# 130 - September 1989 

To best introduce the reader to the idea of social nudity we offer the definition in Heinemann's New Zealand Dictionary "Nudist - a person who believes that dispensing with clothes is healthy and enjoyable."

In a nutshell that's it, but for a wider understanding of why people get so much benefit from nudism it is useful to look at a definition provided by the International Naturist Federation. "Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature, characterised by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others, and for the environment."

People go nude because they enjoy it at a number of different physical and mental levels. The sheer joy of diving into a swimming pool, river, or the sea, without constricting togs has to be experienced to be believed. Just to feel the wind blowing across your whole body is a sensuous experience. The feeling of freedom once one removes the entrapments of civilization is really relaxing. For some reason once you get to the club, beach, wherever and shed your clothes you seem able to relax as never before. Your everyday cares are left behind. Also at the mental level once people are out of their clothes they regard each other more as equal individuals and pay little heed to status. It leads to better relationships across the gender boundary because in seeing the other sex nude, and there are only two basic models of humans, it is much easier to accept that person as an individual rather than as a stylised role model.

It is the experience of the millions of nudists throughout the world that they lead a much healthier life both physically and mentally because of their nudist lifestyle. Then, how much emphasis is there on health and fitness in sun clubs? The origins of the modern nudist movement lie in the industrial cities of Europe, especially in Germany.

The nudists of last century placed considerable emphasis on the physical fitness aspects as a counter to the horrible conditions in the industrial cities. Exercise regimes, diet, and exposure to fresh air and sunshine, were stressed as ways of improving health. Many of the then proponents were vegetarians and/or anti-alcohol.

As time went on, however, these latter aspects became of less importance. As nudism became more popular and people with more diverse views joined clubs there was not such a rigid adherence to these ideas. With greater social acceptance it was no longer necessary for club members to be and be seen to be purer than pure. Alcohol at social functions became accepted. How much exercise people take is up to them. Now in the modern nudist world there is no more emphasis on health and fitness than there is generally. Nudism through a more wholesome attitude to the human body, and because of the opportunities it makes available for exercise in the fresh air, leads to healthier minds and bodies.

Since nudism means going without clothes, what is the attitude of nudists to clothes? Nudists are not anti-clothes. There are valid reasons for wearing clothes. Protection against the weather is one. Another is safety while working. Have you ever tried frying bacon in the nude? Sanitation and adornment are other reasons for wearing something. Nudists do not (as some people believe) check their clothing at the gate. Clothes may be worn when desired at nudist clubs. It is common sense to cover up if the sun is burning you or if you are cold.

Clothing was primarily intended as adornment and protection against the elements. Gradually its original purpose has become obscured. According to country, fashion, and convention, a mass of differing ideas have grown.

In some countries it is considered indecent for women to show the lower parts of their faces. A hundred years ago our grandmothers were labelled fast if they showed an ankle. In our society the wearing of clothing is regarded as the guardian of dignity, respectability, modesty, and morality. It needs only a little thought to realise how false these ideas are.

Dignity is in the bearing and spirit of man. It cannot be stripped from him or her along with clothing, nor can it be assumed by donning any number of garments. Morality is the code of ethics by which man lives, and is quite unrelated to nakedness. Our society creates a mystique about the human body and its clothing. Because of this mystique society tries to dictate that we wear some clothing even if it is only the briefest of swim wear.

What is the difference between wearing a bikini or swimming trunks and going totally nude? First, there is the pleasurable sensations of sun and air that one misses out on when wearing something. Secondly, a bikini is much more suggestive than total nudity. Those tiny bits of cloth draw attention to particular parts of the body and create interest in what is hidden. When one is totally nude amongst other nude people very little is taken of what are normally hidden parts of the body. Nudists do not believe that some parts of the body are decent and other parts indecent. There are only two types of human body, male and female, and each part has its own particular function. Only our cultural heritage says some parts should be hidden and others not.

The above is a brief explanation of the philosophical basis of nudism, but the bottom line is where we began. People became nudists because they found dispensing with clothes was healthy and enjoyable.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the threat of skin cancer, set out what can be done to prevent it, and to see whether skin cancer is a threat to the nudist lifestyle. There appear to be no statistics available as to the comparative incidence of skin cancer among nudists and non-nudists. For the reasons set out later, however, I believe that there is little reason to believe that nudists should have a higher rate of skin cancer than that for other people enjoying outdoor recreation.

What is skin cancer? There are many types of skin cancer but the main distinction is between melanoma and the other skin cancers. The latter require treatment but it is melanoma that is a serious threat to health. In New Zealand 700 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year and 200 people die of melanoma annually. The number of deaths is unnecessarily high since with early detection 90% of melanoma cases can be treated effectively.

Who is at risk from skin cancer? Everybody who has excess exposure to the sun. What 'excess' means is related to the person's colouring, skin type, and the pattern of exposure to the sun. People with fairer skins, babies, people with a record of painful or blistering sunburns, and those generally susceptible to sunburn are the most at risk from skin cancer. Studies indicate that melanoma is more likely in people who work indoors and have outdoor recreations - that is, their exposure to the sun is intermittent. This goes back to the point that melanoma is more likely in people who have a history of bad sunburn especially in their youth. People who work in the sun most of the time are less likely to get melanoma but are more prone to the other skin cancers.

We can't and shouldn't shrug off the risk of skin cancer. It is a danger and one which for lifestyle reasons is increasing. The basic message from health professionals is that the answer to this threat is prevention, which primarily means less exposure to the sun and especially the avoidance of sunburn. So where does this leave nudists? Does it mean that we should close our clubs for the public good and scurry for shelter? No! No! No!

