# 129 - June 1989 

It is with sadness we record the passing of Stan, who for many years, was a leading member of the Waikato Outdoor Society.

Stan, together with his family, joined the Waikato Outdoor Society on 25th February 1967. He worked with unbound enthusiasm with the rest of the membership, to make the 50 acre farmland on Mount Pirongia, into a vibrant natural nudist club. Through all the major jobs - digging out the pool, building the clubhouse and ablution block and clearing the bush, you could rely on Stan to be there. From those early days Stan was always available to serve on his club committee.

He represented his club as an N.Z.N.F. delegate 22 times since 1972 - a formidable record, during which, he was instrumental in helping to mould the policies and public image of nudism in New Zealand. Stan continually promoted his belief in being open about nudist club membership.

He helped set up and run the nudist exhibit at the National Field Days at Mystery Creek Hamilton. He struggled to abolish the "membership by invitation only" policy and introduced "open days" to his club.

Stan was a Director of Geyserland Leisure Park and a country member of Rotota since its formation. He was fully involved, as part of the team, resigning just before Christmas and making a visit, in good humour but poor health, on Anniversary Weekend.

Stan's tireless, selfless enthusiasm will be greatly missed, his love and concern will leave a space in the hearts of all those who knew him.

Our condolences are extended to Muriel and the members of her family.

Is the average New Zealander ready to bare all - or at least to have all bared in front of them - at the beach?

That was the poser put to people by the Standards Association of New Zealand (SANZ) in their December magazine issue. The question was the result of a letter from the Free Beach Group. It suggested that when any changes to model general bylaws take place with local government restructuring the clause relating to beach attire be changed or done away with.

The response to the article was "quite astounding" says Carol Coldham-Fussell, SANZ's head of promotions. She says a small deluge of letters arrived, nearly all of them supporting the right of people to make their own choice about what they chose - or chose not - to wear at the beach.

Clause 1902.7 reads: "No person shall be or remain upon any part of the beach in view of other persons unless properly or sufficiently clad."

Tony Wilson of the Free Beach Group pointed out in his letter that while it is not a crime to be nude on the beach a person's behaviour may be construed as indecent or offensive. There is also no further definition given for "sufficiently clad" and this all makes the purpose behind the clause obscure.

He says there have been very few complaints about nude bathing and this is evidence that it is now accepted by most beach users.

In letters of response people pointed out that swimsuits were now so skimpy there was nothing left to the imagination, so why not alter the laws to fit. One person said the clause was discriminating against the nude bather and this was "the antithesis of the Fair and Just Society expounded by the Royal Commission on Social Policy"

Others wrote that nudity on the beach was so common anyway that it was time the law caught up with public attitudes. The problems they said stemmed more from the clothed, belligerent beach abusers who leered at those with less attire, left bottles behind, brought dogs and radios on beaches and generally made nuisances of themselves.

However Takapuna Beach had been the source of many complaints and one Aucklander wrote that, after much discussion, the local council there had defined the term "sufficiently clad" as meaning pubic areas should be covered in public.

In which case, he added, he was sure Takapuna for one would oppose any changes to the law.

Asked for local comment, Wellington City Council recreation manager John Dawson said the issue had not been discussed since nine years ago when a group wanted to establish a free beach at Breaker Bay. The request was turned down.

One of the problems of establishing a special free beach, he said, is that unlike the healthy environment nude bathers usually hope to promote, such beaches act as an open invitation to every weirdo around.

Naturists would tend to be catered for by sun clubs and any complaint about indecent exposure on beaches was something the police would deal with he said.

"Though I don’t know if our climate even lends itself to the issue."

Photo: Freddy Karstensen   

21st

WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY'S BIRTHDAY

report by Doug Ball               

In spite of having just lost their clubhouse on Xmas Eve, the Waikato Outdoor Society was determined to celebrate its coming of age in the best possible manner. The physical manifestation of the club may have been destroyed, but its spirit was not even dented, in fact, to judge from the enthusiasm of those members who travelled to Rotota for the birthday celebrations, the club will be stronger as a result of its misfortune.

On learning of the Waikato's disaster by fire, the Rotota Sun Club had immediately offered the use of their grounds and facilities for the 21st celebrations which had already been planned. So it was that when Peggy and I arrived at Rotota on Friday afternoon, expecting to be early for the anniversary weekend birthday party, there were already 26 people in residence, with many more yet to come. Now, as most of you will already know, there is no electric power at Rotota, and the birthday party organizers had come well prepared, complete with a deep freeze full of food, video player and television set, and a petrol driven generator to provide the electricity. Quite impressive!

