# 114 - September 1985 

"A sun club? No tags? We haven't had a group like that before. Why not?" This reaction from the pool manager said it all, and our booking was made.

Over winter the Rotata Sun Club committee meetings are held at members' homes together with a social weekend/party. The suggestion came to hire a hot pool in Tauranga (yes, committee members are well spread out in central/eastern North Island), to invite other clubs, and to advertise it as a social day for possible new members - in mid-winter! Newspaper ads drew responses from mainly free-beachers, but also two new membership units (at least).

Saturday, July 13 dawned wet and horrible, but cleared midmorning. Having no indication of numbers coming and a set payment agreed on, my bank manager was shaking at the knees. What a calming influence the sight of the W.O.S. (Waikato) people had on me! The pool windows had been screened, but the barbecue/playing area was open to view. No problem, though. People were stripped off and into the pool before I had finished the formalities, and a trickle of people arrived all afternoon.

The children (yes, the big ones too!) had a great time with various exhausting games (who was that Waikato lady who stood on my foot every time I jumped for the ball?) and those bubbles were from the pool!

With the pool hired for four hours, most crawled out early. About 30 people arrived at my home for dinner with arm-loads of food and refreshments (nudists are like that, aren't they?), and a team in the kitchen soon produced the goods to everyone's satisfaction. With everyone pooped from the pool, the evening was fairly quiet, and we had only 17 stay the night - not bad for a 3 bedroom house.

Sunday came with committee meeting and departures (and some passing through again!) The house cleaned up very easily (enough crumbs in the vacuum cleaner for a packet of biscuits, and enough wool to knit a jersey), the fridge had leftovers and refreshments (no cooking for a few days!), and I have actually found everything in my kitchen.

A great weekend with pleasant company. My thanks to the people who travelled from Auckland and Waikato (from other clubs) and also B.O.P. members and local people - you all helped make it a success.

The pool managers have invited us back anytime (and may join the club themselves!), so we will try again April/May next year. Oh, yes: after a raffle in the evening the finances came out $2 in credit, and my bank manager is still smiling!

Moral of the story: interclub contact can be maintained over winter, and is enthusiastically welcomed, Thanks folks.

EDITORIAL

Complacency Can Kill

In my position as editor, I get to see a lot of newsletters from New Zealand and around the world. Recently, overseas newsletters are telling stories that have a disturbing reoccurring theme. That theme, is not only to do with the trouble nudist groups are having in establishing Free Beaches but more importantly keeping them. Recently one American beach that had been used by hundreds of nudists a year was made "togs" only - why?

Complacency killed the beach. The moral majority - I believe it is a fundamentalist Christian group decided that a nudist beach was not acceptable so they campaigned to close it and this is where complacency set in.

The nudists stayed on the beach sunbathing and swimming and said no-one can take our beach away - but they did - complacency killed the beach.

The irony is that the Gallup Poll results reprinted from the front of the Journal of the Senses, a publication of the Elysium Institute shows quite clearly that 72% of Americans support the existence of nude beaches.

I hope that we in New Zealand can learn from this. Many people have spent many years building the movement to the prominence we have today. Our clubs are accepted parts of their communities and many beaches have recognised "free" areas. We need to not only preserve what we have, but build on it for our children's children..

Our future looks good but remember - for our future depends on it that COMPLACENCY KILLS.

Graeme Brown
Editor

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION
ON BEAUTY PAGEANTS

Worldwide Opinion Poll

Not long ago I was reading an article in one of the daily newspapers about the Miss and Mrs and Mr beauty contests, we have them in Holland as well as in the U.S.A., France and Yugoslavia.

A very popular contest is the Miss America. The young ladies are not only tested by their beauty but also their intelligence, they have to sing, play an instrument and so on, but as always the bathing costume show is one of the highlights.

During the last couple of years there have been scandals, for example 3 years ago. Miss New York was disqualified due to the fact that she had put material within her bra to make her breasts look bigger and better looking. Last year Miss America, Vanessa Williams, lost her crown because they found out that she had posed nude for a photographer.

Some naturist clubs in the U.S.A. and Yugoslavia have every year Miss Elections, in contrast to the textile ones, they are nude. I wonder if there is any difference between the two, apart from being nude.

