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Fred Bear

 

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P.O. BOX 41-171 ST. LUKES AUCKLAND 3

 

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March - April 1989

 

 

Hello Everybody,

A happy New Year to you all, and. a special welcome to our new members, and also to those friends and supporters of the group who are not members. Hi!

 

WILL ALL BE BARED AT THE BEACH

On 10 February an article on nude bathing appeared on the front page of Contact newspaper in Wellington.

"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 magazine printed a letter which Tony Wilson wrote asking for the nudity by-law to be amended or removed from the Model General By-laws. The article continues: "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. 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. Asked for local comment by Contact, Wellington City Council recreation manager John Dawson said that one of the problems of establishing a special free beach is that unlike the healthy environment nude bathers usually hope to promote, such beaches act as an open invitation to every weirdo around."

We urge you all to write to the Standards Association of New Zealand, Private Bag, Wellington in support of Tony's letter. The article is reproduced on the back page of this newsletter.

 

BEACH DAY AT OCEAN BEACH

The Hawkes Bay Sun Club are organising a Beach Day at Ocean Beach on Sunday 26 February, and invite all FBG members and friends to come along. We urge you to attend this Beach Day and support our campaign for legal clothing-optional beaches. The event will be well publicised on radio, in the local newspapers, and by inviting local Members of Parliament. Meet at the Ocean Beach car park at 10 a.m.

 

RICCARD'S PARTY NIGHT

The Hibiscus Coast Sun Club invite all members to a dinner and swim at the Parakai Tourist Complex on Friday 31 March 6 - 10 p.m. Adults $4.50, children $2.80, dinner $4 or $5 with two raffle tickets. Go to the last pool complex on the left as you go through Parakai.

 

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

We are invited to an evening barbecue at Murray Glade, 755a West Coast Road, Oratia, on Sunday 5 March. Bring your own food and barbecue, also BYO refreshments. Couples are especially invited to attend.

1989 AGM and WAIWERA TRIP: This year the big day is on Saturday, 26 August. Mark this date on your calendar now, and keep it free.

 

VIDEO

"Let's Get It All Off - For Goodness Sake!" This video is still available for hire at $5 per week. Order by ringing John or Fran 565-219.

 

 

NGATUHOA

There were 47 of us at Ngatuhoa, including eight children from five to sixteen. Many stayed for the whole week, and we only had two wet days. It was a real co-operative effort, with people fixing the ram and generator, Tom hauling an unfortunate few out of the mud, abseiling, rifle shooting, exploring the bush for hidden waterfalls, a Burma trail, and loads of fun canoeing and having races in the canal. The social was excellent and the 'organised tours' a great idea - thanks Ron and Bill. A special vote of thanks to Adelle for doing all the paper work and keeping track of everything. Every year some improvement has been made to add to our comfort. It's not quite the Ritz, but Ritz enough for most of us! We were pleased to welcome Jim and Lynette, and their family plus friends, from AOHC, and hope that next year many more sun club members will join us.

 

COUNTRY CORNER

As you can see from the list below, our efforts to publicise the Free Beach Group are bringing in lots of enquiries, and in many places there are now enough people to form a local group.

So far, we have two organisers for Wellington, and one for South Auckland. Grant Pepper WN 04-686-742, with the assistance of Bill Baine, will be arranging some outings for those who live between Palmerston North and Wellington, and I have sent him a list of all those members. Bernie Holibar PUK 085-87-973 has offered to act as local organiser for South Auckland.

Other places where a local organiser is needed are Christchurch, Hamilton, Rotorua and Whangarei. How about it folks? Any offers? The numbers in this list are people, not membership units.

 

Albany 3
Blenheim 2
Cambridge 2
Christchurch 12
Frankton 2
Gisborne 2
Greymouth 1
Hamilton 9
Hastings 1
Havelock North 2
Helensville I
Hikurangi 1
Hokianga 2
Hokitika 1
Kaitaia 3
Katikati 2

 

Kerikeri 1
Kopeopeo 1
Kumeu 2
Masterton 3
Mosgiel 1
Napier 4
Nelson 1
Ngaruawahia 1
Ngatea 2
New Plymouth 3
Orewa I
Pahiatua 2
Palmerston North 8
Pukekohe 10
Rotorua 8
Ruakaka 1

 

Taihape 2
Taradale 3
Taupo 2
Tauranga 11
Te Awamutu 2
Te Puke 2
Thames 3
Turangi 2
Waiheke 1
Waihi 2
Waikanae 1
Wellington 12
Wellsford 1
Whangamata 1
Whangarei 7
Whitianga 2

Australia 3     Canada 1      Samoa 2       Scotland 1      USA 2

 

FERNLAND HOT POOLS

Tauranga swim night, on the first Friday of each month, from 10 p.m. onwards. Plenty of time to get there if you live far away.
Billets available if required, contact John Trotter TG 075-64-203. Dates 3 March and 7 April. Please support these swim nights to ensure they continue.