However, even the best of preparations cannot control the weather, and during the night we were all disappointed to hear the raindrops starting to fall. Heavy rain during Saturday dampened the skins but not spirits of those present, nor did it spoil our enjoyment of the excellent pot-luck dinner in the evening. The Rotota Sun Club have a garage door in one wall of their clubhouse, and a large tent pitched against this opening gave the extra space required for the unusually large gathering.

Photo: Doug Ball

Later, having satisfied our appetites, we were treated to a video about the Rotota Sun Club taken by one of its members, followed by a bingo evening to raise funds for the Waikato rebuilding fund.

Sunday was beautifully fine, and a sports day was held on the big Geyserland field. The main activities were pitching horseshoes, petanque, and racing through the bush on a pre-marked trail up over a small hill. That may not sound very exciting, but I can assure you that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, many trying games they had never seen before.

Actually, it would not have mattered what the activities had been - it was great recreation just to be with nudist friends in those beautiful surroundings on such a lovely sunny day.

Later in the afternoon everyone gathered on the lawn outside the clubhouse for the official birthday function. Our NZNF President, June Campbell-Tong spoke of the need to foster the tree, in this case the Nudist Federation, and presented a golden totara tree to each of the clubs present, WOS and RSC.

Later the two clubs exchanged their trees as a token of mutual friendship. Then the 21st birthday cake was ceremoniously cut by four people at once: June, Rene, Stan and Muriel. Rene is the President of WOS, and Stan and Muriel are foundation members. Then there was champagne and a piece of the birthday cake for all present. Was this the end of the birthday celebrations? No fear!

A right royal dinner followed. (Remember we are out in the "bush” with no electric power!) Steak, sausages, corned beef, chicken, potatoes, rice, carrot salad, coleslaw, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and bread rolls, followed by watermelon, nectarines and strawberries! Plenty of everything and some left over! After-dinner entertainment was the Beau Brummel video, "Once we were naked".

Who could help but be impressed by the naked ladies with the wild cheetahs in Africa, the magnificent naturist complex at Cap d'Agde, or the swanky nudist resort at Costa Natura in Spain.

We all awake on Monday morning to find a champagne breakfast awaiting us. Is there no end to the hospitality of these Waikatos?

If the birthday celebrations are any indication, then WOS has a rosy future. No temporary setbacks are likely to impede the future progress of this dynamic club.

At the birthday celebrations of the Waikato Outdoor Society, I was fortunate to be able to talk to Stan and Muriel Howell about the early history of their club. Stan told me that during the late 50's and early 60's a small group of nudist friends used to meet on private land at Ruapuke Beach. Now and again they would pay a visit to Auckland and see Eric Flint at Kaurimu, and also friends at A.O.H.C. The Hamilton Club was so secretive in those days that no one knew anything about it.

Stan and Muriel wanted to open the nudist movement up, and as a result several members of their group left. To illustrate the nature of the public attitude towards nudism in those days, Muriel told me of the occasion she went into a land agency in Hamilton to inquire if there was any land for sale suitable for a nudist club. Immediately five men came out of their offices to gaze on this strange woman! "Even if we had something, we would not sell it to you! If we sold a place to you, we would not be able to sell anything around it!" She also tried to promote the sale of the Naturist magazine in Hamilton bookshops, and they almost pushed her out of the door!

Finally Derek Tollan bought some farmland on the slopes of Mt Pirongia, west of Hamilton. He leased it permanently to the club on condition that it would continue to be used solely for nudist activities. At that time there was a very old farmhouse on the property, but there was not flat land, and you couldn't drive a car in. You had to park under the pine trees and walk down to the old house. The first flat area for camping was dug out with shovels and wheelbarrows. Later a bulldozer was brought in to enlarge the camping area and make room for volleyball. Stan built a plastic-lined swimming pool, (before Para pools were invented), which had a fresh water stream flowing through it.

At this stage Stan and Muriel were still trying to open up the club, but met stiff resistance from other members. No one was allowed to set foot inside the grounds unless they had already joined the club and paid their subscription! On one occasion, a 17 year-old boy had cycled up the 23 miles from Hamilton and stood at the gate. Five big burly men picked him up and literally threw him out!

