# 101 - June 1982 

New Zealand nudists may do more for New Zealand tourism, if the measures recommended by Palmerston North's Manawatu Sunseekers Club are adopted by the New Zealand Nudist Federation when it meets later in the year. The proposals are designed to allow more travel around the 25 nudist parks which comprise the federation, thus encouraging New Zealanders to spend more time exploring 'nudist' New Zealand rather than departing for clubs in other countries. At the same time there is a provision which will encourage nudists from other countries to visit New Zealand.

The recommendation from the Manawatu Sunseekers include an 'Open Registry' proposal to set up a system whereby clubs may use a nearby business (such as a petrol station or motel) to act as the 'contact point' for travellers holding an International Nudist Federation 'passport'. The passport can be obtained by recognised nudists from their club secretaries. Visitors would register at the appointed business and be given instructions on how to gain access to the grounds. The proposal is an improvement on the present system, which often requires travelling nudists to have corresponded with the clubs through a box number before gaining access.

The other recommendation concerns the establishment of 'cousin clubs' in other countries, rather like the 'sister cities' concept. Cousin clubs would agree to communicate with each other and offer reciprocal benefits to members.

We already have a couple of clubs in Australia and the U.S. which we are thinking of approaching regarding 'cousin' status, a representative of the Manawatu Sunseekers said. "We just thought it was too good an idea to keep to ourselves - all the clubs should be making friends abroad. It can only help New Zealand." As for the easier access to clubs through the 'open registry': "We should have done something like this long ago. It will make nudism a much more dynamic movement, with communications greatly increased between the clubs."

Nudism in New Zealand has already demonstrated dynamism, as there are more nudists in New Zealand, in proportion to population, than in any other country - and there are more 'unrecognised' nudists who regularly use the country's nude beaches. An attitude of tolerance and an appreciation for the health-giving qualities of the open air are reasons given for this.

The Manawatu Sunseekers, the group which brought forth the remits which may become national nudist policy, is a small club (about 30 families) with grounds in the centre of the city of Palmerston North. "We are very lucky, being able to drop in to our private park, with swimming pool and hot tub, at almost any time. There are few clubs in the world which enjoy such convenience," a spokesman said. "We hope to show the facilities to fellow nudists from around New Zealand and abroad. We are putting out the Welcome Mat. And we think it will be good for New Zealand."

Ed Lange.

In order to make something of this trip economically viable you need to be multiple faceted, so I have many halves. One half is a representative of Air New Zealand in effect, to explore nudist tours to New Zealand and from New Zealand.

Editor.

These are the simple economics of the situation.

Ed Lange.

That's correct. And so they sent me here to do that. Now my daughter comes at the expense out of my pocket - they are not willing to do that. So in order to be able to afford her presence which is a help to me because she helps me with the work that I do, I also at the same time promote the new book that we are publishing which will be off the presses next month and which will be available for sale. It's "Family Naturism in Europe". That is one way I help to finance such trips because of the investment of my time and money. The other way is of course to let people know about Elysium fields that I administer as a naturist facility and an educational facility - which is unique, unlike any other naturists or nudists park that I know anywhere in the world. And then I come also as a former I.N.F. vice- president and member of the central committee, a former trustee of the American Sunbathing Association and the vice-president for many years. Wherever I go I promote the American Sunbathing Association and the International Naturists Federation which is the feature of this book "Family Naturism in Europe" which talks about what the International Naturists Federation is doing. So all of these things are interrelated, and that's how it's possible for me to make the book, there wouldn't be enough in any one thing to justify my taking as much time as I am taking at this point, to get the ball rolling, drop the pebbles in the pond. I want to see those ripples reach many shores.

Editor.

You've done the same thing in Australia?

Ed Lange.

Right. In Australia it's for UTA the French Airline; in New Zealand it's Air New Zealand. They are both anxious to develop more traffic miles, because they bought their 747's 4-5 years ago when the airline business was good, they took delivery of them now because they had the investment and the commitment and it doubled their capacity on the ships that they had been using. Now Air New Zealand for example now has discontinued DC 10's between New Zealand and the United States - they run 747's exclusively, but that's doubled their number of seats. And while there are economies in operating the improved 747's they still have an overall cost increase because of the number of seats that they've added on, so they are finding all ways in which to increase the number of passengers. Fundamentally you're talking about economics. This governs the entire thing, as economics have to govern the publication of the naturists magazine. You have to change one format to another. You have to put more attractive people on the covers to attract the buyers. Those things are all very obvious. It's the economics that rule the roost. Otherwise you cannot survive.

Photo: Lindsay McLeod

Editor.

Economics is going to be the deciding factor on any tourist, especially in a package deal set, sold overseas.

Ed Lange.

Yes, the only way the average traveller these days can more readily afford, our package tours because of economy in scale.

Editor.

What I'm interested in - do you see it's something that could be done right away or is it something that needs further work done before the tours can be sold.?

Ed Lange.

Well, people - tour operators in New Zealand and tour operators in the United States have now got to get together a proposed tour and pricing of what that proposed tour would cost up at, to a wholesale tour operator, or to a retail tour agent, and that means that there has to be someone in New Zealand. We have someone in the States to do this. It's a new organisation called Natour. Natour is a new travel agency just being born that will feature nudist, naturist travel services. That's in Los Angeles and we have an investor who is putting up the capital. But it will be a year, I would say, maybe by the time of the next rally, perhaps before, but being professionally pessimistic, well optimistically forward, you would have to allow your start up time before you're on steam. And I would guess that Les, who is very much interested I perceive is going to put together a proposal package or packages here. To present to the American operators as to what they can offer their customers and if we have Natour or any other commercial operator in the States who will propose to New Zealand travel agents what they can offer, the American package will be made by an American company wholesale to the agencies here to sell at retail to their customers. Australia would have a travel agency or an individual would act as a travel agent, prepare the package here for sale to the Americans on a wholesale basis, so they can sell at retail.

Editor.

Have you visited any other places in New Zealand?

Ed Lange.

