National Committee

President John Groombridge

04 589-5461

Vice PresidentLinda Geeves

(North Island) 04 478-4820

Vice PresidentJoyce Fleming

(South Island) 03 322-7990

Secretary Ian Bushett

04 236-8297

TreasurerJohn Groombridge

04 589-5461

Members 

 Chris Arnold03 318-7622 

 Bill Baine04 562-8514  

 Barry Marten04 567-5216 

 Neil Green04 383-7806

Send all correspondence to the official address

LOCAL CONTACTS

Whangarei Roger Morris 

09 435 3623

Auckland Alison & Graham

09 817 8266

Tauranga Ted Lidgard 

07 542 2463

Taranaki John Lowe 

06 752 7915 

Hawkes Bay Murray Ennor 

06 879 6988

Sth Hawkes Bay Hugh Bowles 

06 374 6238

Wellington Linda Geeves

04 478 4820

Meryl Baker 

04 528 7010

Marlborough Ed Knowles 

03 574 2144

Nelson Dennis Moynihan

03 544 9550

Christchurch Joyce Fleming 

03 322 7990

Robin Gray

03 389 1919

Forum

It would be good to see more members expressing an opinion as on page 2 of the last newsletter. New Zealand is a country which allows free speech!

Aaldert Verplanke raised a number of PR issues which are worthy of attention. I'd like to throw in a couple of points of clarification and topics for discussion:

1. Aims and Objects:

The word "naturist" is increasingly popular world-wide. At the INF World Congress, 1974, the following definition was adopted: "Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of nudity in common, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment."

The Naturist Education Foundation (USA) has recently produced an excellent booklet which gives very positive aspects of PR including the following definition: "Naturist" is the worldwide term for individuals and families who devote part of their time to being natural in the open expanse of nature, and who adhere to a strict code of conduct."

I have noticed that a lot of people - especially young people - love skinny-dipping occasionally, but they don't like to be called nudists. It is because of the public perception of nudity and nudist (= sex and/or "screw-ball," meaning an odd or eccentric person) that these words are negative PR, especially to women.

For this reason, I am unhappy with the "Mission" statement which appears in our current constitution - "To promote recreational nudity and the nudist lifestyle."

"Recreational nudity," says my daughter, "is what I do in the bedroom."

It is useful for us to ask ourselves - or one another - why did we join the Free Beach Group? Let's look for the best possible way of stating "the objects for which the society is established." To start the ball rolling, here's an idea I got from reading the Constitution of the Free Beach Association of New South Wales Inc... (Aims) "To promote naturism in healthy activities with particular reference to free beaches."

 

Well, that's just one idea. What's yours?

2. Fred Bear:

Here is the international sign for a free beach.

Isn't' it boring? Fred Bear is more dynamic by far. Fred Bear is fun, and together with the bright yellow flag, FB could go far.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so we should be proud to spread Fred around, in other words, promote our flag and look forward to spotting it when we go looking for free beaches overseas. That's my opinion: what's yours?

Joyce Fleming

University of Toronto Naturists

A nudist group at Canada's largest university is planning volleyball and perhaps skiing in the buff after the overwhelming success of nude, co-educational swimming events on campus.

The University of Toronto Naturists, certified as an official club by the traditionally conservative institution, has attracted hundreds of sports- loving students - both men and women - willing to shed their clothes while they play.

Directory of Members

Members who wished to be listed in the Directory of Members will have received their copy following the last newsletter. If your entry contains any errors, please advise us.

Members will be able to include additional information in the next directory when revised forms have been designed, to be included with subscription renewals.

A poem ......

It was berrying time away outback
With the blackberries hanging in bunches
And we all picked our fill at the top of the hill
Before we went down for our lunches,
Where all in the nude we relished our food
Be it sandwiches salads or crunches.

Not a breeze in the air, there was joy everywhere
And the bell-birds sang songs in the trees,
There was Dot, there was Lester the Groups Jolly Jester
Stretched out and completely at ease.

But soon there was talk of the cooling bush walk
On the moss covered track through the glade,
But some lay and some sat on the bank just to chat
Or to dream and relax in the shade.

Some gazed at the pool looking glacially cool
Some looked for a nice cooling breeze,
But with temperatures rising it wasn't surprising
They cooled off in the Pool ten degrees.

All days have to end, and this one my friend
This day was no different from others
We gathered at four and most of us swore
What a wonderful day we had had.
Then all The Free Beachers got into their breeches
And packed up to get on their way.
In our hearts, 'ere we went, by common consent
We blessed Joyce for our wonderful day.

Kevin Gdanitz

NZNF Rally

 

The 48th NZNF National Rally will be held at the Wellington Sun Club from 27 December 1999 to 3 January 2000. $85 per adult if paid before 31 October 1999. Visit the WSC web site at http:/www. nznaturally.org.nz/Wellington.
Registration forms available from Free Beach Group, PO Box 30-099, LOWER HUTT.

