Zealand Naturist" to come for a trial holiday, and, like most who do you'll come back again every year.

Sandy McDonald

Dear Editor,

I'd like to through your magazine, congratulate all the new Wanganui members who helped us win the Mowlem Shield and hope that being the oldest club in New Zealand we can win it again this coming year.

We have a terrific bunch of members and everyone is on a big happy family atmosphere. Children and adults, young and old joining in our sports events, being run very fairly by our newly elected sports advisor Len.

The committee is trying to hold the members together with organised functions, but we don't seem to get local members to participate.

However we will keep trying as the ones who don't do anything are the ones who are missing out, but that is right thru the movement and it is a pity because there is a lot of things you can do with numbers of members willing to take part.

We are still holding our swimming at the sports stadium so we would like to see any old members turning up even if it is just to say good day.

E. Field

Dear Editor,

In reply to South Auckland Nudist Club's request for a good recipe for eel as they are sick of it B.B.Q'd here are two recipes. As a connoisseur of eel from Wairarapa, Wellington and Wanganui Clubs Streams I can recommend this one.

SOUSED EEL

Prepare the fish and cut in thick pieces. Arrange in a casserole and cover with the above ingredients. Bake 3-4 hours 350 deg. F. Serve cold with salad, or can be mixed into a carton of seafood dip for a nice cracker topping.

STEWED EEL

Skin, Cut up and soak the eels in salted water for 1/2 hour. Chop the onion as fine as possible. Simmer it in the milk till soft, add the eels and seasonings, cook gently till the flesh leaves the bone. Mix the flour with a little cold milk, stir it into the stew, boil 2 mins, then add the parsley.

Happy Eeling
June Campbell
Wanganui Sun Club

Dear Sir,

Since the word "naturist" was first coined in the mid-1930's attempts have been made by various authorities to define the word satisfactorily. One must conclude, after reading all these opinions, that the word "naturism" defies an exact description. So it is with the more basic appellation of "nudism". Both terms can mean various things to various practitioners of this form of recreation, depending on their outlook and experience. We are a polyglot lot it seems.

It is intriguing to know that one of the most colourful distinctions and classifications comes from a New Zealand author who separates us all into seven categories, vis. anti-nudists, non-nudists, potential nudists, neo-nudists, enthusiasts, devotees, zealots. I quote from this author, Oranuian, from his information on zealots - "they have been members for so long that naturism has become a complete way of life ... discuss their beliefs readily and frankly with anyone...? Now this is rather well phrased and none of us, whatever category we fit into, would disagree with such a philosophy. And that brings in another slant to the picture for a definition automatically should include our philosophy and creds on the naturist way of life.

Another view stems from the suffix - ism in nudism; one author says that there is no "nudist plan" to unfold us if one were to speak of the nudist plan for health ... or for government ... or for organised religion". It is worth pursuing this viewpoint for this source says that nudism does not tolerate the infusion of the nudist axiom of self-respect with any other ideological "ism". I think the author is trying to tell us that we don't want our simple belief in physical well-being to be confined by dogma or hidebound ideas. But do we need a philosophical definition for our movement?

Dr Franz From in an article published in 1967 states that man is a social animal and one of his strongest urges is towards recognition and admiration by his fellow men. Do we nudists seek this recognition? I believe we do but we manage to keep it sub rosa and make few overtures in public to display our particular theories - those that we have at any rate! Our talents are hidden under the proverbial bushel and this has made us neo-nudists, mentioned earlier in this article.

Let me depart from the more profound interpretations of our beliefs and turn to a man whose approach was a simple one. This was Frank Mitchell, one-time President of the C.C.B.N. in Great Britain. He says very simply that a short definition of naturism is the freedom to wear clothes or to take them of ... the freedom to think and the freedom to do anything in any way which is not detrimental to other people. Now these tenets are worthy ones to follow surely? It would seem that there is room for a wide divergence of opinion among the rank and file members of our movement; we can enjoy ourselves to the full and share our activities with the "potential nudists" without piling Pelion on Ossa in regard to dogma or any severe doctrine some of us may favour. There is room for a whole range of thought, a thorough miscellany of related ideas and a broad mixture of human material with which to build our multi-faceted system.

