The NZNF bi-monthly supplement
NATURISM . . .
OR GARDENING
These were the words used by our National President June in her opening remarks to the NZNF Seminar held over Queens Birthday weekend and hosted by the Canterbury club.
She continued by saying "I believe I have come here today to talk about naturism or gardening. I see many flowers, vegetables, fruit and nuts before me today. Some may shortly be going to seed, others are ripe for the picking but we are all in this garden that we should cultivate together.
"A club, like a garden, should be nurtured and fed and the seeds in this garden treated right so they grow and bloom.
"To mention a parable, how many seeds or members have fallen along the wayside in your club, fallen among thorns or fallen on stony ground.
"Nearly 25 years ago I was introduced to this club (Canterbury) and nudism. What was considered a recreation was that was kept hidden and secret like a light under a bush or a tender plant under a cloche, has now come of age. Just as the plant under the cloche will not develop to its full potential without fresh air and sunshine neither will our clubs develop by hiding under a bush.
"A greater public acceptance can only come about, with members who are open and truthful with their friends and acquaintances whenever possible and sow a tiny seed which can reap a harvest. Who is to know how many potential members have fallen by the wayside because they were not sure how to explain what they did at the weekend.
"Many people are interested in our way of life. You may think it's not for them but who's to know if you don't help plant the seed.
"Many of the seedlings in our garden" says June, "have to be tended with special care as these are the plants of tomorrow. I am talking of the youth of our organisation. For some of those who have been brought up in the movement have a decision that has to be made is whether to stay or not. Encouragement is needed for the youth to have their own activities within our organisation. It is up to them to tell us what support they would like and I would ask members to encourage the youth to participate in club activities.
"Maybe they could take responsibility for afternoon teas on a Sunday, perhaps organise the supper at a social or prepare lunches for working bees. A recent case we had in Wellington was the Doug Cousins retirement dinner and the unveiling of the Percy Cousins Memorial Cabinet. The youth acted as waiters and a great job they did too.
"We need to nurture these young plants in our garden.
"What do members consider the role of the NZNF? Do you see it as an anonymous body with no future? I personally feel that without the national body the clubs would not take long to wither and die. We need strength and comradeship. Let us nurture that garden to which we all belong. Our federation must be like a garden, blooming and healthy.
"National rallies are like a big beautiful bouquet of flowers from throughout the horticultural field of New Zealand. What a pleasure it is to see the blooms again each year. Some a little faded now, others their petals drooping. With a fresh dose of fertiliser, fresh air and sunshine each year, long may they continue to bloom and grow.
"Bringing these clubs and fellow nudists together is essential for the unity and continuation of our organisation. For those who haven't experienced the friendships which develop I urge you to try and visit other clubs. You have a treat in store.
"At present we have some clubs struggling with membership. Why? It is time we looked at ourselves. Perhaps we are too dogmatic in our ideas, selfish, unwilling to consider other opinions, so sure we are right and everyone else wrong. We must all unite to give strength. United we stand, divided we fall!
"Let us not be in the Autumn of our garden and be dug in for the winter.
"May the sun continue to shine up your garden path."
And so it did for the three days of the seminar both in warmth of the temperature and the friendship made.
This newsletter is dedicated to the outcome of the experiences and ideas put forward by those who attended.
Does Nudity Reduce Stress?
Some American psychologists say so.
Julie McCaw asked this question at the Seminar and got the following answers:
"Sun and air on your body make you feel good."
"Nudity removes social differences."
"You become a natural, basic person."
"Nudists don't bring their stresses to the club, they tend not to discuss their problems here."
But... "to avoid all contact with stress at the club you need to avoid all contact with committee members!"
Is that a fair statement?
"Let's
get
it
all off
for
goodness sake!"
New video release
Health and happiness.. "There far too few harmless simple pleasures in life these days, and millions have not yet benefited from this simple pleasure, largely because of prejudice and ignorance - some of which will be dispelled with this video."
This video is about Victoria's nudists and their battle to have some of their beaches and public places declared legal.
It also shows scenes of River Valley Nudist Holiday Resort in Euchuca, where hundreds of nudists from all over Australia go for their holidays.
The video is a great way of introducing the nudist movement to your friends and relatives, who as yet feel uncomfortable about attending a swim night, free beach or nudist club.
The video, which runs for 37 minutes, may be loaned by writing to the National Secretary at the address below enclosing $10 to cover costs. You can also buy direct from Australian Nudist Information Bureau, P0 Box 136, Hawthorn 3l22, Victoria, Australia.
Bigger, Brighter, Better. . .
The new New Zealand Naturist has more pages - more interesting NZ articles - more news from around the world. In fact the new New Zealand Naturist has more of everything.
Your copy of the Naturist is available from your club, a magazine retailer, or direct from the NZ Naturist by writing to the Business Manager, P.O. Box 2925, Auckland
In-Touch, edited by Roy Cox is published bi-monthly by the New Zealand Nudist Federation P.O. Box 1359 Wellington. All correspondence to this address.
Remember Sue my wife is no longer the secretary of our Club, and therefore I no longer get a copy of your club newsletters for selecting information to put in this column.
Please, if you do not already send me a copy of your newsletter, put me on your mailing list. Use the new box number at the bottom of this page.
THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE ON THE MAIN LAWN AT CANTERBURY CLUB
At the national seminar hosted by the Canterbury club I had tune to sit and watch youngsters of aged 3 through 6 or 7 go in and out this little building. My curiosity got the better of me and late in the afternoon I wandered over to see what was so special about this little house. House was the right word or to be precise a play house complete with red telephone, play cooker and oven, coloured balloon shaped windows, chairs and tables and of course a large box of dress up clothes and shoes. There was even a small broom to keep the place tidy. The children I saw were engrossed in their little world.
Does your club have make believe facilities for your very young club members? Could they get away from it all in their own little world? An excellent well used facility by all accounts.
If you would like plans to build such a house write to the editor c/o the address below.
NYC NOTES
15 members represented the NYC at the NZNF seminar over Queens Birthday weekend at the Canterbury Club. At a special meeting during the seminar those present agreed that the NYC should be a national body with club representatives. Those elected until the AGM at the 88-89 rally were President- Sharon Watson, Vice President- Cynthia Verschoor, Secretary-Treasurer- Claire Cox. If you would like to be the NYC representative for your club write to Sharon C/O the In-Touch address below.
DEADLINES
Sept - October Issue: August 1 Nov - Dec Issue: October 1
THE SEMINAR
Highlights of the seminar for the 50+ attendees included a discussion on rules, rules, rules... led by Norm Wilkinson, what motivates members by Kay Low, the meaning of professionalism by Bevan Tong and an update on the Dunedin club and their new grounds. In the evening we had dinner at the Rolleston Tavern followed by a disco in the club house.
The following day Sharon brought us up to date with matters NYC, followed by Merv telling us how important it was to budget. Not only club funds but our own as well. David told us about nudity and the law and cited some interesting cases from way back.
There was also time for discussions, spas, saunas, volleyball, miniten and a debate on "nude is rude" ably led by Dame Edna Bartlett and accompanied by Madge and the vicar. Needless to say we all split our sides laughing and decided that nude really was rude. The negative side was led by Paul, assisted by Claire and Alan from NYC.
You'll get to hear more about the subjects and outcome in future issues.