Not yet but I will be going tomorrow to Mapua and then I'll be going to Auckland and a couple of clubs there, and then when Les and I have talked about this, and Peter James and I have talked about this and they have grasped the basic rudiments of what's necessary to offer a proposed tour. My notion, which I suggested to them, is that you mix nature/nudists in non nudists activities, for example there are certain parks in the North Island or South Island that are of historical or significant tourist interest that may not be located near enough to a nudist park, from which to tangent off to, but you schedule a day of that tour group in a motel facility somewhere else and have that as part of the package. Not that it has to be either or.

Editor.

Would you probably see it with a, say three different tours offered over different periods of time, when they can either come for a shorter period and stay less days, or come for a longer period and spend more time?

Ed Lange.

I can take a hypothetical tour ... you arrive in Auckland or Christchurch (Auckland is the largest place) and there you have 12 motor vans. The people are assigned their motor - vans and you have a tour leader. A lead car. A lead guide person. And you start spinning off down the coast to an Auckland club to another site, which you are the best informed to recommend and perhaps travel only for the one tour just in the North Island, another tour perhaps only in the South Island or a longer tour of both. It takes the ferry across as part of the mystique of the tour. That's the parameters that I was recommending. Then, say winding down to Christchurch depositing the vehicles flying back to Auckland for departure to the States. That's one I am considering.

Editor.

Does the average American tourist prefer (given a fairly short period for his holiday) to have a base and do that area reasonably well, or does he like to be able to say, I went to Christchurch, I went to Wellington, etc.?

Ed Lange.

If all the time is spent in travel then there's dissatisfaction and there has to be some time they can lay over. So if you're talking about 4 or 5 days on the road and only 2 or 3 days in which to visit about, that is tight. So, It would seem to be a minimum of 10 days, a likely 14 days would be a minimum and 3 weeks would perhaps be the optimum. Again the experience of your tour operator with traditional tours here now would give you a clue, an indication, you have in New Zealand all of these tour operations at this time, from which to draw their input.

Everything bar the naturists parks are in place - all the caravanning places, all the hotels, all the link up systems are all there, so I mean it's only a matter of just using what's already there, plus our operations and you put it all into one system.

In principal they'd like to be completely guided in tour. They don't want to have to look at maps, they want to follow a group, they want a caravan, a group of 5, 6, 10 vehicles to caravan to various places in a preset itinerary led by the tour operator. And that's where the money is - in the group - not in the individual travellers. Both for the airline and the tour operators and the naturists clubs they visit, motels, hotels etc.

Editor.

In other words, you would suggest working in with Air New Zealand since you're here on their behalf.

Ed Lange.

Oh sure, Who else. Well, what you would do is arrange the tour thoroughly independent of Air New Zealand. The land portion of any tour - they take care of the air portion of the tour. But you're responsible, the agent, the travel agent. They would provide the basic land costs and the land tour plan. The airline simply provides the transportation. They might be willing to help you in any way if they can, because it is in their interest to generate the package.

Editor.

You said before that your club was different than other clubs you have seen around the place....

Ed Lange.

Well, it has another dimension, other clubs don't usually, or as far as I know, offer anywhere, and that is it's not only in recreational facility for nudists or naturists which I think are synonymous, but it also offers educational opportunities for people who are interested in self development, self understanding, body self image and ways to enhance and to expand their life style so they run concurrently, they run parallel to the membership activity, recreational as it is here; and the educational facility which is structured in membership activity spontaneous, the educational portion is structured with workshop leaders. They can make a choice - they don't have to be a member to participate in the workshop.

The members get a discount if they choose to participate in the workshops and they cross-pollinate each other which is what makes Elysium unique. I don't known of other naturists/nudists facilities that offer an educational program running parallel with their recreational activities, and this is partly why it is different and it is a model for people from all over the world to follow people in the Health professions and nudist/naturists park leaders who come to visit to see what package we have offered is like, they come from Japan, 15 psychiatrists came to visit to see us as a model for the Health professions, a group of French members from the FNI, the French Federation, 58 of them came with sleeping bags for 3 days, experiencing both the recreational and the educational offers we had. They take those ideas back to Europe with them. Germans come in groups, we have them from England, from all over the world, who stop through, to view it, to experience it as a supportive environment, which is unlike other naturist/nudist parks that I know about.

It doesn't mean that what Elysium has to offer is better, simply an added dimension of what I felt when I began travelling the world 45 years ago as an advocate of naturism and nudism and became an officer of both the International and Regional and the domestic American Sunbathing Association paying my dues in the organisational sense and to become the administrator of these. The distilled knowledge that I've got from all of my experiences and travels throughout the world, both as a traveller as a photojournalist, as a publisher of magazines, and books, and the official journal of the American Sunbathing Association, have given me an insight into a dimension that I want to expand upon, and that's what Elysium became, when it started 20 years ago and we had last year our 20th anniversary.

There are no requirements for membership. Membership activity is separate from the workshops and the educational facility. So the brochures that we have that's available to anyone upon request states very clearly we're a clothing optional naturists resort with educational facility. We're a little bit of both and it's the mixture of the two of them that makes Elysium unique as a supportive environment, both for the Healthy professions as well as for the recreationalist who looks for a place to get away from it all, with his family, with his friends. It's open to singles and couples and families.

Editor.

In your travels in Europe, I presume you've been to other naturist facilities around.

Ed Lange.

Well as a vice-president of the International Naturists Federation I have travelled to Europe frequently, for meetings of the Central Committee in mid-winter, so I have known the world leaders in nudism/naturism, they call it naturism there. Have visited many clubs and I've been, for example, to Montel Ve Dao on the Atlantic coast and Coq de Arg on the other coast, which are villages that have as many as 10 to 15 often 20,000 people over a holiday season visiting the towns. A naturist nudist town with three banks, doctors in residence, boutiques, green grocers, meat shops, supermarkets and all of these are open, and people shop unclothed for their families. They have condominiums, apartments, they have villas, they have camping grounds, they have spaces for vans, campers and motor homes; and it's part of what is seen in the book "Family Naturism in Europe" - the book that I am publishing in March 1982. It will be the first book of its kind which gives credit to the International Naturists Federation clubs in Europe and the advances that they have made which have out distanced anything anyone has done anywhere else in the world. The French, the Germans, Yugoslavians and the English; not so much the English, but the French and the Yugoslavians particularly have created enormous tourist booms in which there is a great demand for accommodation and some of the pictures in the book will depict that for you and give you some idea of the scale.