I have witnessed a beauty contest in England and Canada and afterwards I wonder if it's not all fixed beforehand? or rather, the one that has done most work for a club wins? because I have seen better figures on girls who lost out and became number 13 or 16, but of course that could be my interpretation of taste.

Do these beauty pageants really fit in our naturist society, where everyone thick, thin, big or small is considered equal.

Most Dutch naturists I think don't like these pageants, but our naturist brothers and sisters in the U.S.A. for example love them, or am I wrong.

Is it really only money that keeps these pageants going and that includes our naturist clubs as well, or do the members love it as well?

If you like it or dislike it, please write us and drop us a line to:

   N.P.N. Naturist Swimclub "Puur Natuur"

   Postbox 281, 2740 AG Waddinxveen

   The Netherlands

Those who ever participated in beauty contests at nudist clubs are also invited to tell us what they think about it. We will compile all information worldwide and the outcome will be published in the various naturist magazines. Write us now we are awaiting your reactions.

Robbert Broekstra

Way back around 1970, a small group of nudists seeking to find a secluded beach settled for an area about one kilometre west of the Papamoa Domain, and a few kilometres from Mt Maunganui. This proved satisfactory, until the nearby motor camp expanded, and too many people started to wander along to our spot. As time went by, we moved further along the same stretch of beach, and later, much further along, away from houses and people. This area became tremendously popular and the Bay of Plenty free beach group was formed. People from everywhere flocked to this beautiful beach, and we were at last recognised by the Tauranga County Council, which body, being anxious to avoid complaints, requested a sign to be erected on the beach.

Being the local organiser at that time, I summoned volunteers to make and erect a sign, some of the money needed was obtained by a sort of whip round on the beach, and the rest from our own funds.

The problem of vandalism was uppermost in our minds, and the making of the sign was interesting. A length of 3" galvanised pipe was obtained, and to this, at the base and just above, were welded long tentacles of steel, making the below ground part some 2'6" wide. The sign itself was a piece of ¼" steel plate which was welded to the pipe.

Several people carried the completed sign across the sand dunes to where others had dug a huge hole in the sand, fresh water, builders' mix, and cement followed, and the structure duly concreted in place. To avoid the possibility of someone hack-sawing the pipe, we filled it with a nice strong concrete mix. All this happened in 1982, and our vandal-proof sign stands proudly on the beach, bearing testimony to the efforts of a few, to make this beach a popular and hassle-free place to enjoy the sun and surf. The sign says:- "If undressed, please go no further 'Bare with us'", which is just what people are doing in increasing numbers everywhere.

Unfortunately the price of progress may take its toll, as large new subdivisions creep nearer and nearer to our paradise.

The Tauranga Information Centre should be able to give the location, but briefly, drive along Girven Road (large Woolworth complex on corner) and turn first right past the phone box. Proceed past Bay Park Raceway and Ocean Pines Motor Camp until reaching the "Welcome to Papamoa" sign on the left (about one kilometre). Park your car on the grassy area, and walk over the sand dunes to the beach, turn left, and you are nearly there. FOOTNOTE: Illness forced me to leave my beach paradise, and for further information I can be contacted at Auckland 817-5494.

Nude or Naked

A. Appleton

A fine distinction perhaps but one which we might address ourselves to. We are all naked under the clothes we wear. To be nude however suggests that we take our clothes off with some purpose in mind. That purpose however is not the same say a naked society like the Tasaday tribe of The Phillipines, who choose to live that way. Or do they? Since it never occurs to them that they are naked there is no choice, just are, one with their surroundings and their bodies. Do we in the Naturist movement attempt to emulate a naked society and return to a Garden of Eden situation? If the answer is yes, how far have we progressed along the way? Are we very convincing Nudists? If the answer is no, just what are we trying to prove? I believe we are not convincing, that at best we are a tolerable compromise between a naked society and one from which we cannot completely escape. Still trapped as we are by taboos about the exposure of genitals.

Even with clothes removed sexuality is suppressed. We pretend that genitals do not exist. Freud suggested that suppression is necessary for the advancement of civilisation. The evidence is all around us, suppressed sexuality leads to dissatisfaction with our environment. Hence the urge to build bigger and better houses, transport systems, and technology in all its forms.