The old house was rotting away. Finally, after Muriel had fallen through the floor, Stan took the iron off an old pigsty and closed in a two-cow cow- bail to make a "clubhouse". "I used to sit inside with an umbrella up, listening to the possums and rats running on the roof," remembered Muriel. "We had a tank on the roof, with black pipes to gather solar heat for a hot shower."

The next development on the site was the concrete-lined pool, although there was still no proper clubhouse.

The permanent club-house was originally an architect's site office, acquired in exchange for a row of pine trees. It was brought up in two parts, and re-roofed. All the interior was relined, and shower, toilet and fireplace built. It was carpeted throughout, and equipped with refrigerators, stoves, Zip water heaters and sinks. Chairs were re-upholstered in matching material, and a magnificent new deck was built on the front overlooking the view. Now the WOS had a home to be proud of, and with their 21st birthday party already organised, the future looked bright.

During the night of Sunday December 19, 1988, a club member sleeping down in the camping area was awakened by the sound of gas bottles exploding, and fibrolite cracking. Three of the baches were on fire. He jumped out of bed and ran up the hill towards the fire. As he ran he heard the sound of water running in the clubhouse. He was able to put out one of the fires, but two of the baches had already collapsed. Investigation showed that fires had been deliberately lit under six buildings, and two were completely destroyed. Fortunately, the fire under the clubhouse had burned a hole in a plastic water pipe, and the resulting flow of water had put out that fire.

On the following Thursday night, the partly-burned bach was burned down, and on Xmas night the clubhouse was also reduced to ashes.

This is not the end of the WOS, since the club consists of members, not buildings, and these members are already planning to rebuild anew. We all wish them well in their endeavours.

Photo: Doug Ball  

The origin of Nudist Top Team goes back to 1976 when the first competition was held as the lunchtime 'fun- break' between seemingly endless rounds of sports competition at the NZNF Annual Rally held at Auckland Outdoor Health Club Inc. Teams from each club competed in a Gumboot Throwing contest in which everyone had a hilarious time; the event being reduced to a debacle of incompetence by laughter. This contest was finally won by the Gisborne Sun Club whom everyone suspected had been holding secret training sessions due to their obvious superior style and team effort.

It is probable that competition such as Top Team evolved from the arenas of ancient Rome in which male and female contestants fought in the deadly serious business of hand to hand combat using a variety of weapons for the amusement of the Roman nobility. In early England, horsemanship contests and jousting provided courtesans with their entertainment but in more recent times with the advent of the mass medium television, a programme was introduced called 'Jeux Sans Frontieres' in which teams from European countries contested various events of a spectacular nature for the honour of their country.

These 'numbskull olympics' as they were once called are known as 'Its a Knockout' in England, 'Almost Anything Goes' in U.S.A. and Top Town in New Zealand.

Preliminary competitions were held in cities and towns of the competing nations so that the very best all-round team would be selected to represent their country in the Eurovision television spectacular. The contests were as varied as the teams taking part in them. As an example, games required the teams to transport objects from one point to another, either across or up a slippery slope and erect a structure of a fragile nature to complete the event.

Many events feature water or greasy poles with teams racing over, under or around obstacles where the team work required was more important than speed to complete the event satisfactorily. As if the contests themselves were not sufficiently difficult, opposing teams could baulk or hinder by throwing balls, wet sponges or similar items to put off the members of the opposition.

By comparison the nudist Top Team games are sedate in nature but do provide enjoyment for both the participants and spectators alike.

Initially the events comprised egg and spoon races, blindfold races, egg throwing and nail driving contests. With the introduction of themes to recent rallies, the events have been given some character with chariot races being popular at the Roman Games Rally at 'Oranui'.

The Indian Games at Palmerston North Sun Club this year provided the organisers the opportunity to be innovative and challenging with ideas typical of the theme and the contestants had four fun filled days with the Black and Yellow Foot Tribe from Wellington Sun Club being the overall winners for 1989 and taking home the trophy for the event.

Some clubs now hold their own Top Team event and this is a wonderful opportunity for a family day of fun. These have been very successful in giving a lot of people enjoyment and with the regular sports events and socials, can bring another dimension to those activities normally associated with sun clubs.

(Continued...)

Photos: Les Olsen

(...continued)

Australia Free Beach clubs hold regular Beach Olympics at Maslin Beach, South Australia, Alexandria Beach, Queensland and Swanbourne Beach near Perth, Western Australia and these events are growing in popularity among the beach set. The events comprise mainly of beach races, sack races, three legged races, sandcastle building and a variety of 'beauty' competitions such as a Best Bum Contest for example. These organised beach days are used for publicity and are open for the public to join in with the activities. Spit roast and salad refreshments are offered and like all clubs everywhere barbecues provide an opportunity for convivial socialising.