I called in to the pools on my way to Ngatuhoa, and it is truly an idyllic setting, like a sunken garden with lawns and pools blending in. Very pretty, very relaxing, and well worth the trip. Fernland is on Cambridge Road, Tauranga, down a steep driveway, well signposted.

 

RUATITI DOMAIN

Debbie and I had breakfast here one morning on our way to Palmerston North. A number of people were camping peacefully beside the river - just my kind of place. Here is a rewrite of the directions in the beach list:- From State Highway 4, turn west into Ohura Road 3 km north of Raetihi at sign for Ruatiti Domain 18 km. Narrow, winding tarsealed road, sharp left turn into entrance. Attractive camping area with trees by river, safe swimming, trout fishing, pit toilets, water from river, no fees.

 

OROKAWA BAY

Drive to Waihi Beach, park at the most northern beach-front car park. Track to Orokawa Scenic Reserve leads from the end of the beach. Where the track forks, go left, 30 minutes walk. Right fork goes 50m to lookout. Beautiful golden sandy surf beach fringed with pohutukawas. No fires, no camping, but evidence of both. Motor camp and store at Waihi Beach.

 

 

WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY

Debbie and I left for Palmerston North on Christmas Day, and late that afternoon called in at the Waikato Outdoor Society to give them a small tree as a birthday present from the Free Beach Group. We were most impressed with the neat and tidy grounds of this small club, and left the tree in the porch of their clubhouse, as nobody was about. On arriving at PNSC on Tuesday, we were shocked to hear that their clubhouse had been burned, down by vandals that morning. However, members are determined, to set themselves up again, and their latest newsletter is as cheery as usual. Being burned out is a ghastly experience, and our sympathies are with you.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Our total membership at the present time is 217 units, made up of single men 116, couples 62, families 27, and single ladies 12. There are 51 children in the group. A number of the 'single' men are actually married, with wives who do not wish to participate.

 

AROUND THE BEACHES

Some of our beach days have been rained out, but members report good crowds at the beaches on other days. One day at Uretiti, there were about a thousand people on the beach, half of them nude. Emiel's Beach, Karekare and O'Neill's Beach have been popular. At Fitzpatrick Bay, one of our supporters has had a beach cleaning machine in to tidy up the beach, at his own expense. This is a delightful spot, very handy and with easy access. If you want to swim, go when the tide is in.


COMMITTEE: John Riggir 565-219                    Tony Wilson 679-726

Jim Peddieson 559-730* Ask for Jim     Tom Lewis 418-1890

Adrianne Caldwell 881-601              Fran Riggir 565-219

LOCAL      Adele Stevenson TG 56-468              Grant Pepper WN 686-742

CONTACTS:  Bernie Holibar PUK 87-973              Bill Baine WN 628-514

 

DEADLINE FOR NEXT NEWSLETTER

4 April, 1989. The May - June newsletter is due out in the last week of April.

 

APPRECIATION

Thankyou to all those members who have been sending me encouraging letters. Brian Walker, John McCallum, Bill Main, John Groombridge, Doug Ball, John Dawn, David Taylor, Robin Hoare, John Lowe, Adele Stevenson, Les
Mildenhall, a new member from Christchurch, Martin Barriball, Barry Brookes, John Trotter, Gordon Lind-Walker, and Joyce Turner. And others who phone me instead.

I also wish to thank various friends I have in the sun clubs for writing to me and helping me with things.

 

SAUNA

We are still hoping to arrange a new sauna, and members are advised to keep in touch with committee members for news.

 

Out of the gloom a voice said unto me,

"Smile and be happy: things could be worse!"

So I smiled and was happy, and behold,

Things did get worse!

 

 

SKIN CANCER

Once again we are being bombarded with propaganda to cover our bodies with clothing, only this time it is scientists, not missionaries, who are zealous of our welfare, determined to educate the young and impressionable in a matter which they feel their parents are neglecting.

I am wary of scientific propaganda, because they keep on changing their minds. Sunlight, and sunshine, are vital for our existence. You need sunshine to make Vitamin D in your skin, and some body cancers may actually be prevented by sunbathing. Like a lot of other things, too little sunshine is not enough, and too much can be dangerous.