Nudism is not about getting a mahogany all-over tan. Despite popular belief and the use of the euphemism "Sun Club' nudism offers much more than a chance to get a better suntan. Most of the enjoyment and benefits of being a nudist are independent of being out in fierce sunlight even though the sun provides the warmth that makes going without clothes outdoors so enjoyable. Also some sun on the skin is recognised as improving general health and this can be accomplished safely with a sensible approach.

We can do all the usual things at clubs without getting burnt. You can play sport, swim and generally socialise. Members of nudist clubs have a head start on other people in avoiding skin cancer since most clubs have lots of trees to provide shelter (and privacy). Because club members tend to get outdoors in the sun earlier in the summer than the general population, nudists build up a tan more gradually. Nudists generally avoid the danger faced by others of getting sunburnt in the rush to get a tan during limited summer holidays.

As was noted earlier the main message is that of prevention, and failing that, early detection. So:

-  avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day

- use sun screen lotions to prevent burning

-  build up a tan gradually if you want one

-  wear a hat to protect your face when out in the sun

- help fellow club members by mentioning they are beginning to burn

Early detection is very important in preventing major health problems from skin cancer. So watch out for a change in the size, shape, colour, depth or surface of a freckle or mole. Watch out for a lump, sore, ulcer, or scaly patch on the skin which has been there for more than four weeks. If found early enough skin cancer can usually be removed with little trouble. Found very late or left untreated, scars and very occasionally death can result.

Photo: Doug Ball  

As an officer of the Cancer Society said, nudists even have the advantage in this regard since in going nude they have a greater chance of themselves or other people seeing changes in their skin. Keep an eye on the skins of your friends and family.

If you behave sensible the risk of getting skin cancer is considerably reduced. You can then get the other considerable benefits of following the nudist lifestyle.

As the United States National Commission on Mental Health found, nudists are the healthiest, happiest and sanest group of people of the hundreds of groups and organisations they studied.

As a group, nudists had the lowest rate in the nation from crime, suicide, mental breakdowns, divorce and time lost from work due to illness.

Another study has shown that increased vitamin D in the body arising from exposure to the sun is associated with reduced heart problems. These are the benefits from being a nudists and with sensible precautions the risk from skin cancer can be minimised.

Throughout Europe people have long known the difference between nude and erotic. Nude is when you have nothing on" explained a French beach goer. "It's natural, not sexy. Erotic is when you add a little bit of something, like a string bikini."

"When I'm at the beach with a bunch of teeny-boppers in their bikinis," confided a married woman from New Jersey, while sunning herself at Jamaica's Hedonism II, "I kind of feel somewhat intimidated. But at the nude beach, I'm completely comfortable.

Many women worry that their nudity might mean availability. Many men worry that nudity might become too stimulating. But those are mainly fears of the imagination, not the reality of the actual experience.

The ones who might confuse the bare skin with promiscuity are those locked into "packaging," into figure- enhancing apparel. Hedonism II has both a clothes-optional nude beach as well as a "prude" beach where swimsuits are mandatory.

The younger bikini crowd strutting their stuff on the "prude" beach are the ones most likely to be dealing in display more than truth advertising.

Ironically, an older North American crowd gravitates to the nude beach at Hedonism II. Surer of themselves perhaps, they seem more receptive to meeting others in an appreciative manner.

Perhaps too, they're less defensive than the norm, from having removed the 'armour' of everyday apparel.

Shedding swimsuits, they don a new sophistication and join a worldwide trend.

The United States, which has clung to Puritan roots more than inclinations, has a surprisingly long naturist tradition. What's surprising is that males and females have been platonically shedding their clothes together, in so many countries for so many years.

There was a period before the Victorian era in conservative England in fact, when males and females normally swam nude together. But nudity is commonly not a mandated state these days.

Most clothes-optional areas are just what the term says. There's no requirement to disrobe at a resort like Club Orient in St Martin. But when you see others comfortable in their skins, it becomes tempting to test the waters - or - the air; and feel secure in the experiment.

"When we saw all those bare bodies on that beautiful white powdery sand beach at Club Orient in St Martin," an Ohio women recalled, "My husband and I decided that this was the time and place to try out social nudity. We took off our clothes in public for the first time in our lives:'

"My husband and I went off snorkeling" the Ohio woman continued. "I swam out to a wooden float, climbed aboard, and started sunning. Then a man swam over he too climbed onto the raft:'

"I absolutely panicked, I thought to myself, 'what do you say to a naked man?' And then inspiration struck. I looked over, and smiled, and said, 'Hello!' "

Conversations, she immediately discovered, are easy to strike up in an atmosphere where no one had anything to hide.

HOLLAND/BELGIUM

If you visited the largest nudist club in the world it would probably be Athena which has one site in Holland and two in Belgium. It has over 11,000 members (7000 Belgians and 4000 Dutch).

The club started in 1955 with the first site located just over the Belgium border in the Netherlands.

The success of the club was so great that a few years later two more grounds had to be opened: one just outside Brussels and the other one near Liege.

The Dutch grounds extend to over 14 hectares, the car park accommodates 500 cars and 350 permanent caravans are housed in the camping grounds. The other grounds although smaller in size can accommodate large numbers of members and visitors.

It would be good to have on our club committee meeting agenda's "Discussion on the purchase of additional grounds to accommodate increased membership of our club'

Greece

Venus and Adonis can show their naked glories in Greece.