In 1929 an author wrote, "The present of nakedness can be stated in a brief sentence: Nakedness today is a crime in all civilised countries and a sin in all Christian congregation: it is a vicious condition of the human body; it is the fruit of that forbidden tree the eating of which men have no intention of risking again." Confusion seems to arise over interpreting the difference between unrepressed sexuality and flaunting it in a licentious manner. In the last issue a writer mentioned the difficulties in competing with girlie magazines. I don't see the difficulty. These are examples of sexuality being flaunted because it has been suppressed. It is possible to be modest and nude.

I refer again to unconcealed societies of Africa, South America and the Pacific. When 'discovered' first by merchant traders followed by Christian missionaries, who insisted that these so called savages clothe themselves. To the consternation of those worthy gentlemen, morality plummeted. As a result of this contact with civilisation almost all of these tribes and cultures have disappeared in the space of 200 years.

So where does all this leave the nudist club in modern New Zealand? From the foregoing it seems we remove our clothes, but we cannot remove what have become inbuilt restraints against complete freedom. That is, we are not nude until we become naked as well.

So next time you visit your club, try to leave the shackles of the mind at home with the cement mixer.

CORRESPONDENCE CLUB FOR
ADULTS & CHILDREN

We like to inform you that we give out a newsletter in English with the latest news from the naturist front. The news comes from our correspondents all over the world, our last newsletter had news from Bulgaria, Mexico and the USA.

For some time, quite a few naturists have asked if it was possible to obtain names and addresses of naturists to exchange photos and information, and I am glad to tell you that from now on it will be possible for you to be listed each time the newsletter comes out. (No swingers please.)

Besides the newsletter we also started two years ago the WCCYN (Worldwide Correspondence Club Young Naturists) this has been a great success and more than 130 children write to each other, exchanging visits, telephoning each other, photo exchange, and so on. Your children can be put on this special list with no extra cost whatsoever.

What will it cost you: We don't intend to make a profit, but as this is a service for all naturists and we do have to pay for the printing and air mail stamps, we kindly ask you for a donation of $5.00 USA (for those in England £4.00).

As the bank in Holland charges quite a bit for exchanging cheques, please mail us your money in CASH. As soon as we have received your wish to obtain our newsletter all numbers will be mailed to you starting August 1985 and all numbers for 1986. Don't forget to indicate if you only wish to receive our newsletter or be put as well on the adults correspondence list, or the WCCYN for children.

If children want to be put on their list, here is what to do.

1. Write your name and address.

2. School and grade you are in

3. What club you visit or beach

4. Your age

5. If you want to write with a boy or girl and in what country

6. Hobbies

This worldwide service for naturists is organised by Holland's largest swim club "Pure Nature" with more than 600 members. Articles and photos are always welcome for our newsletters and we shall be looking forward in hearing from you.

Postbus 281, 2740 A.G.
Waddinxveen, Holland.

The NZ Nudist Federation Inc. offers the following annual Press prizes:

A) An NZNF contribution prize for the best article published in the Naturist, on our about Nudism, by any contributor in any one calendar year.

B) An NZNF photographic prize for the best family photograph published in the Naturist NOT TAKEN AT RALLIES by any contributor in any one calendar year.

C) An NZNF media prize for the best article published in any newspaper, or magazine other than the Naturist, on nudism or about nudism in New Zealand, in any one year.

D) An NZNF Club Notes prize, for the best Club notes published in the Naturist in any one year.

So far as prizes A, B, & D are concerned, the Executive will appoint three judges to examine each issue of the Naturist in the 12-month period, to determine which, in their opinion, is worth awarding the appropriate prize. The judges' decision will be final.

The contributors may have had their article or photograph published under a nom de plume, and this will not bar consideration. Where, in the opinion of the judges no one article or photograph comes up to a standard worthy of a prize, then no prize need be awarded that year.

Each prize will be worth $25.

So far as Prize C is concerned, any articles which are considered worthy should be submitted either by the author or a club with the author's permission, and if necessary the editor of the newspaper or magazine, to the NZNF Secretary, BEFORE 1 December of each year. A panel of judges, appointed by the Executive, will consider each entry and award a prize to the entry which, in their opinion, best reflect nudism in New Zealand in a realistic manner. The judges decision will be final, and where no entries are received or entries are not up to a standard worthy of a prize, no prize will be awarded.