A further view of us comes from a Professor Dr von Dauff who said in 1932 that like every person with burning ideals we nudists are fighting a lay apostolate for the human body ... we want to see woman and men behave naturally as God made them. This too we must adhere to a something to incorporate into our nudist press and other suitable mouthpieces.

Finally, a word from our magazine. This is a plea for sane living and sensibility to nudism. The nudist says to the rest of his people, "This is the way I really am; this is the person I have learned to live with during life, and I have learned to accept what it is that I am". I present these shades of opinion and belief in the hope that it may stimulate readers to take a real stocktaking of themselves; to see themselves in a mirror for what they really cling to as being their own personal philosophy of naturism.

Derek Tollan

Dear Sir,

We are writing your group in hoping you'll publish this advertisement in your next publication regarding the need we have in having a High School age girl to come and live with our family and be a big sister to our little girl, and go to High School America for one year. We will pay all living expenses while here and provide an allowance of $15.00 per week.

In the last two years we have had young ladies from West Germany and have enjoyed them very much.We are "American Sun Bathing Association Members" and members of "Cypress Cove Nudist Resort" in Kissimmee Fla. We have a large home, private swimming pool and live at a large Raquet and Country Club, 1 mile from Cypress Cove, and 15 minutes from "Disney World".

I work for the Government in Fila, and my wife is accountant. Our daughter is 8 years old. We would want the young lady to write us a letter sending a photo telling us about themselves and their family.

We would hope to have them come in August and stay till June when school is out.

We hope in the near future to have a A.S.A. Student Exchange Programme with Europe and the U.S.

Dr. John & Cleo Edwards

Dear Sir,

The letter from Tony Wood was really welcomed in this household. Had he attended the half-yearly A.G.M. in Taupo he would have heard from an element present who suggest just this, quote - "hide their heads in the sand to get suntanned back-sides" - unquote. The editor is inclined to reflect what the major opinion portrays so if Tony and his like attended the meetings things might "move ahead". Perhaps if he submitted more of this alternative material the editorial committee would have the opportunity to portray a new look.

Jennifer Fairbrother

The Editorial team is only too happy to consider publishing alternative points of view, which may promote a better understanding of nudism. It is after all one of the main purposes of the N.Z. Naturist.

Editor

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB (INC.)

The above club celebrated their 10th birthday on the club grounds on 10 May and the clubhouse was filled to overflowing for the beautiful luncheon that was organised by the social committee.

After the great lunch all the club members were involved in some eventful sports activity which was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all. Afternoon tea saw the cutting of the birthday cake (with some black icing): if anyone would like the recipe for black icing just write, but the clubs monogram on the whole iced cake called for a black background.

The club begins its winter events starting with Sunday saunas once a month which started in May and ends in September, and as always they are very successful with plenty of fans for this great event.

After the long dry summer we had the winter rains and they changed the club grounds into a nice green area again.

Membership is continuing to grow and as always we welcome visits from wandering club members; just drop us a line or ring, our address and contact telephone number can be found in the N.Z. Naturalist, the International Camp and Club Guide, the N.Z. and Australian Club Guide and of course our own N.Z. Camp Directory.

WANGANUI SUN CLUB

The miniten buffs are having a ball this winter. The regular fortnightly competition is pretty fierce, it's great to see the improvement in the players ability. The use of a school community hall, though restricting line play has been pretty successful.

Unfortunately we have just heard we were unsuccessful in the Lands and Survey ballot for the Okoia School property which would have been so ideal for our needs. We now have to keep looking for our own land. Fund raising organised for the winter months include selling pine cones, a cake stall and wine and cheese evening.

