FREE BEACH News

March - April 1995

Free Beach Group Inc

PO Box 41-171   St LUKES   AUCKLAND 3

Ngatuhoa

It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to be able to get to Ngatuhoa again. It only takes six hours from Brisbane, when you consider the time wasted at the airports.

Having arrived at the gate, I was greeted by a change in the weather as well as John G. and Geoff. What was a quick trip was only marred by Geoff taking the wrong turn. Upon reaching the Lodge there were welcomes all round. It was a pleasant way to start the week-end.

Friday was "piggy" day. The weather co-operated by raining, so the mob stayed around to support the "pig-turners" and drink themselves silly. Dinner was a cosy affair, with an over-abundance of food, drink and merriment.

Saturday weather cleared. The morning was consumed with power eating and a little volleyball. The latter was used to prepare for the TRIATHLON. For all those who were not there, a short explanation: the event consisted of a kayak race, a run and a dunk. The events and the rules were ably created by Fern, with suitable handicaps to ensure the eventual winner was FEMALE. The action kept the audience in stitches. I can only hope that this activity becomes an annual event.

Evening saw the "great undressed ball" with the theme: masks and/or wigs. As I was given the task of deciding the winners, it became a matter of great management decisions. The rest of the night resulted in the consumption of drinks, music and inspired conversation.

Sunday was a recovery day and unfortunately required that I part to return to West Island and work.

But before I finish...

There are three groups of people I would like to thank.

Ted and Geoff for the effort taken to make it all happen. The hassles of meeting people at the gate, etc. They did a magnificent job, even with the weather being a bit unpredictable, the organisation was first class.

Fern and Bill who make a pig (roast pork) a happening. Their antics are always inspiring.

Bill and Ron for the party of parties. Bill for the inspiration to celebrate and Ron who's games were a conspiracy to "inebriate" the entire group.

Thanks to all who came and enjoyed the Ngatuhoa experience. Here's to next year!

Traven Searle

FREE BEACH   News

March - April, 1995

Page 2

NZNF 43rd National Rally

The 43rd NZNF Rally took place at Pineglades, the 18 acre grounds of the Canterbury Sun Club, 28 Dec 1994 to 3 Jan 1995. "Mardi Gras" was the theme, and the rally was attended by some 250 people from all parts of New Zealand (plus some from overseas).

At the Delegates Annual Meeting on 28 Dec, I had the honour of representing the Free Beach Group and I spoke up on our behalf. The item which engendered most discussion was the NZNF proposed new logo. The delegates (representing clubs throughout NZ) voted in favour of the general concept and the "GO Natural" slogan, but did not favour the 'footprints" logo. They voted that a national competition be held to promote the concept of clothes free recreation with the object of finding a suitably dynamic new logo.

Brent Thomson was elected the new NZNF President and Les Olsen, the outgoing President was elected editor of the "NZ Naturist" magazine. We were given to understand that proportional payment is now being made for selected articles and photos published in the "Naturist", this will be assessed in September of each year.

Following the Delegates' Meeting, festivities began. It was great to meet old and new friends from other clubs and from FBG. A brief item shown on P13 News was excellent publicity, featuring miniten, pètanque and interviews with young people who had come to Pineglades from the UK for the Rally, and especially to compete for the many sports trophies.

The masked ball on New Year's Eve, A DIY concert and all the other social events were good fun and there was plenty of food and drink available at all hours to save visitors the hassle of cooking.

The weather was good, and although the Sun Club grounds were, like the whole of Canterbury, afflicted by drought, the surroundings of the marquee, clubhouse, pool and barbecue areas were enhanced very attractive irrigated gardens areas and containers of cascading summer flowers, created by Margaret Robb who lives on the grounds. A big thank you to the Rally organiser, Kay Burrows for all her dedication and to everyone else who contributed to our enjoyment.