The prize will be worth $25.

Prize winners will be announced at the NZNF AGM.

Thirty-two people travelled from points north and south to attend the South Island Seminar which was held in Timaru on the 30th and 31st of June. Nelson, Canterbury, South Canterbury and The Orchard Sun Clubs were represented.

The meeting opened at 1.30pm and was chaired by Ian Angell, South Island vice-president. A special welcome was extended to Gary Watson president of the NZNF.

Many topics were discussed and after afternoon tea informal groups were formed to discuss Marketing, Membership and Freedom. The meeting closed for that day at 5pm.

Saturday evening we met around 6.30pm for a meal at the Timaru Town and Country Club. Some of the Canterbury members arrived much later, their excuse being that they had lost their way and ended up in the wharf area. Some of us wondered if they were looking for another form of entertainment. It proved to be a good table topic. After the meal we moved downstairs to the dancing area. A very pleasant evening was had by all.

Sunday dawned fine and cool and wet met again in the hall at 9.30am. Morning tea was served and then a summary of the topics of the previous day were presented by the group leaders. Joyce "Membership", Eddie, "Marketing", and Pam, "Freedom". More discussion followed and Gary Watson gave an interesting talk about tourism. Holidays for overseas nudists in N.Z. They would be travelling in motor vans and would like to be able to use the club's facilities.

The meeting closed at midday when we were served lunch. The south Canterbury Club did a wonderful job as hosts and must be congratulated on their fine food and wonderful hospitality.

Indeed a very well informed weekend was experienced by us all. Many had come a long distance but we shared a warmth and sincerity that is found in sun club people meeting together.

Pam Routledge
The Orchard Sun Club,
Dunedin

On June the 5th it was a big day for members of the naturist swimclub "Pure Nature" this was in connection with remaining nude at a lake near the town of Zevenhuizen near Gouda last year while police asked them to cover up. The chamber court was too small for all those who came from many corners of the country, some were even standing at the back, to listen to the judge and officer of justice. Instead of 10 in the morning it all started at 11.00 o'clock and lasted till after 12.00.

It was my first time in life to stand in front of a court facing the pleasant looking judge and a grim looking officer of justice. But I was there with four more, while Mona Broekstra was at that time in Finland on holidays, but it was also good to know that so many members and others were present, to back us up.

Very soon the officer of justice laid down the maximum charge of $50.00 a person, as he stated that it was shocking for the local population to come across naturists at this particular beach (being far away from textile beaches as well) it was obscene to show one's genitals in public according to article 95 of the local police law, it could lead to sexual misbehaviour; article 239 says it's a sexual offence, it could create unrest (I could go on and on).

Our lawyer himself also being a naturist talked for 25 minutes and stated that this article 95 does not say anything about naturism and therefore in no way has naturism anything to do with misbehaviour, sex, indecency. By the way your honour, our lawyer continued, at the moment the word naturism is being taken care of on July 2nd in the first chamber of our parliament, and it will be taken out of the sphere of sexual offence. He pleaded for us to go out free, but if that would not be possible, "to reduce the fine to $15.00 to give my clients the opportunity to take it to higher court." "Are you planning that," asked the officer of justice in a strong voice, the lawyer answered, "I will have to discuss that with my clients." During the 25 minutes our lawyer spoke, quite a few things were written down by both the judge and officer. To speak out on this matter would be two weeks later.

On June 19th the decision came. The fine remained unchanged $50.00 a person or 3 days in jail. Everyone was surprised, and that in liberal Holland in 1985.

The same day and the next the newspapers came out with big headlines like Fines for 6 naturists or Town of Zevenhuizen fights against naturists, one newspaper went as far to compare two towns in Holland who had big problems, one mayor had six policemen who had gone to visit some girls of pleasure, the other mayor had problems with naturists, here again naturism is thrown on one pile with prostitution. Another paper had a cartoon showing nudists in front of the judge. "I want the bare facts, only", this was really the best.

The naturists will take it higher up now and will end up in high court in Rotterdam but that could take another six to nine months.