Our trip to the lodge on Mt Ruapehu was very enjoyable with beautiful weather, though cloud did close in on the 7 members who set off for the top of Ruapehu. They were very disappointed at having to turn back when near the summit. The less adventuresome enjoyed a walk to Taranaki Falls and some even stripped off in the bracing mountain air by the falls. It was great to combine with Manawatu Sunseekers for a most enjoyable weekend.

ROTORUA SUN CLUB

Hello there again - This time not from the "Valley". We are finally on the move to our new grounds in The Geyserland Leisure Park complex. Our first meeting held at the new grounds proved fruitful and plans are underway for clearing to begin - roll out the logs and lets get going.

Our winter programme got off to a good start with a rather enjoyable - although chilly - weekend gathering at Crystal Springs, Matamata. Unfortunately the indoor pool was out of order due to an earthquake the previous day - but the outdoor pool proved extremely popular. The weekend was well attended - many thanks to those from other clubs who supported us.

Since we have held a sauna /squash evening in Rotorua - the first of many; and a weekend gathering at members homes in Taupo. Both well attended and enjoyed by all.

A rather full programme has been mapped out for the next few months. Somewhere in there we have to fit in some work at our new grounds. -

Here's hoping for some sunny days.

GISBORNE SUN CLUB NEWS

There is a move from some nudist clubs to come out from behind their tin fences and involve themselves in the community. We in the G.S.C. have attempted to do this from the first day we purchased our grounds. Various organisations and their social clubs use our grounds for their functions eg. Xmas parties, A.G.M's, send-off parties and other activities.

By holding functions involving the public, going out among them ourselves as the G.S.C. with raffles, stalls etc, we have made ourselves known in Gisborne. We feel this is important and must continue, not only to ensure our own club's survival and growth, but to educate the general public as to some of the real benefits of social nudism, namely that it is natural (we're born that way) and young people growing up in this environment have a more wholesome outlook on life in general.

PACIFIC SUN CLUB NUDIST FARMLAND

Pacific (Peaceful) is running along smoothly as usual. The Easter N.A.Q. Sports Rally went off very well, a great crowd from neighbouring clubs. Our next big event is our annual "Lu-Au" on 7th November. Since the last report the Sauna is nearly finished, Jim has purchased a diesel tank for fuel for the diesel hot water back up motor, tractor, motor or water pump, and an old grader (antique) but useful. Be Happy, Have Fun, Free in the Sun.

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

During the winter work has progressed on our clubhouse to the extent that the upstairs clubroom can now be used. For those who have seen the progress over the years, this is really a big milestone. While the concreting is being doing around the clubhouse, we are taking the opportunity to extend the barbeque area because of its popularity.

The camping area is also being extended to cater for the upsurge in demand from campers and caravaners. Visitors from other clubs will be welcome to camp at our club grounds this summer.

THE THREE BEARS

Our Socials within the club over recent months have been well attended, with the Country & Western night being the night of nights, the band was tops and the catering was superb.

Our 8th birthday in July will be the start of yet another year, many jobs are on our programme. The roof on the toilet block, bitumen the second miniten court, a large area is being put into lawn. We are hoping also to get the lighting upgraded in the club house and the toilet block.

Even though we have much work under way, we will still be having plenty of social activities, between September and February we will have a social on the second Saturday of each month. We will also fit in a competition for each of the following sports. Darts, Table Tennis, Petanque, Volley Ball, Tennis and Miniten.

The last Saturday of each month (except December) is our Swim Sauna & Spa night at a local sports complex.

For more details the clubs phone number is 287-3034.

Three Bears Junior Youth Group

Over the past few months we have had a cake stall, roller skate-a-thon at club, a skating night at local skating rink, and a day at local moto cross Championships.

We had a few camping weekends at club, one with Juniors from other clubs attending with disco etc. We have not had a lot of activities but those we have had have been pretty good.

Over the next few months we will be planning more activities for the coming summer.

You will know if we are at your club as we now have our own Three Bear Junior Group Flag.