After a hiatus of nearly two millennia, nudism has returned to the land whose ancient culture first glorified the human form.

Although there are probably more nude statues in Greece than anywhere else, it wasn't until recently that people could bathe nude without risking fines and imprisonment.

Greece's first official resort hotel for nudists is now operating in Petrothalassa, on the northern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, a little over two hours by Hydrofoil from Athens. The more than 200 Germans bathing nude at the beach here are the first to do so legally since Christianity, spearheaded by the preaching of Saint Paul, overtook paganism in the first centuries of the modern era.

Bringing the spirit of paganism back to this Christian Orthodox nation after almost 20 centuries has not been easy, and probably could not have been accomplished without the election of the nation's first Socialist government in 1981.

The Greek Orthodox Church, some of whose bishops have called nudism "an international satanic conspiracy;' has opposed the concept on moral grounds. When the first nudist resort opened several years ago on an experimental basis, it had to be closed after priests and their followers attacked the hotel occupied by the naked tourists.

Previous conservative governments never pressed the issue. However, nudist fortunes rose with the election of Socialist Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou. The new Government, aware that Greece was losing valuable hard-currency revenues to nudists resorts in nearby Italy and Yugoslavia, tried to change the law. Politically speaking, Mr Papandreou had nothing to lose since his Government's legalisation of civil marriage and new family law had already made him an enemy of the church establishment.

In 1983, the Greek Parliament voted to establish nudist resorts in places where municipal authorities gave approval. Finally in April of that year, nudist camping grounds opened on the islands of Corfu and Antiparos and the first nudist resort - The Lena Mary Beach Hotel at Petrothalassa.

"In a few months of operation, we've managed to convince the local people that nudism is nothing more than a swim in the sea with nothing on. Our guests are not drug users and do not parade nude in town at night," said Pavios Zorbas, manager of the hotel. He explained that nudism is permitted only on the beach. Clothes must be worn in all other areas of the resort.

In some ways at least, Greece is returning to its former glory.

The Globe & Mail, Canada via Bare in Mind USA.

USA

Clyde Buzzard writes in his "Back to Basics" column in the Birmingham News "I can't see anything coming of this nude sunbathing business because there is no way to make a business out of it. What can you sell to a naked lady except suntan oil? It's not like jogging shoes or skiing, where folks can ride the fad to fortune:'

"And not many people know that".

Charles Richter, whose name is known worldwide for the earthquake scale he helped to develop (a household name in New Zealand) was also with his wife Lillian, a life long nudist. He died in 1985 at the age of 85. His nudist activities, although regarded with indifference today, got the California Institute of Technology officials, who were image-conscious at the time, decidedly nervous.

Richter was a young research assistant in the Institutes seismological laboratory in the early 1930s when he and the late Beno Gutenberg, worked out a way to grade the relative sizes of earthquakes.

San Francisco Chronicle via ASA's "The Bul1etin".

Nude Tennis team granted certification in Florida

The Cypress Cove Tennis Buffs have been granted membership in the Florida Tennis Association, a region of the United States Tennis Association.

It is rewarding to find that the nudist community has grown so strong that it, without reservation, is being accepted as a member of large national and international associations and organisations.

Let's keep it up and open up new avenues, let's look over the horizon and concentrate on public relations to bring us forward to become a much larger and stronger organisation.

AFFILIATION

During my recent visit to the United States I found out some very interesting things. I was impressed by the confident mood of the American Sunbathing Association. I think that one of the factors which has contributed to this confidence is that the ASA has found new allies within the mainstream of American life and thinking.

I refer to its affiliation with the American Recreation Coalition, which has opened doors that had hitherto remained closed. One of the most interesting features of the affiliation seemed to me the interest that both parties had in the arrangement. It is a great step forward.

I believe that affiliation of the national naturist/nudist federations to other national bodies should become an established pattern and we should make every effort to bring this about. I can quote other successful examples - the French Naturist Federation (FFN) has received official recognition from the government as a National Association for Youth and Education.

This enabled them to obtain subsidies and to be part of the French tourism promotion stands around the world. This was both a cultural and a commercial affiliation. Another example is the German Naturist Federation (DFK), a member of the German Sports League, which enables their clubs to apply for substantial tax relief on the basis of their newly acquired status - public utility". A third example is a recreation coalition in the Netherlands which is bringing advantages to naturism both in clubs and on public lands. The Dutch Naturist Federation (NFK) is also affiliated to the Royal National Swimming League which may bring additional financial advantages to clubs that hire municipal swimming pools.

Can I give more examples? I'm afraid not, and that is exactly my point. Not even the I.N.F. itself can boast little in the way of similar accomplishment. Also other national federations do not seem to have sufficient access to mainstream political life in their countries.

I am aware of the debate in naturist circles as to where and how we should "position ourselves", to put it in market-terms, I am firmly convinced that our image should not be as "fringe" or "eccentric" It should be "mainstream", "desirable", "quality", "lifestyle" (with the emphasis on both "life" and "style"!), "nude plus something extra", a "sense of community" and "freedom". If we can "sell" this image and the very concrete benefits that come with it, like clean and civilised parks, resorts and community oriented clubs, then naturism/nudism has a bright future.

From a survey, recently held, the INF had to conclude that organised naturism reaches only a tiny fraction of the population it could reach.

Affiliating ourselves to mainstream organisations the way the Americans and some European Federations have done may be one of the ways to balanced growth and more support amongst the general population for our ideas, ideals and practice. Only than can we hope to change society a little bit, making it more human, livable, in short, naturist.