The 1985/86 N.Z. National Rally which this year is being held at "Pineglades", the grounds of the Canterbury Sun Club, will feature a "Western" style and is named the "O.K. Rally".

Rally organiser, Kay Russell, promises a great deal of fun and good times for all participants, young and old, and says that it will be a Rally "like never before". In addition to all the usual activities and sports, (including mini-ten, teni-quoits, swimming, volleyball and table tennis) there will be a comprehensive children's programme and special "Western-Style" events including a "Las Vegas Gambling Night", "Western Welcome", a "Great Western Talent Quest Concert", New Year's Eve Country Dance, and a mystery evening organised by the Southern Sun and Health Club.

The excellent facilities at Pineglades include the recently upgraded swimming pool, a superb spa and sauna complex and a modern club house. There are plenty of power sites for caravans as well as sites for camping. The 20 acres of grounds are set in a rural atmosphere near the small township of Rolleston

so that one can enjoy the sun and space of the Canterbury countryside, yet be within easy reach of local shops etc. Christ- church itself is a pleasant 20 minutes drive away and it is hoped that visitors will take advantage of some of the varied and interesting amenities offered by the city including Orana Wildlife Park, the Museum, Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens and the sporting facilities at Q.E. II Park and elsewhere. Above all, it is confidently expected that Canterbury will produce another of its famous long hot summers!

Kay Russell says that the high reputation of the Canterbury Sun Club as a host for the National Rally is on the line again this year and the club is determined to come up to expectation and in fact to exceed them. She says that the club has an excellent rally organising team and everything is well underway for one of the best rallies every held in New Zealand. Sounds mighty fine!

All enquiries for rally attendance, fees, etc can be sent to the Rally Organiser, P.O. Box 1823, Christchurch.

CLUB NEWS

CANTERBURY SUN CLUB

Doug Cousin's article hit the mark and stimulated me to make amends. For too long we at Canterbury have been engrossed in our own navel contemplation. The truth is we did not wish to publicise too widely the existence of our spa and sauna and thus start an exodus from other clubs. Even so we have had difficulty in coping with the rush of people wishing to join. For example, we now have two members from Gisborne, who have sought asylum in the South Island. Unfortunately the rally is to be held at Pineglades this year, then our secret will be known throughout New Zealand. Most nudists know already the C.S.C. is the best side of the Black Stump.

So what has been happening to justify this opinion. There is the usual gathering of stalwarts at the bar on Saturday afternoons. No, not some kind of horse with blemishes, but members having a sauna or a game of darts or bowls, then tingling with vitality and good humour, a few nourishing and cooling drinks. In June we had a video evening, followed in July by a dine-out at an ethnic restaurant. The highlight of our social calendar was the ball in August.

The most important event in the club this year, and for many years to come, was the sinking of a new well. This well was sunk to a depth of 90 metres and will ensure a good clean supply of water for the foreseeable future.

Our involvement in Telethon was also noteworthy. On June 23 a bunch of hardy annuals gathered at the poolside for a sponsored dip into the icy water. Ian Fairbrother is now out of intensive care. It was worth it, a sum of $300 was raised. For those of you interested in coincidences, the number of goose bumps raised was equal to the amount donated nationally. Isn't that amazing. We also got a plug on TV.

See you all at the Rally.

SOUTH AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

Greetings from the South Auckland Nudist Club. Well folks, spring is just around the corner, hopefully bringing us fine weather. Over the winter months we have been holding a few social activities to keep our club members together.

Recently we held a Priest & Prostitute evening. A lot of laughs. The "ladies" looked absolutely gorgeous. What a shame they didn't shave their legs. Also a successful wine and cheese evening was held. Club members were encouraged to bring along friends. Not only was it a successful evening but it was also a good way to introduce new members.

This month we are holding a garage sale which will hopefully give our funds a much needed boost. We have also been granted the use of the Manurewa Pools for swim nights once a month. These nights have been a great success attracting many of our own members and alsO members from other clubs. Kids of all ages have enjoyed playing in the kayaks and tyre tubes.

Another social get together has been arranged for September. As yet we have been unable to arrange a much needed working bee at the club grounds. Every time we pick a date we get rained. out. Hopefully a fine day will be organised soon.

That's all from us this time. Roll on summer...!!!