Editor.

I was wondering, as travellers, are the American nudist tourists just wanting to go to Europe to those clubs, rather than coming all the way down to the bottom of the South Pacific to see us.?

Ed Lange.

Well the Western States would have to cross the United States which is expensive, and then to go on to Europe, so coming to the South Pacific which includes New Caledonia, Tahiti, but it includes particularly New Zealand and Australia, is the other way to go. It's about the same in cost I would say, as to go to Europe. And of course, some of them will go to Europe, some of them will come here; many have been to Europe already and are looking for a new experience.

Editor.

When you say many, this is probably a $64,000 question, what sort of numbers would you say would be travelling around like this?

Ed Lange.

I don't know. That's part of what we have to determine. We shall have to put out an offer and see how many people respond before we can handle, or have knowledge about what projected attendance might be, participation might be. But you know and I know that people are constantly coming to New Zealand and Australia, not naturists because no program has been offered for them, but if one were I think it would be very popular. I do know that the European programs which are advertised by tour agents all over the Continent are extremely popular and they have tens of thousands of people, of course they have an enormous population to draw from, for example, Los Angeles would be an easier field, Topango in California has 10,000,000 people within a 100 mile radius, and you have 3,500,00 million in New Zealand. So the heavy traffic will come this way, it would not go that way.

A convertible sped up Topanga Canyon Boulevard, passing country markets and rustic houses. The driver ran his hands through his styled hair. The passenger adjusted her scarf. The couple looked like 10,000 others out for Sunday brunch.

They slowed down and turned off on Robinson Road. The lane was clogged at the top to the hill.

Then, somewhere between the parking lot and the pastoral grounds called Elysium Fields, the couple shed their clothes — and their occupations and their status. "At Elysium no one ever asks you what you do for a living and no one knows what kind of car you drive," said a member.

For it was a time to reflect on a long battle to gain legal and community acceptance. But for most it was just another day in the sun, with perhaps a few more naked bodies on the lawn than usual.

In July, 1970, two years after Elysium officially opened, the county enacted an ordinance that said three or more persons could not assemble for the purpose of exposing their bodies. (Founder Ed Lange dates the beginning of Elysium to 1961, when he began publishing his nudist pamphlet, "The Journal of the Senses.")

Lange's first fight was to shoot down the ordinance on the grounds that it interfered with his members right to assemble. Then he had to deal with hostile neighbours. They claimed the nudists, and their cars and noise, were a public nuisance.

The ensuing court battle was one of the longest in county history, but today Lange, a former Vogue and Life photographer is undisputedly King of the Hill. His outfit is even listed in the local Chamber of Commerce Directory and Lange speculates he's probably the biggest commercial business in Topanga.

"I'm the elder statesman of the nudist-naturist movement here," Lange said. In 1939 he became a trustee of the American Sunbathing Assn. (ASA) and started his quest for an ideal naturist resort — one where cars and loudspeakers and radios would be outlawed. A sylvan setting where, unlike the ASA camps, touching would be allowed as part of the "reawakening of the senses" although "grabbing" would still be taboo.

Lange wanted to locate his paradise within 25 miles of Los Angeles so it would be accessible to urban dwellers for "one- day vacations." When he purchased the property in Topanga it was a dry hillside covered with brush. That's how the first members recall it.

Today, nudity is a way of life for the Stevenses "I don't wear clothes at home it's become a habit," said Paul Stevens.

"But he does need some reminding when he answers the door," his wife added. "Most of our friends are from Elysium, so the wearing of clothes at our home is also strictly optional."

Another longtime member, Irene Shannon, visits the resort once a month with a group of Orange County friends who call themselves "the Orange Peelers". They distinguish themselves from the nudist camp people by saying, "We're mostly beachers (proponents of free beaches) but we like it here because it's natural."

Shannon's nudist life style is based on comfort. "I'm not 19 (she's 59)" she said. "I'm not out to attract people. Being nude is just more comfortable."

Some people are in it for comfort. Some, though the resort philosophy denies it, are in it for sex. And some, such as a woman named Debbie who has taught sixth grade for 29 years, come to Elysium for a growth experience. Many members allude to an awakening or self-realization that happens when one wanders around in the nude for a while.

Irene Shannon remembers her first Elysium workshop: she lay in a bed of rose petals and fed strangers with her fingers. "We got very acquainted with feeling and taste but we also got acquainted with other people," she said.

"It's very hard to remain reserved after doing that with someone. You can't very easily go back to saying: 'How do you do?" In slide shows that depict members enjoying each other in different forms of sensual play, Elysium promotes the idea that nudity equals fast friendships. Above all, Lange said, his experience proves that nude does not equal lewd.

Rick was introduced to Elysium by a friend after arriving in Los Angeles on a three-day bus ride from New York. "This girl, born and raised in Ohio, is not ready for this," she said she thought at the time. "But I found out it was really relaxed. It was so comfortable.

"I'm a graphic designer and photographer and I love seeing all the bodies — it's a great visual for me. Here you can learn about bodies the way children do. It has that playful atmosphere."

Elysium boosters claim the atmosphere is great for children, who grow up without "body taboo neuroses." Chuqush, a woman who is of Chumash Descent, was introduced to the resort by her children.

"I married my husband after going with him for six years," she said. "I was married and six months pregnant before he saw me with no clothes on. Later I happened to move next door to Elysium . .

Elysium was still in its pre-Iandscaped natural state, and Chuqush had no idea who lived up the road from her. Then her children began talking about a new friend they had made on the school bus, and asked their mother to come up and meet his mother.

"So I went up there for coffee," she said, "and everyone was naked."

It took months before Chuqush was brave enough to visit the resort au naturel. It was a while longer before she was willing to abandon her towel.

"We didn't wear any clothes when we lived in Malibu. There really wasn't any point. As soon as you cover something up, people want to see what you have covered. When you take off your clothes here you just melt into the crowd."

Chuqush said visiting Elysium is good for her 16-year-old daughter, who is insecure about her body. And its good for her when she starts feeling she's too fat. "I won't go to the beach in a bathing suit," she says. "But here I feel acceptable."