SUN MAY AVERT HEART DISEASE

(Top)

Winter

I have a farm that's cold and bleak

It's many miles from sheltered streets,

In summer it is lots of fun

But now I'd swap with anyone.

The day begins in teaming rain.

I milk the cow - it ain 't the same,

I grab my lunch and vacuum flask

And think about my gruesome task

Of mustering in the back country

In fog, for sheep I cannot see.

So thru the day we battle on.

My dog is barking to hell and gone,

All wet and cold I've one desire

To get back home beside the fire.

The rain pours down and won't relent,

And snow is looking imminent,

I pass beside that crystal pool

And can't help wondering who's the fool;

It's not too hard to follow why

It's been a good day, if I don't cry.

At home I know I've caught a chill,

As I sit down to pay each bill,

Around the bend I'd rather be

Than carry out my destiny.

What is a nudist club?

A nudist club (or sun club, another commonly used term) is a place where people go to play sport, camp, chat to their friends, have barbeques, swim, lie in the sun, let their children play and generally have a relaxing time. That is, do the things normally associated with any other country club, camping ground or beach. For nudists, however, all these activities are much more enjoyable if they can be done without clothes. A nudist club is a place where you can take off your clothes in pleasant surroundings and congenial company. Clubs in New Zealand vary greatly in the physical facilities available. The bigger and longer established ones have facilities akin to a country club; a social hall or clubhouse, sports courts, barbeque, camping facilities, a children's play area and occasionally a spa or sauna. The small or newer ones have the essentials to the nudist way of life; an area for camping, lawns on which to relax, and almost always somewhere to swim. With camping facilities at almost all clubs you can spend longer than just a day there.

Some families spend their annual holidays at their own or other clubs in New Zealand because of the friendliness, the chance to mix with like-minded people and the facilities available for all age groups.

What is a 'free beach'?

A free beach is a public beach where from custom and/or official recognition people are able to swim and generally relax in the nude. At the moment in New Zealand there are many beaches where nudity is common and accepted. A few are officially recognised in some way. Efforts are currently going on to have many of the other free beaches near urban areas officially recognised. The Free Beach Group is an organisation with members throughout New Zealand which works to promote free beaches and provides a social network for its members.

What do nudists do in winter?

Nudist clubs do not go into hibernation during winter. Most run social functions to enable members to meet. For most of these social functions, many of which are held away from club grounds, people are fully dressed.

Sauna nights, swim nights at heated indoor pools, and other similar activities are also common. People still go to their club grounds to do maintenance and chat to their friends. Nudist clubs are social clubs and cater for their members all year round.

What type of people join a nudist club?

Nudists, contrary to what is commonly believed, are not confined to the young and shapely. Nudists are all ages, from babies to people in their 80's, all races, and come from diverse backgrounds and occupations. They are a typical cross section of the population who believe that going nude when circumstances permit is a sane and sensible thing to do.

Do I have to have a perfect body?

If that were true nudist clubs couldn't exist since so few people meet the stylised ideals. The concern about figure shape, scars, and other perceived imperfections, is the result of social conditioning which can lead to many people being unnecessarily unhappy about their bodies.

Social nudity soon shows that you are accepted for who you are rather than for what you look like. There are tall nudists and short ones, fat ones and thin ones, people with surgical scars, elderly people and babies, in short a normal cross- section of the population. There is no need to be worried about how your body compares with anybody else's. Once you visit a club you will realise that other people are much like you.

Do I have to undress immediately and totally?

The only rule that most clubs in New Zealand have about undressing is that no togs are to be worn in the pool. Other than that, there are no rules about undressing. There is an expectation that, when suitable conditions prevail, you will be expected to shed your clothing. You certainly don't have to strip off as soon as you are in the gate. Members undress when and where it suits them, depending on what they are doing. It may be by their car in the car park, in their tent or caravan if they have one, on the lawn area while saying hello to friends, or not at all if it is cold. People visiting a club for the first time are certainly not compelled to undress. Because nudists have a different attitude to clothes, undressing is no big deal. Visitors are free to stay dressed the whole time without any adverse reaction from anybody else present.

Do club members go nude the whole time?

Certainly not. When the weather is inclement, or you are performing some task where clothing provides protection,

or during most evening functions, it is perfectly normal and appropriate to wear clothes. Nudists go without clothes when it is equally sensible to do so - when playing sport, swimming, sunbathing, or generally relaxing.

What about monthly periods?

Menstruation is looked upon as a normal bodily function. The wearing of shorts, bikini bottom, or the use of tampons enable women to enjoy their usual activities at clubs. It is not a subject of notice or comment.

Does communal nudity cause sexual excitement?

In New Zealand social conditioning has convinced people, perhaps the majority, that nudity equates to sex. Flowing from this erroneous belief is the fallacy that people of both sexes cannot mix together in the nude without them becoming sexually stimulated.

This is often said to be the fear of many men who would be embarrassed about the physical symptoms. This is all hogwash Nudity does not equal sex. Because nudity is a natural state, it is the experience of millions of nudists worldwide that they can associate socially with other nude people without sexual arousal.

Does nudism affect human relationships?

It certainly improves them. Because nudity is closer to reality and therefore more sane and because clothes provide a mental barrier or a false image, social nudity results in people respecting each other as people. Removing clothes also removes the role model, gender stereotype, mysticism that society tries to impose upon us. When nude, men, women and children accept each other without these false images. Children grow up free of the usual undue curiosity about the human body.

How do children react to seeing nude people?