WANGANUI SUN CLUB

Last summer was most likely the best we ever had at the club grounds with good local attendances, many other clubs visiting us and some overseas visitors, this coming summer we are expecting to be even better. Much work has been put in lately on extensions to the club house to house a laundry, showers and other improvements. The camping areas and surrounds are even better than last year and thanks to a keen hard working membership facilities will be better than ever.

Our summer activities as usual will open perhaps not with a big bang but a series of little bangs and sparkles on Saturday, November 2 with our new well established bonfire weekend. If you are Wanganui way, do drop in. There will be the usual parade and judging of guys. At dusk the fire will be lit and after the big burn up and the children settled for the night the grownups can feel free to socialise in the club house. Usually there are many locals camping over the weekend and visitors from other clubs are most welcome to join us.

Like other years there are plans a foot for even better children's Xmas parties, children's fun days, sports days and many others. Another hangi? Another hangi? Watch our newsletter for further details.

If last summer is any indication, any weekend is worth a visit if you are down Wanganui way or are looking for a good place to go for a holiday. Have you visited Wanganui lately? Over the last few years the club has gone from strength to strength. The friendliest club needs no selling to those that have visited it and to those coming for the first time. We have a first class road to the gate, metalled drive, power and water and other facilities improving all the time - sports facilities, set in a pleasant rural setting, a cosy club house and bunk house.

I hope to see many new faces, as well as the many friends from other years visiting us this summer. They will not be sorry.

While stopping at the club there are plenty of attractions to visitors wishing to go for a drive around the Wanganui district and our river offers many boat trips including the wine trip. Be seeing you.

WELLINGTON SUN CLUB

Our good news is that we have passed the first hurdle on the way back to where our club was a few months ago in terms of the bureaucracy. The Upper Hutt City Council has granted us existing use rights under the town planning legislation. We now have to apply for a camping ground licence, so we are all keeping our fingers crossed that there will not be too many problems with that.

In the meantime the club proceeding with its usual range of winter activities, a mixture of working bees and socialising. A lot of work has been done around the grounds tidying up all the bush areas we are blessed with, mainly due to the foresight of the club's founders. Work has also gone into bringing the buildings up to scratch including the completion of the ablution block across the creek. Come the new season the grounds should be looking good.

Thirty odd members enjoyed a casino evening at the beginning of July. I mean that there were approximately 30 members present, not that there was something peculiar about that. One member is reported to have become a millionaire - a pity it was only "sunny money". Our social organiser and her committee have other activities planned for later in winter and at the end of the year we will be celebrating our thirtieth anniversary.

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB

Now we are on the upward swing to summer, plans are on the way for sporting and social events to make this a great summer. Interclub events are also on the drawing board. Sporting and other facilities are being upgraded for the summer.

The "Drop In" centre for teenagers has been progressing, and provided a good meeting place for teenagers last summer. It received a setback in May when it was flooded, but by the time this is in print, problems will be rectified.

The second annual banquet held at Easter was sold out long beforehand. The "Wedding Breakfast" was a great success.

We have camping and powered caravan sites for members. Visitors from other clubs in New Zealand and from overseas are welcome.

HAWKES BAY SUN CLUB

Winter is really here, with six degrees of frost in the mornings, but beautiful sunny days.

During our working-bee in May, many lobs have been done, like fencing, weeding, cleaning and dumping. Beautiful hot soup and rolls were provided free to the hardworking members.

Many donations towards the lining of the club hall have been handed in and half of the walls have now been covered.

Eleven members from Hawkes Bay accepted the invitation from Palmerston North Sun Club to attend a social weekend with a Polar Bear swim. It proved a huge success, even if it was a "bit" wet. We were very enthusiastic about the P.N. hospitality and lovely dinner served and prepared by their members. Certificates were given to keen swimmers and Graham (from H.B.) was awarded the Brass Monkey Award for the longest stay in the pool (2 lengths) a social and games evening was held on the Saturday night.

Recently 27 of our members attended a meal at the Indonesian Restaurant in Napier, which is owned by club members. After a social hour at a nearby hotel, everyone enjoyed the Indonesian food in matching surroundings.

So while winter is a bit cool (and sometimes a bit damp) we'll stay in contact by visiting other clubs, having a meal out and a social/games evening at Rapere on the 13th of July.