How do you get skin cancer? Mainly, by going out in the hot sun. There are several different forms of skin cancer, and all are easily treated in the early stages. One type, melanoma, can spread into other body tissues and become lethal.
Most skin cancers are on those parts of the body not usually covered by clothing: your face, hands and arms. You don't think of putting on sunscreen unless you are going out sunbathing. Or a hat, either.

How can you avoid getting skin cancer? The ultra-violet rays of the sun, the ones that tan you and also cause skin cancer, are partially absorbed by the ozone layer as they pass through the atmosphere. When the sun is low in the sky, in the morning and the evening, the absorption is so great that virtually no tanning takes place, and at these times there is little risk of skin cancer.

So keep out of the direct rays of the sun during the hottest part of the day, apply a sunscreen, and wear a wide-brimmed hat. And take special care with your children. Sunburn in childhood can cause cancer later on.

If you want to acquire a long-lasting tan, go out early every morning before the sun becomes too intense, and give each side about ten minutes. Within weeks you will have a good tan that will not peel or fade, and only needs 'topping up' each year at the beginning of summer. Developing a natural tan in this way will give you a resilient skin tone that withstands changes in temperature, resists sunburn, and fosters good health.

Naturism in its widest sense is a holistic approach to life, an integration of body, soul and mind, a respect for your Self, your body, your environment and all humanity. To know the limitations of the human body and its frailties, yet know also the wonderful feeling of being totally free. To know your own vulnerability, that your environment can harm you as well as nurture you. It is the same for all living creatures.

Let us promote our nudist lifestyle for what it is. Life is full of hazards, and the race is to the fittest. Let us continue to promote the freedom of being unclad in all sorts of activities: swimming, gardening, walking, boating, sports, housework, or just being nude for the sake of being nude. To be free and unfettered, uncluttered by cloggy costumes, isn't that the freedom we believe in? To be totally ourselves, and to meet others on the same level, with respect and tolerance, isn't that what we believe in?

The colourful TV advertisements will pass, and we will work out our on salvation, in spite of either missionaries or scientists.

Naturism, as a religion, and as a science, could be just beginning.

 

Bye for now,


Adrianne

 

 

 

MARCH DIARY

 

BEACH DAY AT ST. LEONARD'S BEACH

Sunday 5 March. High tide 5.11 p.m.
From Takapuna, drive south along Lake Road, turn left into St. Leonard's Road, park at the end. Co down steps to beach, walk south. Please take your beach flag.

 

BEACH DAY AT O'NEILL'S BEACH

Sunday 12 March. High tide 1.30 p.m.
From Swanson, go 1 km, turn left up the Scenic Drive, go 3 km, turn right into Te Henga Road just past the tearooms, and follow the signs to Bethell's Beach. Walk across the stream and around the point and over the saddle. Access difficult one hour each side of high tide. Contact: Adrianne 881-601.

 

WEEKEND CAMP AT TAWHARANUI

Sat/Sun 18/19 March. High tides 4.33/5.30 p.m.
ARA Marine Farmpark with beautiful white sandy beaches, farm walks, snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing, but No Fishing. From State Highway 1, turn east at Warkworth, go through Matakana, turn right at big sign to Omaha, then right again at sign to Tawharanui 11km. Gates are open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Car-park at end of road under pine trees. Campers must book with the ARA parks department beforehand. Fee $5 per vehicle plus 50 cents per person per night, children under 5 free. No caravans or vehicles over 2000kg. Contact: Adrianne 881-601. No dogs.

 

EASTER CAMP AT URETITI

Friday 24 Mar - Monday 27 Mar. Tides 9 p.m. 10.30 a.m.
From State Highway 1, 6 km north of Waipu and 1 km north of the golf course, turn into the Uretiti Beach Recreation Reserve camping ground. Water taps (city water), flush toilets, cold showers, fireplaces. No dogs. Supplies at Ruakaka, 3 km further north. Contact: John or Fran 565-219 before Thursday 23 March.

 

BEACH DAY AT POHUTUKAWA BAY

Sunday 2 April. High tide 3.40 p.m.
Park at the far end of Long Bay ARA Regional Park, walk north around two points to the second beach along. Track above cliff if tide is in. ARA bus from the top of Victoria Street West, City. Contact: Tony 679-726 evenings and weekends.

 

BEACH DAY AT KAREKARE

Sunday 9 April. High tide 12.20 p.m.