Whatever form the Top Team event takes, they have certainly made their mark with the nudist fraternity and with their growing popularity both here and overseas should provide an opportunity for enthusiastic physical exercise for some and amusement for many others.

If you are a member of a nudist group, a secret naturist, or a lover of the joys of clothing-optional leisure pursuits, you are ready to realise the incredible dream of a visit to the mecca of worldwide nudism: the naked wonderland on the beach at Cap A'dge, France.

It is easy to make train connections from either Paris or London directly into the French town of Agde where a short bus ride from the rail station brings you right to the gates of the "Zone Naturist'

Myself, Pru and Larry Beck, moved to Cap d'Agde in 1983, shortly after we lost the lease on our nudist park near Honolulu, Hawaii, and we have never looked back. Being at the Cap (that's French for cape) assures us of not only a comfortable nudist lifestyle for at least eight months of every year, but also gives us the marvellous opportunity to meet other naturists from all over the world.

We live in a charming small villa just steps away from the wide sandy nude beach. Everyday we stroll and sit on the beach greeting friends and visiting with other residents or the new arrivals. Or you can find us lazing on our sunny verandah where we chat with passersby or entertain guests with a cold drink and interesting conversation.

In the summer months the population of the naturist settlement swells to over 40,000 (that record number estimated on a certain hot bright midsummer Sunday afternoon). But somehow the place never seems overcrowded. While not all the beach goers are lodged in the various rental units in the Zone Naturist a goodly portion do stay on the grounds.

Accommodations range from the tents and caravans located in the spacious two star camp grounds, the Centre Helio-Marin (that's French for sun and sea) run by the pioneer French nudist who started all this at Cap d'Agde, the venerable Rene Oltra. Mr Oltra let European naturists camp on his farm by the sea back in the late 50's and 60's long before any of the modern beach resort developments began in the area. In the camp grounds you can rent a caravan, find space to pitch a tent, and be provided with such necessities as drinking water, hot water for showers and washing, toilets, electrical outlets, etc. All this is located right on the beach and open from March 15th thru October 15th. Of course no one gets arrested if they are not undressed because there are many sensible reasons why someone would be clothed, but the fact of the matter is that we are all protected in our right to be naked at all times while on the premises.

Other visitors are able to rent small villas like ours in pedestrian-only Heho Village, Port Nature, or Port Venus. For those who prefer studios or spacious apartments with a view of the complex rentals are available in Port Soleil, Port Ambonne, and also Port Nature and Port Venus. There are accommodations to suit every need from singles who prefer to bach it alone, to couples and families who want to vacation together in remarkable well- equipped one and two bedroom units with perhaps a sleeping porch, bunks or sofa beds to take care of overflow guests.

All these rentals have kitchen facilities where you can prepare a simple breakfast or a gourmet feast.

Marketing for all supplies can be done right on the premises, and you can do your shopping in the nude. French law protects the entire area, preserving it as a naturist enclave. You will see Zone Naturist directional signs all over the Agde region showing you the way to the place. Posters proclaiming the laws that require complete nudity in the complex and on the beach are posted at the gate and nudity is strictly enforced.

These are all nudists like yourself and this is the real marvel of your dream vacation here.

We came to live at Cap d'Agde for our retirement and we find ourselves among friends of all ages and from all over Europe. We have every nationality from Andorra to Zaire arriving here. Friends come from Australia and New Zealand, from Polynesia, Canada, the U.S., Africa and the Middle East. Cap d'Agde is a real United Nations, as it is a meeting ground for humanity - the naked sort that represent the world's population as it should be, unclothed, at peace in leisure. We will enjoy having you here among us to share these friendships during your 1989 vacation.

For more information about travel to Cap d'Agde, accommodations while here, prices and booking procedures, you can call or write me at: Helio Village, No.34, 34308 Cap d'Agde, France, or phone direct 011-33-67-26-03-41.

Your friends,

Pru & Larry Beck

Reprinted from Bare in Mind, February 1989.

After all, France is the country of "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” and this year celebrates the 200th anniversary of her Revolution to assure just such rights.

Most people do dress for dinner after sunset at the restaurants, night clubs and drinking establishments. But what dress! As France is also noted for her style and fashion sense, you will see everything from exotic to frankly erotic costumes worn.