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB INC.

"What a winter. Here at Lake Downs we have very little rain, cloud or wind, but lots and lots of warm sunny days. We know you've had it rough in other areas and Aucklanders are into gumboots, but we of PNSC have had it great. Members from Wellington, Manawatu and Hawkes Bay Clubs helped us celebrate the winter Solstice with a 'Polar Bare Swim' followed by a traditional Christmas dinner and party. Swimmers received a genuine 'Lake Downs Nut' and the Brass Monkey award went to Graham H of the Bay for two full lengths of the pool. Unfortunately the weather that day was rather inclement, but did not dampen our enthusiasm at all.

Our winter season has been dotted with social events and of course our monthly sauna's at the YMCA. Inter club contacts have increased markedly and have been enjoyed by all who took part. We intend to foster the social interplay of affiliated clubs as it benefits us all.

Our club recently took a large and costly step with the purchase of a 'new' tractor and new mower. Both units have already proved their worth and our grounds are now looking superb. The pool is ever ready for use and we are looking forward to warmer temperatures.

Once again we extend an invitation to card carrying travellers to call and use our facilities. We presently have a full time caretaker who will be pleased to admit you to Lake Downs."

Dear Sir,

We are a naturist family of four here in America and would like to sponsor a naturist youth or siblings on our western ranch here in Utah with our family for a vacation or period of time. We are 39 and 41 years of age and have a son Derrick who is 10 years old and a daughter who is 11

We are Lutherans, in religion and youth counsellors by profession. We have a nice ranch in the west and enjoy camping, hunting, swimming nearby. We are members of the National Nudist Council, American Sunbathing Association, families naturally and Christians altogether.

We would provide transportation from and to Salt Lake International Airport, food, lodging and sightseeing to any naturist youth, ages 10 to 14 years old. If interested write:

Rex & Sharon Bullington,
3955 South 4000 East Vernal,
Utah 84078-9252
or call us for information
phone 801-789-8103.

Dear Sir,

I have just completed reading your latest issue of the New Zealand Naturist, No. 113, with rather mixed feelings. Let me say first, that the Naturist has always been very high in my estimation, and I have a complete file of the magazine commencing with issue No. 57 dated December 1970. My wife and I became nudists in early 1970 and have enjoyed greatly this way of life, and have many friends in New Zealand who are also nudists.

The comments of Doug Cousins whom I have been privileged to meet, are very much to the point, and show his concern for the magazine. He shares my feelings that the club members are not giving the magazine the support it has earned and deserves. To me, over the last few issues it has retrogressed. In contrast, our Australian magazine, Sun and Health, has steadily improved with each issue, due in great degree to the very same matters which Doug deplores as lacking in the Naturist. For many years the Naturist has been a far superior magazine to any other nudist magazine in the world (and I have seen many others). This image is almost destroyed by the article by John C. Cunningham of Divine Reflections. There is nothing "divine" in the article at all, and his approach seems more pornographic than encouraging a true nudist way of life. As nudists, we are not ashamed of any part of our bodies, and there is no shame in freely observing or even admiring those parts which seem to obsess the above writer. Nevertheless, such natural bodily functions do not need to be a theatre production, and should be attended to with due decorum and consideration to of others. Please, sir, desist from the publication of such material and consign it to the place it belongs - the waste paper basket.

As Doug points out, there is a great wealth of activities about which we can write and send photographs to return the Naturist to the very high position it has enjoyed for so many years. I look forward to adding many more copies to my shelves with future issues, where I can always return and browse through the many well written articles and admire the many beautiful pictures of ordinary people enjoying the nudist way of life, something which is not to be found in Playboy or Penthouse. Let us not turn our magazine into a soft porn paper merely to maintain or build circulation. Rather, let us read, absorb, and then act on Doug's plea to do what we should always be doing.

Here in Australia, I know that quite a lot of club members no longer buy the Naturist as they feel that there is little interest to nudists in general and there seems to be a lack of interest among contributors to submit interesting matter of people living and enjoying life as a nudist, in a nudist atmosphere.

E. R. Kavanagh Committee Secretary
Naturi Sun Club,
Australia.

Dear Sir,

The reason I am writing - is to comment on a letter in the No. 112, March 1985 (after much consideration as whether to comment or not). It is in response to the "Letter to the Editor" from D. J. Ward, Western Australia in issue No. 112.