Young children are natural nudists and take their visit to a nudist club or free beach in their stride. They are usually too busy playing or making new friends to worry about the general lack of clothing. Some have to be gently persuaded to undress, which is only natural if for most of their life they have had to repress their natural inclination to go nude.

Will my initial visit to a club and my membership be confidential?

Yes. Your name won’t be used outside the club without your approval. Anyway social understanding is such that there is nothing to fear from your membership becoming known elsewhere.

Who is eligible for membership?

Anybody who has a genuine interest in taking part in an enjoyable and healthy form of recreation. Both married and single people are welcome and especially families. Most clubs will not accept one spouse of a couple and also try to keep some balance in their memberships.

How do you join a club?

By contacting the nearest club and saying you would like to visit. Club contact addresses and telephone numbers are advertised in this magazine, and in many local recreational club directories.

Photo: Les Olsen  

You may know an existing member, in which case they will be only too happy to take you out and introduce you. Failing the above, contact the New Zealand Nudist Federation at P.O. Box 1359 Wellington and it will put you in contact with the appropriate people. After your first or second visit it is then up to you to decide whether you wish to join.

What does it cost?

Subscriptions vary depending on how big the club is and what facilities it has to maintain. At the moment subscriptions in New Zealand vary a lot. There is usually also a small once-only joining fee as a token contribution to the cost of the facilities you will enjoy. For your subscription you get access every day of the year to a social club of like-minded people where you can go to relax whenever you wish. Membership of a nudist club is tremendous value for your money.

Am I breaking any law in joining a nudist club?

There are no laws in New Zealand against people going nude on private property. Sun clubs are private property and perfectly legal. The NZNF is currently trying to establish the legal situation regarding nudity elsewhere. Nudity is not illegal, especially where it is usual and common as on free beaches.

Are nudist clubs secretive?

They are not. In their earlier days clubs and individual members had to be cautious because of social attitudes arising from misunderstandings about nudist clubs. Today all that has changed, to the extent that it is difficult to get news media attention in respect of nudist club events. Nudist clubs are an accepted part of the community and try as much as they can to make themselves known.

"Britain hotter than Tangier", cried the headlines. It was true. The temperature on some parts of the south coast had been 28°C, extraordinary for May. Even more extraordinary was the new enthusiasm the British had suddenly acquired for taking off their clothes in public as soon as there was a gleam of sun.

It used to be only builders who stripped. British builders cannot mend a window without a radio blaring, or watch a mate laying bricks in a temperature of more than 18°C without being naked from the waist up. Now everyone, or almost everyone, follows suit. London parks and squares reveal appalling sights: a bony leathery old man in the smallest bikini pants; plump office girls flat out on the grass with their skirts hitched up to display suety white dimpled thighs. Out comes the sun and out comes the tomato- coloured shorts, the halter tops, the back-less mules and bulging midriffs.

The nation is divided into those who take seriously the risks of going brown, and those who do not. All medical opinion now says: "Don't sunbathe:' Every magazine and newspaper has had features about melanomas, often with special reference to skin cancer statistics from Queensland. Yet the warnings seem to have little effect even on those with the fairest skins. This year, the skiers (no longer a privileged minority) came home brown, and an exceptional spring has encouraged their dreams of keeping the skiing tan ticking over until the summer. Hence the numbers of persons with brown faces but white bodies seen stripping off.

A North London woman who lives opposite me in a ground-floor flat with a garden, regularly appears in the early morning on her patio in nothing but a brassiere and pants. She eats her breakfast out of a cup, probably yogurt, and then starts making calls on her cordless telephone, meanwhile moving casually round the garden doing a little light weeding.

It is a most un-English sight. Later she gets into a bikini and sunbathes. Already, she has appeared in three different bikinis this year, and we are still in May.

One school of thought attributes the new passion for public undressing to summer holidays abroad. Having taken off their clothes in Spain or Corfu, people have kept the habit.

Foreign travel has had a further dire consequence. Everyone owns the gear, British tourists abroad are, by common consent, invariably the worst dressed, though closely pressed by Americans. The Americans strong card in their bid for the top slot is the tight polyester trouser suit; but they cannot beat the string vest a British speciality. In England, now that May is here, out have come the Corfu shorts and the Caribbean T-shirts bought in foreign junk shops last year in a moment of unwise abandon.

The new phenomenon has reached Lord's cricket ground, once a decorous place. The Australian tourists were playing. The day was hot, or what passes for hot in England; in the mid-20s. The Australians arrived in a flashy coach with Castlemaine beer slogans plastered over it and silvered one-way windows. Mr Alan Bond himself might have designed it.

On the field, the Australians were immaculate; off it, they wore a variety of costumes, with not a blazer in sight. They looked like the Cunnamulla first eleven on tour. But they, and their fellow countrymen in the stands, are at home in hot weather clothes, whereas the English look as if they are in fancy dress.

The Englishman who particularly caught my attention was sitting in the public stand about three metres away from me. He appeared to be perfectly respectable: about 40, trim hair, not fat. Obviously he was keen. He made frequent use of his expensive binoculars. He wore a short-sleeved shirt, and his legs and feet were bare.

But when I glanced past him at Geoff Lawson racing round the boundary, I could not avoid becoming aware, as he rearranged his shirt-tails, of a horrid fact: he was in his underpants.