NUDIST LEISURE GROUP, METRO EAST

We are basically a group of Victorian A.N.F. Supports, now in our second year of organising get-togethers for Nudists. We do not exclude Club - beach or holiday - Nudists from our gatherings; nor do we exclude single men, as some Clubs do for their own good reasons. We find (and ensure if we have to) that those who come to our nights are true gentlemen. This opinion was also voluntarily voiced by some of our regular lady-visitors. We rather welcome all those interested in enjoying some of their leisure time the Nudist way, aware that there are thousands of people in the community who would love to do this, if only they knew of places they could go, un-threatened by police action based upon truly "Victorian era" morality laws and free from harassment by louts and sensation-seekers, as may happen at some of our so-called, but illegal "Free Beaches".

We have very few rules in our group, but those we do have are designed to keep the undesirable element from our family- orientated midst and to ensure the safety and comfort of adults and children alike.

Although during the winter-months our various activities are of necessity held indoors, it is our intention to plan Club - and beach visits, bar-b-ques etc in late spring and in the summer. Naturally we would love to see all of our visitors join the A.N.F. Supporter Scheme, but this is not a prerequisite for coming along. We find that once people come to realise the benefits of being a Supporter, they join eventually without being pushed. They just need someone to tell them what's in it for them and what the Scheme is all about. Participation on a grand scale by our Victorian Clubs and more publicity by the A.N.F. itself would, of course, go a long way towards enlistment into the Scheme and its success. The Clubs would benefit in the long run as more and more people, having had the opportunity to visit them, would also want to join them. As Club-Nudists of many years standing, (18 years, we just realised!), we only know too well the terrific atmosphere that prevails in a well-run Club. The Supporter Scheme can be a stepping-stone for future enthusiastic Members, now just wanting to visit without being committed.

Our formula " Swim, Supper and Social" seems to have caught on well and we are only sorry that at our present venue we cannot offer the fourth "5", which of course is the Sauna! Fortunately, however, many of our regular visitors also visit the other Melbourne Clubs' Swim and Sauna nights, so do not mind the lack of this facility at our pool. We make up for it with our free supper, our Regular Visitor - and our Introducer Bonuses, our music and opportunity to join in various social activities.

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EDITORS JOTTINGS

Church masses were held in the resort town of Nauplion in an effort to keep nudists off the local beaches.

Orthodox priests in the town, a former Greek capital, were leading prayers against the opening of a planned naturist camp.

 • • • •

The latest in bumper stickers unveiled at Bangalee: "Nudists have Solar Energy".

 • • • •

Perth's nudist beach is likely to cause a few red faces this summer, as well as the usual redness it generates elsewhere.

The State Government has offered Swanbourne beach, which it controls, to Nedlands city council. It hopes the council will solve parking and lavatory problems caused by the 5000 nude swimmers who flock to the beach each hot summers day.

But the local city fathers refuse to accept the bare beach unless the Government builds the necessary facilities, plus a new access road through a nearby Army rifle range.

The Government is standing firm against the proposal.

 • • • •

"NATURI" SUN AND HEALTH CLUB

"NATURI SUN CLUB, N.S.W. We at Naturi are essentially lovers of nature. The lawns for sunbathing have been well cared for to include as much God-created beauty that is possible among the trees and flowers. With sylvan settings it is so much easier to relax and forget the world you have to work in, and no better place could be found. If you have plenty of vitality, the swimming pool may be regarded the most popular spot. Games courts rank high among our facilities provided. From a quiet game of chess, quoits or petanque (French Bowls) to a fast game of miniten. There is little necessity for organisation in this regard. If you are a sedentary worker you may feel like wielding an axe or handling a shovel. There are usually jobs of this nature waiting to be done and the Club maintenance men will be happy to have your help. Then there are B-B-Q's for a good grill, sausages and onions... how delicious! We celebrated Easter this year in the beautiful sunshine with almost a record number of members and their children enjoying the four days camping in natures way. A special thanks to those members who made the children's play area so beautifully clean, also those who top dressed No. 2 miniten court. We welcome all the new members who have joined during the past few months, and if you have been thinking of joining a club, don't leave it any longer, write to the Secretary, Naturi, P.O. Box 11, Berowra, N.S.W. 2081. Send a S.A.E. for a reply."