Claire is a middle-aged, meticulously groomed woman who looks as if she belongs at a fashion show luncheon. It took her a year after having a mastectomy to get the courage to come to Elysium.

Then she took a good look around her, at the fat people, the skinny people, people with scars ... "I began to realise we were all perfect," she said.

Claire said friends on the outside can't understand how she could expose her altered body to strangers. She dismisses their doubts. "A lot of them could never understand coming here anyway."

John is another Elysium member who feels he regained his self- esteem when his doctor suggested he go to Elysium. As a result of hormone therapy for cancer, John had developed well- defined breasts. He said he was ashamed to go anywhere. "I didn't feel part of the human race anymore."

He said when he walked up the path to Elysium he felt freedom for the first time. "People here accept people like Claire and me," he said. "They learn from us."

"After the initial thrill," one member said, "people aren't always scrutinizing each other's bodies. I think at Elysium, people see each other's faces more."

SKINNY-DIP BEACH GETS
GO-AHEAD...

Victoria's first skinny-dip beach has got a big welcome from nudists.

Buckley Park beach near Ocean Grove has been officially endorsed as Victoria's first nudist beach. The isolated stretch of beach, more than four kilometres from the nearest car park has been declared a "free beach" by the Bellarine shire council.

"It's a sensible conclusion to something which is on the increase in Victoria and Australia," according to a nudist spokesman. The council is leaving it up to the police to interpret what constitutes offensive behaviour in the eyes of the law.

A Nudist spokesman welcomed the decision which has taken eight years. "We are no different to the rest of the people, except we prefer to bathe unclad.""It has happened in our adjoining states and Territories — why not here?"

... THEN THE BACKDOWN

The good news received in August and September 1981 when Shire Council of Bellarine voted to establish a legal nude bathing area at Buckley Park, Collendina has failed to become reality due to a "backdown" and inaction by the State Government. This failure has resulted in confusion for the general public. The ANF, Free Beaches for Victoria Committee and individuals, have continued to pressure at Government level, to have a positive result.

January 4, 1982 the 13th ANF Convention delegates telegramed the Minister for Police requesting immediate urgent action by Government to implement regulations to enable legal usage of Buckley Park as a nude bathing area. So far no response!

All club members, supporters, free beach users and any member of the general public who supports this concept, would assist our case if they too continued to write short letter to the Minister for Police, Hon. F.J. Granter; and the Premier, Hon. L.H.S. Thompson; and mail to Parliament House, Melbourne.

Considering that local objectors have a substantial petition to present to Premier, all of you who believe in freedom of choice as your right, should send your letter off NOW.

State Elections are due by May this year, if this present Government is returned, and they have failed to grant legal areas, it may well be "goodbye" for at least another three years!

We know this fact, it is up to all of us to let the Victorian State Government know this - let us strive to gain this right in what is left of the summer of 1982, before we miss out completely.

Mary Weston Free Beaches for Victoria Committee

QUEENSLAND'S PREMIER ALL YEAR SUN CLUB

For further information contact the Secretary

P.O. Box 6. WEST END. OLD 4101

If you are a nudist
youth join N.Y.C. 

(Top)

CHANGING ATTITUDES

Being a member of a sun club is great, but being able to enjoy the sunshine in one's own backyard is in some ways better. As high paling fences are the norm in our locality it was not very difficult, by judicious planting of trees and bushes and by erecting shelter fences within the garden, to make part of the section quite private. It was even better when we added a bedroom with a big glass sliding door. On sunny mornings it invited us just to step outside and enjoy nature's bounty.

Then came the blow; our next-door neighbours decided to add to their house by building a second storey which would overlook our private garden. There was nothing we could do about the addition. It was duly built; all we could do was use those parts of our section that were still screened.

Summer came along; our neighbours went away on holiday before we did. Being in the Nelson district we decided to spend a few days at Mapua Leisure Park. After booking in and shedding our clothes we made for the beach, which is just behind the office building. As I came to the sand and surveyed the scene I noticed, away to my right, a hand waving a tentative greeting. You've guessed it - our next-door neighbour. He and his wife and family had spent a few days at another motor-camp, on their way from home, but the weather and the sand flies had driven them to move.

Although it had taken a few days for some of the family to "get their gear off" they were by then quite "rapt" in Mapua and plan to return next summer.

So, by a stroke of luck, we now know that our neighbours are of like mind and we can now enjoy sun-bathing, on both sides of the fence, secure in that knowledge.

by Ryk.

Located a little downstream of the well known Kambah pool proper, an area extended from the original difficult to reach proclaimed Nudist beach, is now an easy walk down from the lower car-park. A combined effort by the just emerging local nudist movement, the A.N.F. and the community spurred on by local House of Assembly member for the A.C.T., Maureen Worseley, secured this beautiful stretch along the Murrumbidgee river, for nude bathing.

The area is minimally serviced by the Dep. of the Capital Territory, rubbish is collected and bags supplied, access has been improved by upgrading of walking trails and provision of a barbeque facility.

Regular users have kept the surroundings relatively free from broken glass and tinnies, which are left behind by the sightseeing a-social element.

Owing to its sheltered location, the many open and sunny spots along the banks, the reserve can be used almost the year round. The spring and summer sees a steady increase in users, from about the end of October to ever increasing numbers by December and January on most week-ends, with a gradual tapering off, so that by April and May and through the rest of the winter months, only the die-hard regulars frequent it, together with the home-sexual fraternity, who have now taken over the former isolated area as their stamping grounds.

The Reserve has been signposted, prohibiting dogs in the area; a sensible measure, although dog owners will not concur to be sure: however people, sandy beaches and swimming, do not mix with our canine friends roaming around at will, one can dispute this no end with the dog-owners: sad to say the notice is not fully complied with, although it would be fair enough to say that support against offenders is not hard to get, and sends them on their way. The park is unique and fragile, therefore it does not lend itself to intensive use and is more suited to passive enjoyment.

The concept of having an area set aside, where one can relax, take off your gear, if so inclined is fine.

This idea did get the support of the community, when approached by the nudists. What do we find to-day?