Take the West Coast Road from Kelston, out through Glen Eden and up to the Scenic Drive, turn right along the Scenic Drive, go 1 km, then turn down into the road to Piha, good tarsealed road. Turn left at sign to Karekare, go down the hill and past beach cottages to car park beside bridge at far end. Walk out onto the beach and to your left. Watch out for our flag. Contact: Adrianne 881-601.

 

SIZZLING BISTRO

We will be holding a restaurant dinner at the Sizzling Bistro, at 190 Lincoln Road, Henderson, on Saturday, 22 April at 7.30 p.m. Drive out along the Northwest Motorway and turn off at the Lincoln Road exit. Go 1˝ km through two sets of lights, then turn right at the neon sign in the middle of a white log fence. Dress: casual. NO SMOKING. Five choices of main course with salad, plus dessert $13.50. EntrĂ©e and wine extra. Children $4. Please fill in the booking slip and post it back to us by 14 April.

____    ____    ____    ____    ____    ____    ____    ____    ____

 

BOOKING SLIP - - - SIZZLING BISTRO - - - 22 APRIL 1989 - - - 7.30 P.M.

NAME ___________________________________ TELEH0NE ___________________

 

_____ Adults @  $13.50 each

 

_____ Children @ $4.00 each

 

Total = $_______

 

Please CROSS your cheque and. make it payable to: Free Beach Group Inc.

 

Return this form with your cheque by 14 April to: Free Beach Group,

P.O. Box 41-171,        

Your receipt will be your ticket - BRING IT.      St. Lukes.

 

 

 

Not everyone dresses with such austerity,
in fact, some chose not to wear anything
at all on New Zealand's beaches

Fred Bear


Baring All

 

Model General Bylaws (1972) Chapter 19 - Beaches - Bathing and Control

The following letter, regarding the right of New Zealanders to appear naked on our beaches was received by SANZ, and we now publish it and invite comment from our readers with a view to amending the Bylaw:

The Regional Government scene in New Zealand is currently undergoing considerable change. Early indications from the Local Government Commis-sion suggest that both the structure and administrative power of local authorities are going to be radically different in twelve months' time.

It may well follow that the Model General Bylaws as laid down under the auspices of the Standards Association of New Zealand will also require amendment. If so, may we be permitted to express our objections to the discriminatory nature of clause 1902.7 which reads: 'No person shall be or remain upon any part of a beach in view of other persons unless properly and sufficiently clad'.

The Free Beach Group Inc. was formed fifteen years ago to promote the establishment of legal 'free' (i.e. dress optional) beaches in New Zealand. It soon became apparent that in that there is no statute in New Zealand law that outlaws nudity in a public place, all beaches are, and always have been, 'free'.

While merely by being nude the nude bather commits no crime, his/her behaviour may be construed as being offensive or indecent, but then so may that of the clothed bather. Both are equally liable for prosecution under the Summary Offences Act 1982.

Case law (mostly under the previous 1927 Act), has clearly established that in deciding what is offensive and/or indecent, the court must pay due consideration to time, place and circumstances. It has been further established that where there is an apparent conflict, the opinion of the majority of persons present is of more importance than that of the complainant.

There are currently in New Zealand several hundred beaches where nude bathing (with varying frequency) occurs. Many of these are also patronised by clothed persons. The lack of complaints is evidence that nude bathing is acceptable to beach users. This is not surprising, and simply substantiates the results of several professionally conducted opinion polls of the 1970s.

Clause 1902.7 however, remains a problem. Many councils have adopted it without seemingly considering what 'properly and sufficiently clad' means. Others have added a definition, such as meaning that the pubic areas must be covered. Either way the purpose behind the clause is obscure.

If at the time of framing the bylaw, the authors considered nude bathing offensive or indecent, then clause 1902.5 already covered the situation. Better still, prosecution was possible under the 1927 Act.

It has been suggested that the clause was inserted to protect councils and councillors from any claim that could be made against them by a bather injured on a beach under their control, in such a manner that had the bather been 'properly and sufficiently clad' the injury would not have occurred.

Whatever the reason for its origin, the continued existence and common interpretation of clause 1902.7 is discrimination against the nudist, and a direct challenge to their legal rights. While in the past this discrimination may have been the desire of the "average" New Zealander, it is clearly no longer so.

We would accordingly recommend that in an amendment or rewrite of the Model General Bylaws, the clause be removed in its entirety.

 

Tony Wilson
On behalf of the committee
Free Beach Group Inc.

 STANDARDS: VOLUME 34 NUMBER 12, DECEMBER 1988

Neck to knee togs
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