SOUTH AUCKLAND NUDIST CLUB

It is with great pleasure that this report is written because we have just been off ically informed, after many months of debate and submissions, that the local council has given us permission to camp on the club grounds over the weekends and holiday periods.

Now that our large filtered pool is operating, our grounds are looking good, and membership is on the way up. We can't wait for summer to get out and enjoy the club to its fullest.

Next time you are around South Auckland, come and visit, stay a while, enjoy our hospitality.

After having driven almost 1250 kilometres in the rain through France, the sun finally came through and it stayed with us for the two coming weeks.

Upon arriving at the largest Nudist city of the world, Cap Agde, we paid our entrance fee of 18 Francs, however we were told later by someone that being a member of a club one does not have to pay that initial fee, however everyone seems to pay.

The Area is split up in 3 parts, Port Nature, Heliopolis and Port D'Ambonne. We had our tent with us, over a wide area you will find tents and caravans mixed up with each other in streets about 800 metres long starting at A to Q so there's lots of walking to do before one goes to sleep at night. It's advisable to hose down the street with water each day, otherwise your potatoes and vegetables will be grey of all the dust from cars and motorbikes flying by, peace is somewhere else.

As everyone can enter this city after paying a small fee, you can imagine what kind of hotch potch you can expect.

On the parking lot of the large shopping centre quite often you will find cars from all over, England, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Luxemburg and Italy. There are also shops near the apartments, but those are somewhat more expensive than the others. The bookshops do extremely good business ranging from the Daily Mail to La Vie Au Soleil, and in no time its sold out, no wonder with 15,000 people in September and 30,000 during high season.

The beach is about 2 kilometres long and even seem to have an area where Homo's meet.

It's amazing but true that in this city some people seem to be dressed day and night, how uncomfortable with a temperature of about 85 degrees.

Those of you who want to take your pet with you - no problem, cats and dogs galore, I even saw a monkey in a garden in front of a caravan, nothing is too strange.

Before 11.00 a.m. the beach is quite quiet, but then its crowded like herring in a tin. Those who come by boat may use the harbour facilities.

What does disturb me is when 4 boys come down for a couple of days and start whistling at girls going by at night, that of course happens when everyone is allowed to enter. Of course this city has its nightclub, restaurants, a bar and two swimming pools for those who don't like sand and oil sticking into their behinds (You pay extra).

If you want to be looked at, go to the pier, on the other side scores of people from a Textile camping ground find it amusing to look across the canal, they call it monkey-gazing.

Furthermore, you will find 2 merry-go-rounds at each end of the city for the kiddies before they go to sleep, so mother can do the dishes in the meantime.'

The water of the Mediterranean is not always clean but refreshing. Oh yes, you can also rent a chair or for the ones full of energy windsurfing or peddling a water bike.

Overhead light planes keep advertising anything from sun oil to cool drinks, once in a while you will have a military jet fly by real low over all these thousands of bare tops and bottoms, as you can see, you name it and its there, but if you want peace and nature, then you must avoid Agde and come with me to

SOURCES ST. PIERRE

This camp is not listed in the I.N.F. guide, I got its location from the Magazine La Vie Au Soleil, there are signs along the road near Aniane which is 30 kilometres from the city of Lodeve. The camp is small, but upon going down to the river, you may compare it with a pearl, clear crystal water with trout still in it. It was really quiet in September, about 14 people were at the camp so we had lots of room, at times we had the whole pebble beach to ourselves, indeed a little paradise. Those who have a canoe or rubber boat can have a great time going down the river, lovely water to swim in, and you can fish if you wish.