Joyce Fleming

Waikuku Lodge

Waitangi weekend 1995 was also Waikuku Lodge weekend, beginning on Friday afternoon through to Monday. Members came from all directions, arriving in ones and twos from about 3pm. The narrowing winding metal road finally reached the gate to the Lodge after a journey which seemed never ending. The scenery gradually changed from sheep farming country to scrub and regenerating native bush. What at first appeared to be relatively uninteresting regrowth (koromiko, rewarewa, five linger, etc) later revealed a very wide range of native flora, including some impressive beech forest.

The Friday rain did not deter the progressive arrivals, and the unloading of bedding and provisions; and by dark most had settled in and met up with new and familiar faces. Those present included young and old, singles, couples, families, grandparents and grand children, and we became one happy "family" for the weekend. Because of the rain and lack of tent space, we all made our beds on the adequate bunks.

Saturday saw fair weather, and a variety of activities evolved. The nearby hills provided exercise and views. Some scaled the hills for a look, others went on a two hour run to keep in trim, while others conserved energy and kept guard on the homestead.

A nearby stream provided the children with a wonderful playground. In the afternoon, a short drive down the road to the river for a swim for some while others went on walks.

Activities continued on Sunday, including a long tramp to Sutherland’s Hut through diverse native bush, featuring beech groves and many other interesting varieties.

The evenings were lively events with some engaging in serious card playing while others discussed a wide range of topics, and solved some of the worlds major problems(?)

Waikuku Lodge exceeded our expectations, and has many hills and unexplored adventures yet to be probed at some future time.

By the end of the weekend, more than 30 members had participated in a great experience and an enjoyable three days.

John Groombridge

Fernland Hot Pool

The Rotota Sun Club has extended an invitation to Free Beach Group members to this years Tauranga Hot Pool Weekend on Saturday 27 May, 1995 (the last weekend of the school holidays, for those with a three term year). The Fernland Hot Pool in Cambridge Road is booked from 11:00am to 3:00pm (note earlier time!). Cost is still $4 per adult and $1 for school-aged children. FBG Membership card or INF passport will be required for entry. Lunch and refreshments may be taken into the pool area. A pot-luck dinner and social evening will follow at the Tauranga Historic Village/Museum Exhibition Hall, 17th Avenue West. A donation of $2 per adult will cover costs of the hall hire.
For further information, write to Graham Macgregor, 14 Burns St, Tauranga, or phone 07 578 6693 and leave a message on his answer-phone.

DEADLINE   for   the   next   FREE   BEACH   News   will   be   15   April,   1995

FREE BEACH   News

March - April, 1995

Page 3

Breaker Bay Affirmed

What makes for a good summer? One theory might say that a good summer is all about sunshine, barbecues and water - the simple things in life, best enjoyed in our simplest, most natural state of freedom from any clothing. One could extend the same theory to say that a brilliant summer is all about a group of friends with a real sense of camaraderie enjoying heaps of magnificent sunshine, succulent grilled chops and sausages, and clear, refreshing water at the beach. At least, that's the thinking of an ever-increasing number of nudists who are enjoying a wonderful summer at Breaker Bay.

We no longer need to philosophise and theologise at length about our way of life. Just go out and do it! Enjoy one's nudism, and reap the benefits! We've certainly found the most therapeutic way of life: no other lifestyle is so beneficial spiritually, emotionally, psychologically and physically, both as individual people and as members of society. Everybody can do it, and it doesn't cost a cent!

It's particularly the social benefits that many of us are enjoying with vigour and enthusiasm at Breaker Bay. Amidst the nudists who sunbathe along the whole stretch of beach, it has now become a regular sight for a group of us to be seen enjoying the day together and congregating around a barbecue in the evening amidst lively conversation and healthy laughter.

The first few barbecues began as totally impromptu events on days that were not organised as Free Beach Group outings. They have proven to be so enjoyable that they now happen regularly, although they remain outside the FBG calendar of organised events.

Their effect is measurable in the number of other beach users who are joining in with our way of life and sharing in the camaraderie. We are finding that there is no better way to find complete relaxation of mind and body, close to the sight and sound and smell and touch of nature's elements at the beach, away from the pace and worries of the material world.