That was nothing to the shock to come. Shortly before the close of play he reached over to the bench in front of him, over which he had neatly draped, I now saw, his trousers. These he put back on with some dexterity, since he only half stood up, and so gave his fellow spectators only intermittent glimpses of his y-fronts. Next he put on cream socks, black lace-up shoes and a lightweight coat. He packed his newspaper, his scorecard and his binoculars neatly in his briefcase. Then he took out a tie and knotted it round his neck. It was the most recognisable tie in England: the red and gold striped tie of the Marylebone Cricket Club, the MCC, owners of Lord's.

No single example could show more clearly how far things have gone. Even in Melbourne, perhaps especially in Melbourne, a member taking off his trousers would cause a remark. This MCC member was not even behaving furtively. He must chafe at the regulations strictly enforced in the pavilion at Lord's where members are required to wear "acceptable trousers' and even on the outside balconies ties must be worn "except in very warm weather' What would happen to this fellow if he sat in his underpants in the pavilion does not bear thinking about.

Meanwhile the tourist board of an old-fashioned resort: Eastbourne, mourns the loss of custom because it lacks a nude bathing beach unlike its competitors.

But my advice to Australian visitors thinking of sampling these nude beaches is: stick to Eastbourne. The goose-pimpled, pinkish English body lying naked or partly naked on English pebbles is not a pretty sight. The problem is that similarly horrific sights are this year unavoidable, even in central London. We must hope that the record hot spring is followed by a record summer.

EDITORIAL

The enthusiasm of some naturists for their way of life cannot be doubted. A constant wish to see more members joining clubs, always debating a convincing case and the example of untiring efforts towards helping the movement makes their presence quickly realised. Such enthusiasm does not suffer the less active gladly and the clubs do find that unintentionally harsh criticism creates lingering feelings of being unjustly wronged.

Naturist activities must be placed in their proper perspective in our way of life. Friends cannot be forsaken, family and home responsibilities ignored and ones other interests entirely sacrificed for the club's activities. Naturism is a form of relaxation which improves physical and mental health - nothing more. It can only be enjoyed by those who feel sufficiently convinced of its benefits to enjoy the special facilities provided by clubs.

It cannot be denied that members should contribute some effort to retain and even improve club facilities. Only the selfish will deny this. But members probably have similar obligations towards other societies. We all need to play a part in community activities and in fact this participation by known nudists does much to gain respect for the movement as a whole.

Nudists must never become an isolated group - a bunch of cranks or social oddities. The movement must become valued as a desirable form of recreation and fully accepted as another of the communities activities. Be fair to fellow members even though the work programme is a formidable task.

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A Peep at the Club
Grounds of N.Z.

When we consider that only a few years ago there were no clubs in N.Z., let alone grounds, as we look around now we can point to considerable progress. In those intervening years seven clubs have come into being and all of them have grounds set aside for healthy recreation and enjoyment of the great out-doors, and each sufficiently private to respect the views of those not of our persuasion.

Other groups in the "club-forming" stage are to be found also, while leads are established in most of the important centres throughout the country.

It has been my privilege to inspect all but the most northern of these grounds and while they vary considerably, they all have great potentialities and are a fitting tribute to the foresight, energy and courage of their founders.

Starting in the south, we find 50 acres of beautiful bush hillside used by the Otago Sun and Health Club. About 22 miles from Dunedin, you drive your car off the bitumen onto metalled road and finally up across paddocks until you are on the hill itself. Little of this area is flat, but it is very beautiful, with streams, waterfall, trees and ferns in the gullies. A concrete pool has been blasted out of solid rock and a clay brick house is under way. Levelling is one of the biggest jobs ahead, but a good start has been made by the few.

Further north we come to the nine acres of the Canterbury Sun and Health Club. Only 14 miles from Christchurch, this is perfectly flat and was in pine trees before a fire destroyed many of them. Only a portion of the area has been opened up and this includes a new club house, a large concrete swimming pool, shower, wash-house and ample space for games and camping. This site has great potentialities and will be one of the best in the course of time.

Across the Straits we come to the Wellington Sun and Health Society which, after several false starts, are now developing their own five and a half acres of beautiful country, 26 miles from the city. It is divided into two levels; the lower one has still to be drained and developed and is now used as a car park. The upper plateau, backed by a bush clad hill, with a stream as its front boundary, has now been cleared, several games courts, a fully equipped kiddies area and sunbathing lawns are provided. A large club house is under construction and will include a kitchen, two bunk- rooms, a lounge and a laundry. A hole is dug for the main pool but the concreting is a job still on the agenda. A canteen is planned and electricity and water should be laid on this year.

Travelling northwards, we arrive at the Wanganui Sun Club, where lawns, flower beds and an orchard surrounding the home of the proprietors makes a charming setting only two miles from town. A shower and splash pool are handy to a concrete block hall which has proved its usefulness in inclement weather.

Darting over to Poverty Bay we find a group in very parochial Gisborne. They have ground put at their disposal by a sympathetic farmer member and privacy is the keynote of this site.

Situated in a small valley tucked in among the hills, a helicopter landing seems to be the more suitable idea. With a car of solid steel and a driver with nerves of the same stuff to get you there, once you have arrived, it would be possible to relax.

A small house and grassy hills could make a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy the district's notorious sunshine. While speaking of Gisborne, we must include a park, planned and executed by its owner some years ago, in the hope that it might be used by nudists. Unfortunately very few have availed themselves of this offer, but the park is there, a living memorial to a man with a love of trees, and tremendous vision.

Here you will find shady paths, lily ponds, cabins, lawns and even statuary in an atmosphere of beauty. Eastwoodhill is 20 miles from Gisborne, and provided you are prepared to look after yourselves and respect the beauty and amenities provided, there is always a welcome awaiting.