One is surrounded by forest and coming out of your tent you pick grapes and blackberries, where on earth do you still find that. Here you feel and become part of nature.

The owners are very friendly and will help you with anything you may need They also have a little store for the necessary shopping so you don't have to leave the premises.

We had some Dutch friends visit us and one of them said and I quote "HOW AMATEURISTIC IT IS IN HOLLAND COMPARED TO HERE' I leave that for what it is, but one must not forget, they have the good weather in South France. It was a real treat to be there for one week on the river L'HERAULT, one sure needed it after Agde, but it was both something to see and to experience.

No doubt the majority of readers who take the time to peruse this article will be nudists, or at least have some experience of social nudism, however the comments herein are not really aimed at that group, but are more specifically directed to those who have had no experience, or even, at this stage anyway, have no desire to join in social nudism.

I have used the term 'social nudism' quite deliberately, because irrespective of personal convictions everyone experiences nudism in one way or another, the most obvious example being having a bath. Social nudism is a mixing of people, male-female- young and old, in an environment concomitant to personal contact in a clothes free area. Such areas are Sun or Nudist clubs, Free beaches, saunas and like activities. Indeed one need not even be in any organised movement to be able to experience or participate in social nudism.

The average individual is not really against social nudism, in fact research has shown that there is no general public objection to nudism in appropriate areas and situations. Some vocal and powerful lobbyists would have us believe that nudism is a social and moral ill, and that contact with anyone so involved will lead to a decline in standards. Those who have any sense at all will know that that is a lot of nonsense and more good comes of nudism than otherwise. It is unfortunate that Nudist Clubs have not got the sway that some 'protection' organisations have otherwise a more balanced picture would emerge. However notwithstanding the pros and cons of social nudism the overall reaction is that while there may be 'something' in that lifestyle for some people this does not apply to others.

If the non-nudist is asked to participate the reply will more than likely be that as noted above, or perhaps on other occasions reasons such as health, figure, embarrassment or distrust will emerge. The fact of the matter is that while people may not be opposed to nudism, unless they are motivated towards this, then there is just no way in which they will join, or give it a go. Despite what the avid nudist will say, nudism is not accepted as being an ordinary activity, and for this reason alone many would be participants are reluctant to step over the threshold. They are in fact afraid that membership will bring them into disrepute and ridicule by others not involved, or ignorant of the true picture of nudism. Or they are afraid in that to undress in front of other people and subsequently be seen quite naked by unknowns will lead to something they would rather not happen.

Both men and women are conscious of their figures and bits and pieces attached to their bodies, and as society has built up an inbred hostility towards showing any of these parts to anyone but the closest of companions, it is no mean feat to beat the status quo. It is this attitude that must be treated if would be nudists want to be convinced that social nudism is not wrong. If you have ever been asked by a relative, friend, acquaintance or colleague to join in some weekend at 'the Club' or on the 'beach', and you have said 'no that's not for me' have you ever considered deeply your real reason for saying such? I suggest that it is because you are afraid - yes afraid. Afraid of what people will think of you both in mind and body. It is only when you are not afraid that you will be able to join in, relax and enjoy social nudism. This does not mean that you will have to acknowledge would be membership, and in due course actual membership; but once you can acknowledge to yourself that what you are doing is right, then you have the proper frame of mind.

Lets start off therefore with the premise 'nothing ventured - nothing gained'. The first step to any new vocation, be it work or pleasure, is to take the plunge. You can't learn to play bowls without first entering a bowling green; you can't learn to swim without having a will to do so; you can't legally drive a vehicle without having some intelligence. Much the same can be said for social nudism. Unfortunately, and this has been the problem facing nudists for many years and no doubt will continue to be, nudism has been given a 'crazy bods' tag and has been the subject of the amusing and not so amusing jokes and articles. Certainly there are some cranks in some clubs, but doesn't this apply to most organisations? The worst image which may be presented, and one that has the most bearing on the fear syndrome is sex. It could be denied that there is sex in clubs, but we wouldn't fool many with that statement as it would not only be untrue but unfair. We could be reticent, boastful or even jocular concerning the sexual activities of nudists, but it would still be quite incorrect to state that unsavoury behaviour does not take place. To my knowledge however, this would be no worse than in many other social organisations and activities and the stories of 'happenings' in our local tennis club can certainly prove that. While a number of members use their club membership as a means of gaining a variation in their love life, this is certainly not true of the majority, and most members will be telling the truth when they say they have seen nothing untoward happen in their Club.