Baby Boomers - Then and Now

Then: Now:	Killer Weed Weed Killer
Then: Now:	Being caught with Hustler magazine Being caught by Hustler magazine
Then: Now:	Getting out to a new, hip joint Getting a new hip joint
Then: Now:	Moving to California because it's cool Moving to California because it's warm
Then: Now:	Being called into the principle’s office Storming into the principle’s office
Then: Now:	Peace Sign Mercedes Logo
Then: Now:	Getting your head stoned Getting your headstone
Then: Now:	Long hair Longing for hair
Then: Now:	Keg EKG
Then: Now:	Swallowing acid Swallowing antacid
Then: Now:	You're growing pot You've a growing pot
Then: Now:	Watching John Glenn's historic flight with your parents Watching John Glenn's historic flight with your kids
Then: Now:	Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor Trying not to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor
Then: Now:	Passing the driving test Passing the vision test
Then: Now:	Seeds and stems Roughage
Then: Now:	Popping pills, smoking joints Popping joints
Then: Now:	Worrying about no one coming to your party Worrying about no one coming to your funeral
Then: Now:	Whatever? Depends
Then: Now:	"Going blind" REALLY going blind

Constitution Review

A motion at the 1998 Annual General Meeting directed that the National Committee carry out a review the Free Beach Group Inc Constitution.

The present Constitution was adopted at a Special General Meeting on 30 January 1996, after a long and detailed revision of the previous Constitution.

It is desirable that a Constitution be as simple as possible, consistent with achieving its legal purpose. The current environment of deregulation, demonstrates that a constitution should contain only that which necessary to comply with Incorporate Societies Act 1908, and to protect the interests of members.

The current Constitution has been approved by the Registrar of Incorporated Societies and the Department of Inland Revenue.

Organisations change from time to time, and according to circumstances. The Free Beach Group is a relatively small organisation spread over a wide geographical area; it is therefore desirable that the constitution be flexible, and not a straight jacket which impedes the Groups administrative processes.

The National Committee has considered the submissions received, and reviewed the Constitution.

The Committee has decided that the current Constitution meets the requirements outlined above, and that there is no need to make any changes at this time.

However, the Committee feels that it would be appropriate to modify the Mission statement to reflect the more popular and universal use of the words "naturist" and "clothes-free" to describe our interests.

To this effect, a remit is included with this newsletter to amend Clause 4.1. As a consequence of the proposed change to clause 4.1, clauses 4.2 and 4.3 should to be amended to be consistent with clause 4.1.

Members are invited to make submissions on these motions, which will be the subject of a postal ballot, to be included with the Voting Papers for the election of the National Committee.

Remits

That Clause 4.1 of the Constitution be amended by deleting the words "recreational nudity" and "nudist" and replacing with the words "clothes-free recreation" and "naturist" respectively.

Current clause:		To promote recreational nudity and the nudist lifestyle.
Proposed clause:		To promote clothes-free recreation and the naturist lifestyle.

Explanation: The Committee feels the revised clause more accurately reflects the mission a the Free Beach Group Inc. Experience has shown that the term "clothes-free" is less intimidating when used in publicity aimed a introducing social nudity to the uninitiated. Although the words "nudist" and "naturist" are used interchangeably by nudists, the word "naturist" is becoming more popular in the general media.

That Clause 4.2 of the Constitution be amended as follows:

Current clause:		To educate the public concerning the benefits of nude recreation;
Proposed clause:		To educate the public of the benefits and pleasure of clothes-free recreation;

Explanation: The word "nude" has been replaced with "clothes-free" to be consistent with the amendment to Clause 4.1, and the word "concerning" has been deleted and the words "and pleasure of" added.

That Clause 4.3 of the Constitution be amended to be consistent with the amendment to Clause 4.1:

Current clause:		To identify suitable localities for nude recreation and to inform members and others of these;
Proposed clause:		To identify suitable localities for clothes-free recreation and to inform members and others of these;

Explanation: The word "nude" has been replaced with "clothes-free" to be consistent with the amendment to Clause 4.1.

Marlborough Region Calendar

May - June - July '99

Ed & Druscilla have drawn up an exciting program to keep our Marlborough and Nelson members active during the winter months. Look for the calendar on a separate sheet. If you require more information phone:
Ed & Druscilla Knowles, (03) 574-2144

Free Beach Group Web page

 

http://www.nznaturally.org.nz/FreeBeach/

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Auckland Activities

Hibiscus Coast Sun Club swim nights

The last Saturday of each month -

29 May, 26 June, 31 July, 28 August,
25 September, 30 October,
and 27 November.

6pm until midnight at Palm Springs, Parakai, near Helensville; $8 per adult.

Take your own food and drink, or buy them there.

Auckland Sun Club invites visitors to their Spa and Sauna evenings, held every Sunday from 4pm to 7pm; $4 per person. Take your towel and FBG membership card. Phone 09 814 9973 for details.