After an initial enthusiastic response by the community, consisting of the nudists, the trendies and our neighbours from just across the border, the area is now increasingly being frequented by sexual deviates. As a result KAMBAH FREE BEACH is getting into disrepute.

Where it was once enjoyable to move, sit around, swim, sun bake and converse with one and all, quite freely, one must now be on guard against socialising with individuals or groups, who turn out later to be deviant at best, and at worst, use you as an object for their gratification, I leave the sordid details to your own imagination.

While one can sympathise with these sick persons, a Free Beach is hardly the place for their therapy, no matter how tolerant one's outlook may be.

One expects to be able to assume that nudity in a public place, does not include a licence for displays of sexual acts, or is that now old hat too?

Oversea's reporting mentions similar nude bathing beaches, due to the actions of this element.

Which brings the question, should we have signposted and proclaimed nude-bathing area's set aside at all? An open invitation to vandalise signs and attract the ya-hoo element and the weirdo's.

Perhaps the time has arrived, bath and sun bake, nude, where and wherever appropriate with regard for others, but without having to take elaborate steps for total seclusion and evasiveness when anyone approaches.

One can of course patronise proprietory run establishments like Bangalee Nudist Holiday Village or River Valley to name two well known ones, or join a club, where owing to selective procedures, a degree of control can be had, thus avoiding unpleasantness as described, or come in possible conflict with the law.

The organised Nudist movement by its very nature and presentation, (will always remain a minority group and unless they drastically change), are not the organisation to sponsor free beaches and make social nudity acceptable; all of us will have to do this.

Dick van der Vliet

NUDIST ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

"On behalf of the Nudist Association of Queensland I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all nudists who are contemplating a visit to the Commonwealth Games to be held in Brisbane from 30th September to 9th October 1982.

Our member clubs are looking forward to meeting with overseas and interstate visitors and would like to assist them in any way possible to make their stay in Sunny Queensland a happy and memorable one.

Any intending nudist visitors are requested to contact the N.A.Q. to enable our clubs to mobilize their forces to give them a sample of our friendly Queensland hospitality.

CORIO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

Corio had their first 'Open Day' for many years to celebrate World Nudist Day Southern Hemisphere. It was extremely hot (too hot). Can it be too hot for a nudist club? One wouldn't think so. Not a very large crowd visited that day. We will never know if the hot weather deterred visitors and members, or the fact that ''visitors" were going to be present at the club, was the reason for a small gathering.

Corio participated in a 'Health & Fitness' week at a local shopping complex, by way of a double sided display board with all aspects of the club shown (without breasts, genitals or full frontals). I think we did a great job considering. Over 65,000 people went through the complex for that week and only one complaint was received by the management.

Deaking University has an annual 'Market Day' where one can show their wares or whatever. Corio once again displayed club life by way of photos, newspaper cuttings and information.

Easter at the club was most enjoyable - the weather was perfect, and activities planned for everyone.

Out popular swim nights commence again this month (April), as well as a social success it is one of our main fund raisers for the year. The usual maintenance and improvements continue slowly. A change of government in Victoria at the recent State Elections will most definitely bring about 'legal' free beaches here.

'NATURI' SUN AND HEALTH CLUB

'NATURI' N.S.W., is a place in the sun. Most people have a favourite picnic spot or place to go, where one can relax and get away from the rat race of every day life, ... a place of tranquility and refuge which is hard to find these days. Yes, there is such a place with good Naturist facilities in a beautiful part of the mountainous terrain within easy reach a few miles North of Hawkesbury River.

'NATURI' to us is a way of life, free from regimented society and free from prudish curiosity about sex. The swimming pool may be regarded as the most popular spot and here under favourable conditions you will find old and young having the time of their lives, and let it here be said, that if you have never had the sheer joy of swimming without the restrictions of a costume, you have no conception of what freedom really is. Games courts are indispensable to any well run club and rank high amongst the facilities provided. Our picnic tables and Bar-B-Q's are always well patronised.

If you are interested in Naturism and feel you would like to join us, please forward a S.A.E. for further details to "The Secretary, Box 11, Berowra N.S.W., 2081". Thanking you,

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

The success of the combined advertisements by the Auckland Clubs, has been demonstrated by the large number of enquiries we received, the people who have visited our grounds and the people who joined. As the other clubs had similar successes, we intend to carry this on next year.

Our members have visited other clubs on their Sports Days and hosted visitors on a Social Day.

Another highlight will be the Combined Auckland Clubs’“Disco” in our new clubhouse. We are specially importing Denis and his Disco from Taranaki for the occasion.

WELLINGTON SUN CLUB INC.

Beautiful weather still by the end of March, allowed the Wellington Club to enjoy the A.G.M. in the sun on the main lawn, with a record attendance. Trophies where presented for the Fiveacres sports competitions, including one width for 8-10 year olds, and the various swimming styles and sports, there are surely some promising young “sportspersons” amongst us.

Visits from council drainage inspectors, forced the club to close a small toilet block across the creek, however, plans for a proper building were already well on the way, and it will be built this winter. With it come more switchboards and more power points; just a place in the sun is not good enough any more; all mod cons must be part of it nowadays, so here is hoping we will see the willing workers to do it all, I am sure, the members who help the clubs progress over the winter months will enjoy even more, the sunny summer which is just around the corner.

WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY INC.

Greetings, Winter is well and truly here, with it brings our days of hibernation in the sauna which gives us time to warm up again. Work is continuing on the clubhouse and we are really getting into the social scene with gatherings each month for members to keep in contact with one another. We have planted more shelter belts and thinned out our pine trees by the gate. Our volleyball team is doing their thing at the Y.M., each weekend and enjoying it, By the time this is published they will all be moving just alike a well tuned machine! In a few months summer will begin again, so I have been told, and this liquid sunshine will cease, hopefully. The club grounds are now capable of catering for quite a large number of visitors either for the day or camping in any weather, so we will I am sure see a lot more people on the grounds during the next summer season. See you all there.

BAY OF PLENTY SUN CLUB

The Winter months are nearly here and our social events have slowed down quite considerably, especially with our members being scattered Over such a wide area - not so the club spirit though.

We held a Progressive Dinner a few weeks back which was most successful and enjoyed by all who attended. The meal was great and it was finished off by a party and swimming in a spa pool. The hosts didn't’t get to bed till about 5 in the morning.