Putting aside now any irresponsible attitudes, and you will find this in any field of endeavour, the nudist movement probably has more to offer the family than a lot of other past-times. Very few leisure activities can be enjoyed by a family as a whole; and a rare exception is the Sun/Nudist Club. Here mother, father and family can be together doing everything, or doing nothing. Picnics, sports, swims can be a family affair in the one area. If perchance nudism had nothing else going for it, the family concept would be enough, and would make the past-time worthwhile on that point alone.

I have mentioned that society has turned us away from accepting social nudism as a natural and enjoyable past time. This does not mean that it should not be tried. Even if it is not 'your thing' may I suggest that you leave your fears behind you for a few hours - forget what the friends or neighbours may think and say - they won't know anyway - and make contact with a Club and give it a try. You need not undress immediately if you feel self conscious, awkward or embarrassed. That will be acknowledged and understood by your hosts. Be at ease with your companions and surroundings, sit quietly on the sideline of activities and look about. Be open to a smile, a word or a shared refreshment and remember that you will be in the company of men and women who, after growing up in a clothes conscious society have also had to get the 'hand of it'. The fear of being nude will easily disappear if you can relax and appreciate at the time of getting undressed that for everyone about you there was also a first time. If its not what you want, then reflect upon the scene, and make your way home again.

Most importantly, if you don't try it, then how will you know whether social nudism is good or bad for you? Give it a go!

El Jay

NEW ZEALAND CLUB DIRECTORY

The secretaries of these clubs will be pleased to hear from genuine inquirers. Please enclose return postage.

new zealand

naturist

incorporating australian nudist news

No.98 Sept 1981

The New Zealand Naturist is the Official Journal published quarterly by the New Zealand Nudist' Federation Inc. Registered at the Chief Post Office Wellington as a magazine.

Editor:

Graeme Brown

Typesetting and Artwork by:

Ad Service, P.O. Box 22271, Otahuhu

Printed by:

Howick Press Ltd.

P.O. Box 38065.

Howick.

Distributed by:

Gordon and Gotch (NZ) Ltd

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AUSTRALIAN CLUB DIRECTORY

This magazine is protected by copyright, no part of it may be reproduced. stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photographic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the editor.

In our desire to present different points of view we publish articles and letters which do not necessarily represent the opinion of the editor.

All correspondence should be addressed to:

P.O. Box 2925,
AUCKLAND.
NEW ZEALAND

General inquiries concerning nudism in New Zealand, or overseas, should be addressed to the:-

New Zealand
Nudist Federation Incorporated
P.O. Box 1359. Wellington.
NEW ZEALAND

Applications for membership of clubs should be made direct to the club secretary (See Club Directory)

PHOTO CREDITS

Leif Heilberg

   Inside front & back covers. Page 9, 12

Fritz Prenzel

   Front cover, centre spread

Doug Cousins

   Pages 5, 6, 15, 18

Murray Edmonds

   Back cover

STATE ASSOCIATIONS:

Nudist Association of Victoria,*

P.O. Box 44
Balaclava Vic. 3183

Nudist Association of Queensland,*

P.O. Box 101.
Woodridge QId 4114.

NOTE: The clubs marked with an asterisk (*) above are affiliated with the Australian Nudist Federation.

DEADLINES FOR COPY

99 December 1981 - 1st October

100 March 1982 - 30th January

101 June 1982 - 20th April

102 Sept. 1982 - 15th July