Hopefully, more people than ever will be joining us this coming Saturday in response to the invitation that was left last weekend on all the motor vehicle windscreens in the car park at Breaker Bay. The invitation, in bold lettering on red A4 paper, was written as follows:

A very big "Thank You" is due to Ray and Petra who are organising a hogget on the spit for the occasion, and for printing and distributing the invitations. Their initiative, and the wording of the invitation, are a perfect example of implementing our Mission Statement by promoting, encouraging and supporting the practice of recreational nudity in public places when appropriate and desirable, and by educating the public concerning the advantages of nude recreation.

An article written by yours truly, entitled "Affirmative Action - the Breaker Bay Experience", appeared in the June 1992 issue of the New Zealand Naturist. The article expressed the confident sentiment that "...next year, we will be able to use the full beach at our leisure and for our pleasure". This has definitely become the reality at Breaker Bay.

So, what's the overall conclusion? We're not simply having an awesome summer - "awesome" has become too common place as an expression. No, we are now enjoying an ultramegasonically awesome summer.

Frank Peek

Protocol

Recently I was asked by an overseas visitor, what was the protocol for dealing with the situation he had experienced when wandering nude along a bush track in the Haurangi Forest Park, when he and his partner encountered a clothed (textiled) couple.

It is my experience that the answer to this question depends on who you ask. There are those who would run for cover, offering the explanation that they did not wish to embarrass the textiles. Some others would cover their prized possessions with a hat, towel, hands etc, and offer some comment; while others would carry on doing what ever they were doing, as though both parties were similarly (un)clothed.

Reactions depend on how comfortable/confident individuals feel about themselves and what they are doing. If your response is defensive, you convey negative signals, and that you have doubts about the legitimacy of what you are doing. On the other hand, if you respond in a assured, courteous manner, you will minimise any potential embarrassment, and demonstrate the integrity of your naturist activity.

The Free Beach Group mission is to promote, encourage and support the practice of recreational nudity. We won't achieve our mission by running for cover or being defensive. Be positive, be confident, be courteous, go natural, go bare.

By the way, our American visitor got it right, he simply said "Howdy", the textiles returned the greeting, and carried on their way.

John Groombridge

FREE BEACH   News

March - April, 1995

Page 4

Christchurch Newsletter

Free Beach Members of the Mainland - WHERE ARE YOU? It would be nice to see some of you from time to time! We've had some enjoyable walks and trips to the beach - the best, perhaps, a marvellous day at Woodend where six of us gathered for swims, picnic and a game of pètanque. Some trips have been called off due to adverse weather, or lack of support which is rather discouraging for the organiser. If organised outings were less frequent, would they be better supported? We'd like to keep the programme going year round. Your input would be welcomed. If you have an idea for a favourite outing, please phone me: 322-7990. Impromptu outings can be arranged.

By the way, one or two people have complained of not being in the directory. Please note that subs are due in September each year, and the closing date for the Directory is 30 November. However, there is an update enclosed with this newsletter for those who have declared that they wish to be included.

Matters of Interest: Happenings on Canterbury Beaches

It has happened from time to time that one of our male FBG members has been challenged by the police patrolling the beach, "Would you mind putting your togs on, sir?" Dave's reaction was simply to comply, but to remove his togs as soon as the coast was clear. George, on the other hand, stood his ground, asserting his right to be naked, especially as it was away from popular areas and was in fact a place near his home where he regularly goes for a nude dip in the sea. I subsequently approached the New Brighton police, as reported elsewhere in this newsletter.

Bert and I have found that, as a couple, we have not so far been challenged, even though we swim naked within view of people. The conclusion one draws is that as a couple we are not threatening, but a single man may be (in the eye of the beholder).

At Spencer Park, well away from the camping ground, we were harassed by a group of four children led by a cheeky fourteen-year-old girl. They attempted to steal our flag, spied on us from various directions, calling out remarks ranging from, "The human body is a beautiful thing!" to "It's disgusting going naked on a beach, especially men, especially OLD men!" What to do? - suggestions, please. As it happened, the rest of our Naturist Walkers turned up and one of our lady members had a chat with the children, whereupon they walked off. I kicked myself for having accidentally left our Fred Bear brochures in the car.