We have had our half AGM and the attendance was really good - the sun shone all day too. Easter went by quietly mainly because of the stormy weather.

Our membership is rising and with the new blood more ideas are being put forward to improve and develop the club. Our main Winter activity is going to be working on a new building to house our hot tub. Till the next issue then.

After two year of planning and saving our trip finally began. We flew out of Tullamarine Australia on Sunday, December 20 at 10.45 a.m. Stayed overnight in Christchurch, our Newmans Campervan was delivered to us the next morning. After finding out what was what in the van, we set off for Glentanner Pa (just out of The Hermitage), Mount Cook. Well, we thought we were heading in the right direction but found we were heading north instead of south, and had to find the right one way street to do a turn about face. We did. Even though it was cloudy, raining and cool (felt like we were in Australia), it didn't stop us from seeing the most beautiful snow capped mountains, masses and masses of wild lupins, crystal clear lakes and rivers (mainly one way bridges), on our way to see Mt Cook (hopefully). We were told that a group of Americans waited three weeks to view Mt Cook and finally had to leave before seeing it. By the time we arrived within the area of Mt Cook the sun was shining and clouds gone, rain had ceased and there it was in all its glory all 3764 metres of it, the snow shining in the sunshine. At our camp we could view the mountain straight out the back door of our van, and were able to watch the closing in of the clouds, gradually covering Mt Cook over in a period of half an hour. Next morning you wouldn't even know any mountains existed in that area at all because of cloud cover.

Queenstown next stop - entering Queenstown was like looking at a travel brochure. A town built around a lake with a mountain range in the background with some of the peaks still with a little snow. We had a trip on Lake Wakatipu in the TSS Eanslaw the next day, viewing The Remarkables mountain range. Some homes are built in the remotest places and their only access to town is by boat. We visited a sheep station of 100,000 acres where they run one sheep to every five acres, and only see the sheep about twice a year, because they graze right up in the high country. The sheep are not shorn short because of the freezing cold conditions. The only access to the sheep on the high ground is by foot.

Te Anau next stop - situated at Lake Te Anau. Christmas Day we travelled to Manapouri, about 10km for a trip on Lake Manapouri to West Arm Power Station, bus over Wilmott Pass, another boat trip round Deep Cove and back to Manapouri. Lake Manapouri is surrounded by high mountains on which grows the most beautiful natural forest one could imagine. The depth of the lake is up to 1500 ft. The West Arm Power Station was built in the middle of this natural Fiordland National Park area where every single piece of building material had to be transported in by boat. We were driven down into the station via a spiraling tunnel, wide enough for two buses to pass. Once down to the bottom we were 870 ft below lake level. From here we drove over Wilmott Pass (built to get materials in for the station), one of the most expensive pieces of road in N.Z. cost being $4.85 per inch. The rainfall varied from 50" to the heavy fall of 320" per year along this pass. Some of the most magnificent carpets of natural lichens, moss, ferns were seen on this trip. One couldn't plant such a garden. At Deep Cove we had another launch trip sighting more mountains, water falls and natural forest growing out of solid rock.

To finish off a memorable day we dined out for Christmas Tea. Palmerston next stop (stopover only). Countryside a little different now - more like undulating hills, with farms settled in the valleys. Stopped at Pleasant Valley Holiday Park - was a T.B. Hospital, very interesting place.

Pineglades — Canterbury Sun Club next stop. NZNF rally grounds. A very friendly reception was received at the registration tent and immediately we knew that this was a 'nudist rally' just like home. It didn't take long to feel at home after the introductions and checking out of the grounds and facilities. A long established club with excellent facilities. The sporting program was excellent and well organised. Sports played were table tennis, tenniquoits, carpet bowls, miniten, volleyball, darts, chess and swimming. All members of all clubs could play in all sports if they wished to do so, including visitors. Brett from Corio - Australia - won the Junior Tenniquoits and has bought the trophy home.

A daily news sheet kept you informed of the winners — when and where, also what happened and to whom. The shop was well stocked and we didn't have to leave the grounds. St Johns Ambulance was in attendance every day. Happy hour 4-6 every evening. A pleasant get together. A children's program was going on every day for the under 12's. Fun sports as well - Christians v Romans in volleyball. The Christians were nailed to crosses, attacked by a lion, hosed with a fire hose and thrown into the pool and they won!!! Social events included — first night get together, morning tea every day, wine and cheese with music, housie, new years eve fancy dress party with a magnificent 'beef' supper and of course the very hilarious concert and finally the farewell evening commencing with a barbeque then party.

For those not moving on next day there was a trip to Tumbledown Bay (free beach). A very friendly, well run rally, there was something for everyone.

Mapua - next stop. Mapua Leisure Park was not on our itinerary, but after talking to a few nudists we changed our plans so we could visit this area. Rained today and we nearly ran out of petrol, apart from that we travelled on over mountainous countryside to get to Mapua Leisure Park by about 5 p.m. It is a dress optional park, not a nudist club. Quite a large park, very heavily booked so obviously popular.

Picton next stop to catch ferry to Wellington. Very good crossing till close to Wellington then quite windy. Hence Windy Wellington. Stayed at Wellington Sun Club for two nights. Some members were camping there and we were made very welcome. The club is 11 acres of natural bush with part of the land a high mountain of natural forest. The grounds are in layers with four different camping areas. Very green grass, games courts, club house (ex rugby rooms), pool, beaut children's area and very friendly people.

Turangi next stop (stopover only). Lovely drive round Lake Taupo next morning heading for Rotorua. Raining again today but managed to look over Waimangu Thermal area near Rotorua round lunch time. Thermal activity is fascinating - bubbling lakes, roaring vents, and boiling springs, surrounded by thick natural forest.

Next day we visited Rainbow and Fairy Springs, Rotorua. A trout farm and wildlife exhibition including nocturnal aviary for Kiwis. A true wildlife wonderland.

Visited another thermal area at Ohemutu Maori Village. The church and meeting place were quite fascinating.