In Auckland there are three clubs, each with grounds and it appears there is need for them all. The Auckland Outdoor Health Club is now developing 6 of 20 acres, that in a few years will be really lovely. About 14 miles from the city much of it is in tall manuka, though wattles, pines and ferns are abundant. Their own road and bridge leads to the games area that has been levelled and sown and a lot of other clearing has been done. Several temporary buildings have been erected and a club house and pool are planned as soon as finances permit. A splash pool is fed by a hose from the mains and a shower and kiddies equipment is popular.

The Kaurimu Sun Club have leased 12 acres of sloping land 12 miles out. Tracks lead through beautiful trees and ferns to the stream below. Here picks and shovels have created a flat area for games and sunbathing, while a natural rock pool with a backdrop of large tree ferns, is a delight on a hot day.

A few yards upstream, we come to the Auckland Sun Club, who have the use of 6 acres of similar land, but with a possible larger area of flat land. The main playing area is dominated by a fairly new clubhouse, where overnight accommodation may be enjoyed. They too have a hole in the stream some distance below in the bush.

Travelling still further north we come to the dream of our oldest, yet one of the most enthusiastic members. Here Dick is hoping to open up the Northern Nudist Park which can well be the perfect place for a holiday. Situated in the "winterless north" and tucked away in the hinterland it boasts of acres of bush clad hills, gorges and valleys, but at the mOment it is difficult to access. Dick hopes to build cabins, roads and all the mod cons necessary. We wish him every success and support the idea all the way.

And so, there we have the fruits of vision, courage and sheer hard work. In years to come it will be possible to visit clubs all over the country where facilities akin to the average motor camp will be available, but all with the added attraction of like minded people with whom to mix, and gaining, without the trappings of conventions, the freedom that we prize so much. Are you helping to make one of these dreams come true? These clubs need money, helpers and enthusiasm. It is up to everybody to lend a hand. Now is the time to act.

Kia Ora everybody,
Perc.
(Percy Cousins)

Photo: Doug Cousins  

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

The Annual General Meeting is over; once more. The new committee is in and doing their utmost to run the club at its best. Trying to solve a myriad of minor problems and a few larger ones. Also thinking up new ideas to make the club a better place for existing members and to make it more attractive to prospective members.

The A.G.M. was a great success. With a larger attendance than most other years. All, with only one exception 1 paid their next years subscription as well! Some quite controversial issues were calmly discussed. Agreeable compromises were reached on all subjects. Some ex-committee members have offered to keep an eye on things to see that the new resolutions passed are carried through with.

Winter is a bit of a non-event at the club. But most weekends sees activity of one sort or another at 'Murray Glade There is always somebody up there, mostly doing maintenance or improvements. There is the most important practice on pool, darts, table- tennis, and bowls ready for the rally next year at Wellington. It is hoped that the A.S.C. will put up a bit more of a challenge this next rally than they have for a while.

Anyway it's nice just sitting around a log fire, drinking hot soup. Swapping yarns about last years activities. Reminiscing about the past and dreaming about the future. With more people getting video-cameras it is nice to see one another's films and see what takes place in other nudist areas.

With two of our members no longer running 'Swim-a-rama' for the Free Beach Group, (of which they are also members) the once-a-month bring-a- plate do afterwards at their house seems to have fallen off. But a phone call to them will soon confirm an invitation to any club member.

The club, this winter, is doing a costing exercise on the swimming pool. It has not been drained this year.

It is hoped to find the difference in the cost of replacing the water and the cost of the chemicals and electricity used during the winter now that we have a residential expert keeping the water clear and sparkling (purer than the A.R.A. water supply). Not that the pool has, in the past not been well maintained. But, with professional knowledge, the proper balance of chemicals used to keep the pool in top condition can be greatly reduced and so cutting cost. An ever important factor.

One thing with the new pool fence; we no longer have to rescue hedgehogs in the mornings swimming frantically and getting nowhere with a lot of effort.

Our main social event for June, was a progressive dinner. This, as is usual, was a great success. A progressive dinner can serve many purposes. Firstly, there is the intended fund raising. Then there is the chance to meet the various hostesses in their own homes. It is a wonderful eye opener to the various hobbies and pastimes that different people have. Another thing it gives you a chance to find your way around a new area. All the hostesses seem to excel themselves in their culinary expertise. Much to the consternation of the figure conscious. No matter! after all one can always have an extra helping of the diet tomorrow!

WELLINGTON SUN CLUB

After our best summer for years there has been plenty of activity at our monthly working-bees; our first priority is a gas barbeque. There is a total fire ban in existence for most of January and February leaving us unable to make the most of our club barbeque and we really miss the social get togethers on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

The big project on hand at present, apart from preparation for the rally, is a ball to be held on 19th August.

This is the only social function to be held this Winter and we hope for good support. An excellent band is booked for the ball, they enjoy playing for us which makes for a very good atmosphere.

It seems we are paying for our good Summer with one of the wettest Winters for some years, interspersed with very cold spells, roll on the warmer weather when we can enjoy our club's very good facilities.

SUPPORTER CLUB

Twelve months ago with the help of David, a local Free Beach representative, we were able to establish a regular swim-night at one of Tauranga's hot pool complexes.

The first Friday night of each month was made available to all our Bay of Plenty sun-lovers. These include Supporter Group and Free Beach regulars, Sun Club members and very often a few enterprising folk from the general public. A small advertisement in the local paper, with our phone number in it, brought phone calls each month from people wanting to know more about it. Sometimes the callers followed up and joined in and a few became regulars.