At the same time you may opt for a friendly campfire and volleyball game on the beach with a barbeque, wine tasting, cold beer, Perrier water, or soft drinks while watching the moon rise over the sea still in your birthday suit from your daytime activities in the sun.

There are as many ideas about what your dream vacation at the nudist centre Cap d'Agde should be as there are nudists and naturists in our world. We have a Californian friend who takes off his clothes when he arrives at the gate. Six weeks later when he departs, he puts them back on. In between times he NEVER puts on a stitch. That is his fantasy: six weeks completely out of shirt, tie and the three-piece suit he is required to wear at work the rest of the year. At least one totally happy, relaxed young executive returns to the Silicon Valley every autumn.

Larry Beck dresses to go "off- campus” (as we call it) to do some singing engagements at nearby beach resorts. He works several times a week at an English-style pub at Marseillan Beach in the textile area where you have to wear clothes.

His boss is fond of naturists and once a week sends a bus to haul 60 of us over to hear Larry sing. We ride free round trip and while you have to dress for the outing (shorts and a T-shirt are just fine) it makes a fun evening that even the kids enjoy.

Cap d'Agde is beautiful, the South of France has a magical charm, the accommodation and the beach are first-rate, but more than anything the Zone Naturist gives you the chance to meet people from everywhere all in one very special place.

Dear Editor

I applaud the sentiment of your correspondent "Roger” (Naturist No.128) in calling for an "officially recognised sports event ... where the contestants all wear the traditional Greek Olympic costume." One could hardly protest such a venture to put nudism in so positive a light, and yet there is a strong danger in drawing too closely on models from the past. Personally, I am beginning to think that the "nudist Greeks" theme has been done to death, and without many people realising that nudism is entirely an aspect of modern society.

Similarly the zealous nudist should not forget that the Greek Olympiad was primarily a festival in honour of the god Zeus. Certainly it is a celebration of the male body, but it was not thought seemly for ordinary Greek women to be spectators. Further, the Games were, as they are today, the focus for wealthy patronage. The dabbling scholar should note that once outside the sacred arena at Olympia, the Greeks were notoriously liable to resort to war amongst each other as the preferable form both of dispute resolution and of demonstrations of masculinity.

All in all, the message seems clear: we should take pride in the work achieved by our own movement over the last century. Certainly we may romanticise an ideal classical model, but let's not lose sight that such is only a model - hopefully no true nudist would want nudism to be restricted to the Greek ideas of nudity, not for that matter would such person want an international sporting event to limit itself to being a religious exercise (no pun intended).

Roger is generally right, except for two points:

- We as nudists and modern intelligent people have a contribution to make in sensible acceptance of nudity in our wider communities and above and beyond the limited view of the ancient Greeks.

- We can hardly criticise if Beach Olympics preserve the idea that any sporting offering, even to a modern deity of "Friendly Competition", cannot glorify the human body when it is performed clothed.

The overall challenges remain: nudism must be seen as a positive force for mental and physical health in society, and for many sporting activities it's just common sense to play nude.

For the first time EVER modern society will say that nudists are not nuts!

Brent Thomson

Dear Editor

I have been an avid reader of New Zealand Naturist for about two years now (a nudist friend gives me his copy) and have noticed that each issue gets better and better. The December 1988 issue is the best yet. I hope to visit Auckland next year, and appreciate the guide to its free beaches.

Equally appreciated was the story by Leif Heilberg on Paradise Beach in Mykonos, Greece. Any article by him is always good. Ask that he provide some on-site pictures with the next ones.

I do wish that your pictures had captions, to identify the locales where they were taken.

And probably my major gripe, as an older gal, is your predilection for pictures of well-developed young women. Look at the December issue: Including the covers, there are 14 pictures of nude women alone, just 4 men and women in groups, and none of men alone (excluding the 'Readers snaps' of the man with the kids).

I wish you would show some older girls, sagging a bit like me, to show that sags too are natural and, I like to think, also beautiful in their own way. And how about some photos of men, especially older men, akin to the close-ups of the young gals throughout the issue. Young males aren't your only readers; us older readers enjoy pictures of older nudists, especially of the opposite gender.

It is all a matter of 'identity'. It is hard for me to relate to photos of women (and men) young enough to be my grand kids. Some photos of older men (and women) would assure me that I'm not the only old broad who enjoys being nude in the sunshine!

Cordially
Jorda Menzies

Dear Editor

Congratulations on the cover photos of the March Naturist - local people and places. As you have said before, if you haven't got them you can't use them, so well done Doug Ball and Les Olsen.