Next a guided tour over the largest thermal area of Whakarewarewa. A little disappointed in the hot mud pools, our impression and expectation was that of boiling mud in a large area, but was a small area with just a plop, plop. The villagers bathe in hot baths early morning or late evening, and cook in the boiling pools. No digging can be done in this area as it would cause thermal activity to break out. Graves are on top of the ground. To finish off a busy day we went to a Hangi and Maori concert, which was excellent. The concert depicted some of the history of the Maoris' and their customs.

Auckland next stop. Auckland Outdoor Health Club for two nights. Another friendly welcome as we have experienced all over New Zealand. Just a lazy time here soaking up the sun and watching a children's afternoon of games. Very well organised and enjoyed by at least 40 kids. Auckland is another club with beautiful natural country. This club also has different areas for camping, quite some distance apart. Facilities are well established and everybody is well catered for. We were camped on a high grassed area of about 4 acres overlooking the club grounds.

Interesting to note that many of N.Z. clubs are close to towns and have close neighbours. For instance Wellington Sun Club is in a built up area with neighbours, including a school, backing onto the club. Auckland have close neighbours. And Manawatu Sunseekers in Palmerston North, backs on to a Woolworths supermarket. This club has a quarter of an acre.

Bay of Islands — Russell next stop. North Island not as mountainous as South. Caught car ferry at Opua for Russell, still another 9k drive on other side. First impression of this area was a little disappointing but soon realised that it was quite different from other places visited. We found it to be peaceful and struck the hottest weather of whole trip. Second day here was quiet, did most of the our packing for home. The kids had a swim and quiet sit on the beach (no sand, only stones). Last day of our holiday here at Russell we did a boat trip to Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock. Very interesting place with lots of history. All the small islands have a story. The government own most for various reasons, and a few are privately owned. One privately owned island can be rented for $1400 — $1500 per week for four persons. It did have a beautiful lagoon and you could use their private yacht. Cape Brett is a very rugged place. The old lighthouse is now automatic so no one lives there. The hole in the rock is just that - a huge hole through a large rock. Quite big enough for small boats to drive through as we did. Like all places we stopped at, it was never long enough to see all the fascinations and attractions. Our time was up and we had to leave.

Back to Auckland for our last night before flying out back home to Australia. We were lucky enough to meet some very friendly people from Auckland Outdoor Club who showed us around Auckland on our last night. This finished off a magnificent holiday.

Going on a part time nudist holiday can be difficult - one had to think twice before jumping out the van door each morning, where are we today? Can we or can't we?

Many thanks New Zealanders for a memorable holiday.

IRENE, RON, BRETT & ANDREA PLUMRIDGE

DOT & GEORGE POYSER.

AUSTRALIA.

From The Public Relations Office's Desk

As your newly elected PRO I must thank those who stood behind my nomination. I will do my best to further our cause and to better our already good image throughout NZ. With the new police act now allowing more topless and nude sunbathing etc, we must always be aware that newspapers and other comments do not make us the scapegoats for non-members of our Federation. Please let me have any cuttings or in fact anything to do with our way of life so that I will be able to get a feeling of the whole scene throughout NZ.

With the cost of living now a major factor in our plans of travel and accommodation etc, can we give consideration to an exchange of Baches, caravans, tents, homes for members of our clubs. Rally times would be so much better for distant members if they had something to walk into. Even holidays throughout the Year, people would be tempted if Motels etc were not a costly factor. I am sure our members would show respect in a proper manner to our fellow Nudists. I am only too willing to handle a register and to include in my quarterly news items to the magazine any details of exchange accommodation being made available. Lets prove to ourselves that this scheme can work so please send me the details now.

David Palmer NZNF PRO

GEYSERLAND LEISURE PARK LTD

With big areas of trees and scrub felled and some areas already levelled and grassed it is easy to see the potential of this very beautiful site. To attract the increase in overseas tourists we need your financial investment now. This will enable the Park to be developed as quickly as possible.

Enquiries to Box 2169 Rotorua.

Dear Fellow Naturists,

I really enjoyed the letter from Tony Wood in Issue No. 97. Mr Wood has some very good suggestions. And, he writes very well. I can tell that he really likes the New Zealand Naturist very much. Perhaps he might be persuaded to contribute an article or two, just to illustrate better what it is he would use to add spice.

I might suggest, "The Continuing Adventures of Freebeach-Man!" a fictional account of how the free beaches were won back in 1984 by the single mindedness of Freebeach-Man. Of course, each adventure must be a real cliff-hanger.

Then there could be an article on how to drive our critics so daffy (by legal means) that they would be too busy to be bothered with the likes of us.

Then there could be an outrageous cartoon of a public person which might attract national attention, centerfold quality, or an illustration of the REAL members of The Family Rights Association. (You know, the ones who wrote that emotional, stupid hate letter to the Manuka City Council.) They are ripe. RIPE.!

And what am I doing in Alaska? And are there really naturists in Alaska? I've lived here for 27 years, and yes there are. The Midnight Sun Club in Anchorage is building up its membership right now We are a travel club and visit warmer climes and clubs during our long winter. We advise our members of all the opportunities available, such as the Austrek Expeditions in Australia. Austrek sent us brochures and we Xeroxed it and sent it on to our members. We exist to promote and assist naturists.

I think you folks down south are doing a really great job. Never, never, never quit! Push on harder. Always harder. If you meet resistance, make it so uncomfortable for the resistee that he will quit first! You are getting there. You are so close. Don't quit now. Believe you HAVE WON and you will win. Make friends, help your critics (to under stand). Constant pressure never to relax. You take turns exerting pressure, but never ever let the opposition rest. Wear them down. Keep at it, and by constant exposure to our philosophy they will come around. If they don't it's no great loss. Get THEM to loose their tempers. Never loose ours. Keep good humour, smile a lot. NEVER CRITICISE. How can you loose?

Rowan Haven

Dear Sir,

About fifteen years back, maybe twenty, a group of boys from New Zealand "borrowed" a boat for a days sail. They headed out to sea and got lost. They drifted and drifted and were finally cast ashore on a deserted island. They somehow did survive until they were accidentally found and rescued about a year later.

I have often, very often, wondered about them and if their story has ever been told in a book. I have never had an opportunity to visit New Zealand, and have never been able to find out if such a book might in fact exist. Do you or anybody there know of any such book? If it does exist, I would want to buy it. In the interest of simplicity, only answer this request if the answer if affirmative.