Before I go on to comment to Mr D. J. Ward's letter, I would like to mention - that as a nudist - and a known nudist, I am used to being ostracised, misunderstood, considered a health nut and definitely a member of that orgiastic cult of nudists (as some would have it, who believe clothes only come off for sex - and cannot be convinced of anything different from that). I am no judge - nor part of a jury, I am simply myself and one who has to review others - for membership. I don't ask for sexual preferences or confessions, only that the person is genuine - and is prepared to respect the wishes and privacy of others, and to follow a few necessary rules - their sex life is not any of my business unless they are breaking rules of respecting privacy and forcing themselves onto others - unwilling persons, and admittedly I cannot see anyone homosexual wishing to join a club - if they did, I would endeavour to assist - and allow them to join and to have usage of a "new" area adjoining or nearby, so as to be kept under club control and management.

Any genuine nudist, regardless of race, creed, sex, belief is entitled to admittance - if they do play up or disregard rules and regulations they are quickly gotten rid of. It is how they conduct themselves now, than who or what they are. As I said, I don't ask for their sexual or love life preference, so would find it hard to judge them into a specific and individual sexual category when interviewing respective members.

I would stress tho', if I was to be approached by admitted homosexuals; then I would assist and help form a club for "gays", as I am sure that gay people would not openly join a mixed and family group (they do not like a female body). I will concede however - that it is possible that gay people could like to be part of a club, so for that reason, state that I am prepared to help them form a group - and to allow use of part of the grounds; and that it is possible, members agreeing, that a few social occasions could be had together (the woman have nothing to fear - and a man, only his own conscience).

To reply to D. J. Ward, I do feel his letter is biased, and unfair - to any person who genuinely wishes to be a nudist (and who may be single), it isn't so long ago, any nudist was criticised and ridiculed by others - so we therefore should not set out now, to do just that to others. Live and let live is what we want and must be prepared to allow that to others. One man's cup of tea is another man's poison - that doesn't mean we have to try and make them all drink tea. I would like D. J. Ward to perhaps contact me - to clarify just what he thinks NUDISM/NATURISM is, I am sure it isn't to sit in judgement on others.

I am afraid, to tell, clothed or unclothed, whether a person is gay, bi, lesbian, child molester, prostitute, nymphomaniac or whatever; is hard. Unfortunately, it does happen occasionally that these various types do interfere - but they could just as easily be flourishing happily unnoticed - what can we do? HELP, not close our eyes or go around criticising - God alone is judge.

Yours in nudism
and friendship,
Graeme J. Saunders

Dear Sir,

I wonder how many nudists have avoided taking their films or slides to a chemist of photo store in case there is an unpleasant reaction from the person behind the counter. Perhaps they have even refrained from ever taking nudist photographs because of anticipated problems with their processing.

Your readers might be interested to know that as a retirement occupation, I am establishing a small professional photographic darkroom, and will be developing and printing both black and white (all types) and colour (C14, E6, and Cibachrome processes). I shall concentrate on quality rather than quantity and will not be employing any assistants, preferring to maintain a personal relationship with my clients.

Any nudists can send their films (not Kodachrome or other special processes) to me for quality confidential processing. I can also take photographs for clubs or individuals as required. My address is 16 Selwyn Street, New Plymouth.

Doug Ball,
T.N.C.

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. 114 September 1985

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 957. AUCKLAND.
NEW ZEALAND

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

PHOTO CREDITS

Leif Heilberg

   Front Cover, P4, P14

Doug Cousins

   I.F.C, P2, P6, P9, P16, P17

Freddy Karstensen

   P12, P18, I.B.C., Back Cover,

Colleen, WSC

  Centre Spread

STATE ASSOCIATIONS:

Nudist Association of
Victoria,*

P.O. Box 313,.
Reservoir 3073

Nudist Association
of Queensland,*

P.O. Box 442,
Woodridge QId 4114.

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

DEADLINES FOR COPY

116 March 1986 - 30th January 1986

117 June 1986 - 20th April 1986

118 September 1986 - 15th July 1986

119 December 1986 - 1st Oct 1986