This was a learning experience for us in knowing how best to react in future in this kind of situation. It is very likely that these children, having not much to do towards the end of the holidays, went exploring the far reaches of the beach in the hope of discovering something exciting - such as NAKED people! No doubt their parents have warned them to beware of dirty old men.

Low tide at Woodend: six of us, au naturel, played pétanque at a quiet part of the beach. We had the yellow flag flying nearby. We would have welcomed the police patrol in order to familiarise them with a vital piece of knowledge, viz, the difference between offensive and inoffensive behaviour on the beach and to recognise the existence of the Free Beach Group.

I recount these experiences in order to point out the benefits of belonging to the Free Beach Group, which as an incorporated society is here to defend the rights of everyone to enjoy nude swimming and beach recreation without fear of being wrongly accused or got at. There is safety in numbers and that is why FBG exists, as an inter-supportive network.

Joyce Fleming

CHRISTCHURCH Calendar

Suggested Outings & Get-togethers for March & April, 1995. Please mark them on your calendar NOW!

We hope to arrange some swim-spa evenings during the winter months.

FREE BEACH   News

March - April, 1995

Page 5

Ngatuhoa

Through the Eyes of First Timers

We left Hamilton in plenty of time to make it to the gate by 4:30pm, we were so early we went to Papamoa and got a bit of sun and sea there. As we left Tauranga we loaded up with some goodies in case we had to wait at the gate. When we arrived a group of forestry workers opened the gate for us, so we were able to proceed with no delay at all.

In due course we arrived, and both of us were wondering just what to expect. We had been swimming nude for several years on Northland beaches, but this was different; this was organised social nudity. We need not have worried, folk were so helpful, showing off the Lodge and pointing out good places to kip and so on. We elected to doss in one of the new bunk-rooms and were as comfortable as Larry there. There was plenty of head room between the bunks, and generous floor space between them.

People were keen to get us involved and very soon we were playing volley ball for the N.N.V.A.S. For the uninitiated that stands for the Ngatuhoa Nude Volleyball All Stars. We soon found that we didn't know much about this game. However those that did soon put us right.

On Friday Ron and Maureen took us on our first tramp sans clothes. Ron demonstrated that boots were not really necessary on bush walks, jandals are quite OK, because if you lose your footing and land on your guava, it is quite possible to make fairly rapid slides of 20 feet or so. Of course the spoor one leaves using this type of walking style would baffle the most astute trackers.

Margaret and I did not appear in the finals of the NNVAS on Saturday as the Ngatuhoa Sports Stadium could not come up with the appearance money we were demanding, so, we went on a tramp instead. John the Editor provided us with a most interesting botany lesson, we were staggered to find out just how sexual ferns are. I always thought that rabbits were randy but after this botany lesson it is clear that fornicating ferns are way out in front. We did the long loop on this day, and had our lunch beside a splendid pool, we pushed on and eventually made it to the Te Rere O I Turu falls where we had a swim, a sun bathe and another lunch. By this time Marg and I were seasoned nude trampers and no bush lawyers or circumcisional grass (nudese for cutty grass) was going to put us off. No sir. Definitely a good way to tramp through the bush. Pleasant when sunny; no wet gear when it is raining. Problem? How do we persuade our tramping club that this really is the way to walk and enjoy nature.

Saturday night was Ball night. Our first attempt at serious barefoot and bare everywhere else dancing. Great fun, the evening was well broken up with a fancy dress parade, a drinking competition and some pretty good guitar playing. All in all a great evenings entertainment.

Sunday, we returned to Hamilton, and felt that we had made friends, added a new dimension to our chosen persuasion of nude swimming - that of nude living. So three weeks after Ngatuhoa we both feel that socialising with people in the nude is a pleasant and natural way for people to be. It is an experience we would both like to repeat and look forward to meeting our new friends at other social gatherings.