With the majority of photos being of local people and places the Naturist is again truly our New Zealand magazine (while accepting the importance and interest of overseas articles!).

Graham Macgregor
Rotota

Dear Editor

In the March 1989 issue of the New Zealand Naturist reference is made to an article dated January 1988 from 'Bare in Mind' suggesting that reporters must take off their clothes to interview diners in the terrace cafe at Ada na Bojani. It is true that the terrace cafe allows diners to eat 'au natural' but don't try to go to breakfast or dinner at the restaurants in the same way.

While I was in Europe last year I joined 60 others on a 'Health & Efficiency' group tour to Ada na Bojani Yugoslavia for two weeks. Attire at breakfast and dinner ranged from casual to formal depending on your mood but clothes had to be worn. Only at the terrace cafe for brunch, lunch, morning or afternoon tea and high tea could my favourite costume be worn and most diners placed a towel on their seat.

I thought I was the only Kiwi there but I found a travel card for a well known agency with a Lower Hutt address! Ada na Bojani has a magnificent beach and even in late September the temperature was over 31°C so I had a head start for an all over tan and a great holiday.

Yours faithfully
Roger Morris

Dear Editor

Thank you for your latest issue, it was excellent. The comment made by Graeme to the correspondent complaining about the imbalance of the sexes in the photographs, in the December issue, was so good and telling. Surely no complaints, in that regard, could be made about this issue - five all male shots plus Les's two young indian boys.

It was Graeme's comments that prompted me to 'give it a go' with the enclosed photograph of myself, taken a couple of months ago. If returned unused I'll just have to blame the subject not the photographer.

John Trotter
Supporter Group Secretary

Thanks John - I wish others would 'give it a go,' (thanks for yours, John), I think the gum boots give the photo a distinctly N.Z. flavour. - Ed

EDITORIAL

New Zealand naturists can be reassured that in spite of their distance from Europe and the Americas, the New Zealand movement is playing a very active part in international affairs. News from these shores frequently appears in Health & Efficiency, I.N.F. newsletters, Continental, Canadian and U.S. magazines. So much so, that Verity, the journal of the B.S.B.A., has considered that the results of our negotiations with the Hon. Minister of Justice were worthy of criticism.

The first New Zealander to represent the national movement will be present at the I.N.F. Conference at Woburn Abbey in August. We are both grateful to Ken and proud that he has agreed to speak on our behalf. This will enable many to realise that we are not so remote when they hear from this keen Canterbury member something of the characteristics of the New Zealand movement.

Overseas visitors are more frequently calling at our clubs and proving that the proximity of New Zealand is greater than we realise. These visitors return to their homelands to tell others about New Zealand activities and so once again to give us a 'place in the sun The I.N.F. Conference will give New Zealand an unprecedented opportunity to be recognised as a progressive member of international nudism. The N.Z.S.B.A. sends its fraternal greetings through Ken, its first official representative.

Immigration to these sunny shores has introduced many naturists from European countries to our clubs. Their enthusiasm and support has benefited the movement to a considerable extent. They have proved that naturism has been a means of improving international relationships as well as

preserving liberal thought and healthy activities. It can undoubtedly make a valuable contribution to improving liaison between the peoples of the world.

* * * *

PUBLICITY

An illustrated article on the Sixth National rally held at Christchurch will appear in the May issue of Health & Efficiency.

NEWS FROM THE CLUBS...

Kaurimu Sun Club

Applications from new members continue so that 12 have joined during the season. The A.G.M. was held in March and indicated a healthy financial position even for big development. The club has recently become incorporated. A new access drive and a club house are projected for the near future. The ratio of single men is a problem exercising the mind of many members and proving difficult to solve.

Auckland Outdoor Health Club

We are rather glad that we do not have to face the programme that Wellington have on their hands in the next 7 months, nevertheless, we have set ourselves quite a good one and things are starting to look a little different already. Our splash pool is, to all intents and purposes, completed, in that, one can splash in it and it still needs to be finished off. One big area has been rotary hoed, rolled, sown with grass and will be ready for cutting in the next week or two. It makes a great difference to our site - in fact, it 'makes' it.