As time went on we sought means of further publicising this event. We have the videos "Once We Were Naked'"Let's Get It All Off - For Goodness Sake" and an excellent 15 minute video on Rotota Sun Club made by Gwynne, a Rotota member and video enthusiast; we decided to "go public" with these.

The "hot swims" start at 10 pm. We have exclusive use of the main pool for the following hour and a half. Our idea was to screen the videos before that 10 o'clock starting time.

A prominent advertisement was placed in the Bay of Plenty Times, on Wednesday 3rd May, publicising the screening in an adjacent room of Baycourt, Tauranga's prime venue, on 5th May. This to be followed by our regular swim night.

Gwynne obtained a large-screen T.V. to put across our visual message, to the grand total of 36 viewers.

5th May 1989, folks, was our best swim night so far!

ROTOTA SUN CLUB

On the 20th May we had a very successful time at Fernland Hot Pools. The weather was great right through the weekend. More than 100 people turned up and all enjoyed the social evening at my house after the pot-luck dinner. My thanks to the people who came and to all the club secretaries who advertised the function. Interclub activities like this are great for the movement. Hot Pool weekend number six is already being booked for next year.

On Queen's Birthday weekend we had our A.G.M. - mostly the same faces came back on the committee. We have a small increase in our subs and camping fees, there is still no charge for school-age children so it is still cheap family camping. There was strong discussion on the future and development of the Geyserland Leisure Park grounds; further discussions are to be held with the G.L.P. Trustees - do all you contributors remember them? We also elected our first two life members, they are Sid H. for his involvement and contribution to the club since its inception as Rotorua Sun Club and Muriel Howell for her involvement, along with Stan (who recently passed away), in the club and Geyser- land Leisure Park. Congratulations to your both.

The same weekend I went bush- crashing about 1 km north of the club. I had seen steam in the area previously and at last took time to go in for a proper look. I found a very hot stream cascading down the hillside to the lake; there is a lot of blackberry and more exploration is needed. On my way back to the road I came across one of the original test-bore sites, it looked like a concrete gun emplacement, rather strange in all that dense bush - another place to visit with "Rotota Guided Tours"!

On Labour Weekend we are holding our Annual Rotota Fun Weekend.

Those of you who came last year will remember the mad but enjoyable events and social activities we had. What a way to start summer. See you there.

Finally, I went with about 60 other insane people for a mid-night swim at Mt Maunganui Beach. What was it like? I hear you ask, B*v#%Y uncomfortable! The people in front of me had to break the ice before they dived in and I got sand in my togs - now I remember why I don't like wearing togs.

WANGANUI SUN CLUB

During the summer we managed to get our concrete miniten court in action. This has considerably enhanced club life for us as we have many avid players.

Robberies at the grounds continue at a steady rate, it seems the culprits wait for us to replace lawnmowers and then pay us a visit. No amount of locks and chains seem to stall them. It has been suggested that we leave them a note asking what their preferred brands of equipment are!

Our Annual General Meeting has been and gone without a problem this year, with the most notable achievement being we have our first Madam President. Congratulations to Margaret, we are all sure she will do as outstanding a job as president as she did as secretary.

FREE BEACH GROUP

What is it about a sauna that makes it so special? So snug and warm and cosy, so friendly and relaxing. The people? The place?

Once again the Free Beach Group have been uprooted from their favourite end-of-the-week stamping ground, and forced to find another place to meet. We set off to try out some of Auckland's better establishments, and finally settled for Aladdin's Bathhouse in Grey Lynn.

So, what is it like?

Tucked away among some straggly old shops, it is dark, discreet, and betrayed only by a neon sign. The security door is firmly fastened. You peer through into the dim interior, and press the buzzer.

A mild panic threatens. You are entering a massage parlour. What perils await you?

Well, perhaps that is the scene six nights of the week, but come Sunday, it is somewhat different.

The white picket fence, the neat brick path, and the subdued decor are just the same. But you're hardly in the door when you notice the rising hum of voices, laughter, people everywhere, steamy hot atmosphere, smiles, grins and greetings.

Yes, it's the Free Beach Group in action, doing what we love most, taking off our clothes and getting all steamed, sauna'd and spa'd together, talking flat out, and being the greatest company there ever was.

We love our sauna, and if you would like to join us, just ring John or Fran on (09) 565-219.

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Summer

I have a farm that's quite unique

It's many miles from busy streets,

And though my work seems never done

I wouldn't swap with anyone.

The day begins, I milk the cow

And feed the cat and chooks and sow,

I grab my lunch and vacuum flask

And think about my happy task

Of mustering, in the back country

With horse and dogs for company.

So thru the day we're moving stock,

There's ewes and lambs and fattening ox

And over there I've goats and deer.

The sun is rising in the sky,

The dogs are hot so I comply

By halting at a crystal pool

To swim and let our bodies cool,

The feeling is magnificent,

This kind of life makes me content.

So homeward bound from those big hills

The daylight fades and all is still,

What better kind of life could be

This special life - my destiny.

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. 130 September 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

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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., P5, P8, P17.

Doug Cousins - I.F.C., P11, P19, P20, B.C.

Leif Heilberg - P2, P3, P10, P15.

Les Olsen - P7, P12, P13, P14.

Doug Ball - P3, P12, P13.

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

131 December 1988 - 1st October 1988

132 March 1990 - 30th January 1990

133 June 1990 - 20th April 1990

134 September 1990 - 15th July 1990