John & Margaret

In Sympathy

Those who were at Ngatuhoa will be saddened to learn of the death of Greg Armstrong's mother.

Greg's stay at Ngatuhoa was torn between his concern for his mother who was suffering from cancer. We would like to extend our sympathy to Greg and family on their loss.

A Good Summer

What a wonderful summer it has been. We have had lots of lovely swims, mostly at our local "free beach", Ototoka, and a few at our local unfree beaches too. Even on windy days we've been out there bouncing about in the boisterous waves.

Where we go there are lots of flat rocks and rock pools filled with sun-warmed water. Camping is permitted at Ototoka. There are grotty long-drops and a stream for washing water, but take plenty of drinking water.

One nice spot we discovered on our travels was the beach out from the Rapanui Stream, the next stream north from Tongaporutu, where the White Cliffs Walkway begins, about 60Km north of Waitara on SH3. Go at low tide and take your camera, the rock formations are magnificent.

Another neat place we went to was Kaitoke Regional Park, 7Km north of Te Marua on SH2. Drive in 3KM and park near a swing bridge. If there's nobody about, you can swim in the side stream, otherwise walk up the main river a little way. It's very picturesque, and there is a camping area with a barbecue kitchen. For maps and info, contact the Wellington Regional Council or local info centres.

Jackie Caldwell

FREE BEACH   News

March - April, 1995

Page 6

Meeting the Challenge

Yesterday George North phoned me to say he had been hassled on the beach by a police patrol man trying to persuade him to put togs on when going for a dip. No way!

George is a man of principle who sticks to his principles. George phoned to tell me about the encounter and to ask whether I thought it would be a good opportunity to write to the press (again). George lives near the beach and habitually goes there.

I advised George that I, as South Island Vice President of the Free Beach Group would have a chat with the police at South Brighton. I phoned them and spoke to the boss-man" who at first was quite defensive-aggressive, claiming that as far as he was concerned, naked=obscene or offensive and is therefore illegal. However, I am a very non-aggressive, rational sort of person, and fortunately have done my homework on this.

I said how grateful we are to have police patrolling the beaches on the lookout for obscene or offensive behaviour of perverts, but ask them (the police) to be aware of the difference between such people and totally inoffensive genuine naturists/skinny-dippers, etc. Of course I told him my status as South Island Vice President of the Free Beach Group, and what a worthy nation-wide organisation we are, quoting from our leaflet etc, mentioning the Ceramalus case (which he knew of and that it was dismissed). He challenged me several times on my statement that nudity was not in itself illegal, and asked if we had a legal opinion on this. GOOD. I was able to quote this, I gave him my name, address and phone number, and offered to call in and see him for a further discussion and perusal of our literature, but he declined my offer.

He had soften up a lot as our discussion proceeded. I more or less asked him to lay off George (he knows who he is) as I said George is a genuine naturist and one whom I admire for his honesty. He is a respected member of the Free Beach Group.

I felt that although he himself is a strongly conventional anti-nudist, believing that nudity is offensive per Se, he did concede quite a bit re the illegality. He conceded that it was a subjective judgement, and that if complaints were made, it would be up to the complainant to prove that such behaviour was offensive. Hurray! we are innocent until proven guilty.

I handled this to the best of my ability (being female is an advantage) and hope I have acted as the Free Beach Group would wish.

Joyce Fleming

A lesson for us all, we are fortunate to have members who are prepare to Challenge authority when our rights are infringed. Thank you, Joyce for your initiative, a job well done.

Calendars

The Auckland and Wellington Events calendars are set out on a separate page, AUCKLAND on one side and WELLINGTON on the other (below).

The CHRISTCHURCH calendar is on page 4.

You are invited to support these events. Your suggestions for other activities will be welcomed by the respective organisers.

Look for the Fred Bear flag

Swim nights

Swim nights at Cannons Creek Pool, Porirua beginning on Sunday, 9 April, all welcome, bring your friends, food and drinks, and enjoy a barbecue and swim.

It's been a GREAT Summer