Wellington Sun and Health Society

Why does it always rain on weekends. Nevertheless preparations are being made for the National Rally. The clubhouse continues to make progress. Ard has added an artist's touch to a stone fireplace, the outside appearance is beyond description. Power poles are erected and the underground channel for the cable is underway. The pool awaits boxing and this will also make further progress very soon. More clearing has brought to light more unexpected areas. The Winter socials promise to be varied and interesting. Members have each chosen a night so the arrangements and work is shared by many. New members continue to join and show great enthusiasm.

Canterbury Sun and Health Club

We had our A.G.M. on May 1st which resulted in a few changes in government. Brian is now President, Mona is the new Secretary and Jim is still Treasurer. The Committee now consists of Brian, Mona, Jim, Trevor, Joan, Pam (Brian's wife) and Bert.

At the A.G.M. the discussion included proposals to make the yearly sub £6 reducible to £5 if paid by July 31st and to reduce country members' subs from £4 to £3. Finances are a little low this year so that about all we can do is plant a few trees, stick up a bit of fencing and line the inside of the clubhouse. The Otago club donated an umbrella tree and at our first committee meeting we tried to work where to put the thing - I said tried because each bod wanted to put it in a different spot. In the finish we decided to leave it until we have another look at the grounds on Sunday. Earlier in the year we asked members to submit plans for landscaping the grounds. Out of a total membership of 90 we got 5 plans - 3 from committee members and 2 from others. Make you cry wouldn't it?

* * * *

PEN PORTRAIT

Eric of Kaurimu

Eric was among the first of the nude sunbathers, if not the first in New Zealand. He was, even in his youth, away ahead of the times and he became an ardent reader of 'Physical Culture' with its propaganda in favour of nudism. In 1933 he tried to organise a club in Dunedin. The people, as can be imagined, at the time, were very timid but Truth gave considerable adverse publicity to the club with headings such as 'We don't want this in New Zealand' and 'Our girls are good girls The club failed owing to lack of grounds and the prudish attitude of the people.

Four years later in 1937 he was asked by the Auckland people to advise on the formation of a local group. Later he joined a few who were trying to form a club at Oratia. This came to nothing and about 3 or 4 years later, while visiting the Oratia area, he bought about 21 acres of bush with a stream through it. While building his house he contacted some of the local nudists and placed his grounds at their disposal. From this developed the pioneer organised club in Auckland.

This is just one example of Eric's generosity to the club. It must do his heart good to see his dream coming true after all the heartaches and setbacks he has encountered through all the years. With his help, encouragement and advice Kaurimu looks forward to greater things for the future.

FREE BEACH GROUP

It is 6.30, and we are not the first to arrive. I hurry in out of the rain. The changing room is deserted. Everyone is in the sauna, warming up. Soon I am too hot. Off to the pool now, to do my lengths. Only five lengths tonight, and I am puffing. Out of condition! while I get my breath, I watch the others tossing a ball around.

"Hi!" There are many familiar faces, and we chat for a bit. I am getting cold. The sauna is full, and a lively argument thickens the air. I try the other sauna. It is full, too. Standing room only. "Shut the door!" Someone comes in after me and another blast of cold air rushes in. Everyone is quiet for a moment, then the conversation begins again.

Our swim nights at the Swimarama Pool in Lagoon Drive, Panmure are one of the highlights of the Free Beach Group's winter programme. We have the exclusive use of a full-sized tepid pool, a children's pool, two saunas, showers and the usual changing room facilities. There is something here for everybody, and we make the most of our two brief hours. All nudists, club members and their friends are welcome.

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB INC.

What a glorious summer we have had. Nothing but sunshine since well before Christmas. That is if you were privileged to attend the Rally at P.N.S.C.

We have had more revenue from campers and caravaners this year than we have had for quite a few years. Some of us even dossed down in the clubhouse for the odd night or two. For some these were the best weekends since joining the club.

Improvements at the club still continue. Next year we will be able to boast up to eight powered sites for caravans. So then we shall be able to accommodate even more visitors. Up until now some people have been reluctant to drag their caravans down the old hazardous drive to a powerless site. That is now changing. We now have easy access to sites with plenty of power near a large clubhouse.

The section next to the clubhouse has been subdivided to build several new homes. Some of our club members viewed this with considerable consternation. But they have no need to worry.

Our club grounds are much higher than the new houses and are screened off by tall ti-tree, the height of which must be a near record. We have had some enquiries from the prospective purchasers of these sections and are sure that some of them will become club members. Even if it is only for the use of a well maintained swimming pool. The cost of installing a good pool on their own section may be more than they can manage at this time without the cost of running it and the hours of maintenance work required to keep the pool clean and inviting.