When it comes to originality full marks must be given to the North Shore Sun Club, for where else in New Zealand will you find another Sun Club almost on top of a hill!

On top of the World? Well not quite, certainly on top of Orewa Heights and on a clear day you can see for miles and miles over beautiful rolling farm lands and feel at peace with God and Mankind. The name plate at the gate is "Kirikau". Not just sure what that means, but "Tirihunga" means the place with a broad outlook and that would apply to this site. There it is in the last fold of the hilltop, this lovely place is a gem for North Shore Sun-lovers, sheltered from the easterlies on one side, from the southerlies by the high pine trees on the boundary and lying as it does to the North basking in the Sunshine all day long.

My visit was all to short but time enough to see the possibilities of this young club. I Hope they have among their members some with a flair for landscaping and if so and given free reign this glade could indeed become a place of beauty. Apart from the open spaces there is magnificent bushy dell of native trees and towering above them, a sturdy Kauri, splendid in all its strength. Here in abundance, are plenty of young native seedlings which should provide all the club's requirements for beautifying the grounds and in the not too distant future the driveway to the car-park could be flanked by their own native trees. I am told that one day members hope to develop a roadway past the club cottage on above the volley ball court towards the pine trees opening up an ideal site for camping or caravans or just lazing in the sun! The little spring that feeds the swim pool is tiny but constant. For right through the summer it never runs dry.

Good luck to the planning committee may your plans come to fruition. Every young Sun Club has its beginnings and I know for certain that this club is a mighty healthy infant and will grow steadily in the years ahead.

Doug Skene A.O.H.C.

Dear Sir,

I enjoy reading 'NZ Naturist" and look forward to receiving it in the post every three months.

I look forward to summer when I can go nude whenever possible at my flat and at a few secluded beaches a few miles from Brisbane.

Being interested in a healthy lifestyle I find being nude and having cool air circulating freely around the body is very healthy and beneficial.

I have been interested in nudism since I was 11. I am now 31.

Being a nudist is a well kept secret from my parents who are very narrow minded and would probably excommunicate me from the family or try doubly hard to get me to change my mind.

I am also an active member of my local church and I believe God created the human body to be a reflection of himself and not to be looked on as something obscene.

My other interests include growing and studying herbs for medicinal purposes, eating healthy foods, bush walking and arts and crafts.

John Carpenter

Dear Sir,

A personal view of the present situation with nudist clubs. It is nudism at a price, for those easily led or mindless persons, who like to be dictated on who is acceptable and standards are generally adopted by a founder committee, which by sheer hard work and fanatical enthusiasm for the nudist cause to begin with, have soon entrenched themselves in a position of power. Because of their early efforts - everlasting and undying obedient gratitude of the members, without criticism is demanded - the old guard maintain their power by granting each other life membership, honorary membership when they leave for other places, etc, etc.

This so called enlightened despotism is carried through regardless of future growth or decline of the clubs, past slights or disagreements with fellow nudists are forever remembered and rekindled, polished up at every opportunity when assuming or leaving office and cannot be laid aside at any price.

Of course it was thanks to their dedication, no one else would put so much effort into the club when all is said and done, always the same people are fronting up when there is work to be done, blab, blab, sounds familiar? However these clubs, appeal in general to the converted and those members of suburbia, who like everything laid on, more or less as an extension of home, which is fine if one wants to settle for that.

Dick van der Vliet

Dear Sir,

I continue to be impressed with the standard of articles in the magazine but I was a bit disturbed on flicking through the September 1981 issue to see the predominance of women in the photos.

I have nothing against nude women in photos. Quite the contrary but it seems a bit odd that as a practicing nudist and a member of W.O.S. I find the membership to be about 50/50 male to female (and I would presume that the membership of all other clubs is of much the same ratio).

Yet in with very exceptions you have only printed photos of women in your magazine. The one full grown man depicted was carefully arranged so as to miss off his manhood.

It seems to me that if you wish to print a girlie magazine that's fine, but if you wish to portray nudism as it is then in this last issue at least you have sadly failed.

What I am really trying to say is that I would like to see many more photos of people the way they really are on the naturist scene. Ordinary, full of the normal blemishes and divided approximately 50/50 male to female.

Noel Sandford

Dear Sir,

OPPOSING VESTED INTERESTS?

The compulsion to wear clothes - where the climatic conditions do not make it a necessity - is morbid, pernicious and unhygienic. Those who suffer from this syndrome to the extent that they require others to conform to their perverse behaviour should be ostracized. Society should require that if they insist on their bizarre displays they should join "Cover-up Camps" away from the rest of us, where they may consort with others of similar bent, leaving us to enjoy the freedom of a clothes-optional existence, as is natural.

Gordon McShean

NEW ZEALAND CLUB DIRECTORY

The secretaries of these clubs will be pleased to hear from genuine inquirers. Please enclose return postage.

new zealand

naturist

incorporating australian nudist news

No. 101 June 1982

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

Typesetting and Artwork by:

Ad Service, P.O. Box 22271, Otahuhu

Printed by:

Howick Press Ltd.

P.O. Box 38-065.

Howick.

Distributed by:

Gordon and Gotch (NZ) Ltd

(Top)

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 391. GISBORNE
NEW ZEALAND

Applications for membership of clubs should be made direct to the club secretary (See Club Directory)

PHOTO CREDITS

Leif Heilberg

   I Front Cover, Page 1, 9, 12

M.R. Brittan

    Front Cover, Back Cover

Fritz Prenzel

   Centre Spread

Lindsay McLeod

   P2, P4, P15

Doug Cousins

   IBC, Page 18

STATE ASSOCIATIONS:

Nudist Association of
Victoria,*

P.O. Box 44
Balaclava Vic. 3128

Nudist Association
  of Queensland,*

P.O. Box 101.
Woodridge QId 4114.

NOTE: The clubs marked with an asterisk (*) above are affiliated with the Australian Nudist Federation.

DEADLINES FOR COPY

102 September 1982 - 15th July

103 December 1982 - 1st October 82

104 March 1983 - 30th January 1983

105 June 1983 - 20th April 1983