Some clubs have to go to the trouble and expense to put up and maintain screen fences so as not to offend the misguided public. No matter how good and well designed a fence is, it is always there! That in itself gives the impression that it shelters some dubious activity instead of protecting the public from something that may offend them. Here, at Auckland Sun, we have no such problem. The natural bush takes care of all that and still gives us a panoramic view of the hills and valleys that can be seen from the sunbathing area. Indeed, looking over the hills opposite one would almost expect to see a pre-historic dinosaur poke its head above the trees, especially early in the morning when there is still a few wisps of mist about.

This winter the new committee may arrange for a working bee to clear some of the massive ti-tree in some areas to allow for the growth of the longer growing and bushier trees. This seems to be a particularly good spot in Auckland for the vigorous growth of native timbers. If no work was done at the club for about two years almost everything would disappear under a green carpet.

At the top of some people's minds, especially the committee, is fundraising. This year for our main project, it is planned to have a stall at one of the numerous flea markets in the Auckland area. This was to have been a "sweet and sour" stall, selling mainly packets of sweets and jars of pickled onions. Now, it seems, it will have to be something like a "sweet and sew" stall as foodstuffs have to be prepared on a licensed premises. So this rules out the pickled onions. Sewing machines and knitting needles have been going like the clappers. Not forgetting the other bits and pieces of arts and crafts. Some of them quite imaginative.

ROTOTA SUN CLUB

The totara trees presented to Waikato Outdoor Society and Rotota by N.Z.N.F. President June (on the occasion of June and Bevan's visit to Waikato's 21st celebrations held at Rotota), were swapped by Waikato's and Rotota's Presidents and planted at 2pm. on Sunday, two weeks later, at both grounds. Each club now has official embassies in the other club's grounds. Take care of our tree please Waikato.

One of our members took some visitors on a tourist trip by boat upstream - and ran out of petrol. Late afternoon, so two ladies started to swim for home, in club uniform of course, only to have the boat taken in tow and then be picked up by a local farmer out boating. No problem but plenty of laughs. Bill and Caryl have made the club well known to the locals.

For people visiting in rainy weather (what's that?) the clubhouse has now got a porch in which you can leave your coats and shoes. We have also lined the inside of the clubhouse with a wood grained board and the inside sink has been taken outside and fitted to the wall. The finished result gives us a lot more usable space inside.

And now a side issue of no particular note. The Bay of Plenty Times on the 8th April 1989 ran an article which stated "The Standards Association is inviting local bodies to give their views on nude bathing". How should we interpret that?

HAWKES BAY SUN CLUB INC.

Our club had a free beach day on the 26th February at Ocean Beach, which is the most logical beach for having as a legal beach in this area and the day was advertised on the radio the previous week. Apart from the odd crank calls, most of the calls we received were of support.

We had a total of 21 people, (made up of Sun Club members, members of the public and free beach members). Considering the bad start to the day with the weather, which cleared later; the numbers were better than I expected. Since the reports in the two local newspapers I have had 10 phone calls, all in support, including a bach owner at Ocean Beach. There seems to be very little opposition in this area. I am now in the process of making an appointment to meet with the Mayor of Hastings but his Council does not take over the area of Ocean Beach until October when the regional changes occur.

NEW ZEALAND CLUB DIRECTORY

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

new zealand

naturist

No. 129 June 1989

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

Business Manager:

Frank Murphy

Typesetting and Artwork by:

Ad Service, P.O. Box 22271, Otahuhu

Plates by:

Ello Litho Graphics Ltd, East Tamaki

Printed by:

Aarkon Printing Ltd.
P.O. Box 38065, Howick

Distributed by:

Gordon and Gotch (NZ) Ltd

(Top)

AUSTRALIAN NUDIST 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

President: June Campbell-Tong
Wellington 356-918

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

PHOTO CREDITS

Freddy Karstensen - F.C., P2, P6, P10, P15, P23, B.C.

G.E. Martin - I.F.C.

Les Olsen - P11, P12, P13, P21

Doug Ball - P4, P5, P7

Doug Cousins - P3

STATE ASSOCIATIONS:

Nudist Association of Victoria,*

P.O. Box 313,
Reservoir 3073

Nudist Association
of Queensland,*

P.O. Box 442,
Woodridge Qld 4114.

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

DEADLINES FOR COPY

130 September 1989 - 15th July 1989

131 December 1988 - 1st October 1988

132 March 1990 - 30th January 1990

133 June 1990 - 20th April 1990