# 116 - March 1986 

The only official business of the Rally, the AGM of the Federation, was held on December 28 in order to leave the full ensuing five days free for recreation and enjoyment. The most important items on the agenda were the election of Officers.

Alan Henderson, formerly a Vice-President, was elected President to replace Gary Watson who stood down. Ian Angel also resigned from the South Island Vice Presidency and Arnold Kremer replaces him.

I am now in the 'hot seat" as North Island Vice-President. The record of achievement set by my predecessor Alan will be a hard act to follow, but I shall do the very best I can for fellow nudists and the Federation.

Ray Woolhouse continues his invaluable service as National Secretary. So, too, does Bert Taylor as Treasurer, a position he has held for the past four years. Our new Public Relations Officer is Joyce Mullen.

The Trophy Secretary plays a large part in the planning of the annual rally. In this capacity Angela Kremer has inherited the headaches from Eileen Watson who has stood down. (I hope Angela realises she will be pulling her hair out by the handfuls later in the year when the clubs forget to return their trophies!)

Graeme Brown continues as editor of this magazine. It is appropriate at this time to point out that, when he took over the production of the "NZ Naturist" five years ago, it was in a far from happy position both financially and circulation-wise.

Today, with the different and much more attractive format Graeme introduced, together with cost-saving resulting from improving production efficiency, the magazine's circulation has increased dramatically and its financial position is sound.

Photo: Lindsay McLeod

Photo: Lindsay McLeod

(NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Please do not edit out this paragraph! - Sue.)

It is a matter of deep regret that the Free Beach Movement has lost interest in the Federation. For several years now, no one has been willing to act as Free Beach Coordinator. Accordingly, this position has reluctantly been abolished.

A recommendation was adopted that, in order for clubs to have ample time to organise a Rally, applications to act as hosts should be lodged two years in advance. Wellington will host the Rally for 1986/87, and the Auckland Outdoor Health Club for 1987/88.

Mapua Leisure Park Country Club, for the past seven years a sustaining member of the Federation, has at last been accepted as a proprietary member. It will be a valuable addition to the movement, as many overseas as well as New Zealand tourists regularly visit the club.

After five years manning a stall at Mystery Creek, Hamilton for the promotion of nudism throughout New Zealand, the Waikato Outdoor Society reaped the just reward of the Pat Trott Trophy for services to naturism.

The stall comprises an area of approximately 60 square feet, from which they promote all clubs in New Zealand, run a video movie of their own club, and answer all questions from the public.

Finally in this report on the AGM, a mention of the Mowlem Trophy. It is awarded annually to the club that has shown the greatest increase in membership during the past year; not in actual numbers, but as a percentage of their previous membership figures.

This ensures that all clubs large and small have an equal chance to compete, Our congratulations to the South Auckland Sun Club, this year's winners.

Jim Hopkins of TVNZ gave a light-hearted and entertaining speech to welcome all New Zealand nudists, as well as two overseas visitors, to the 34th National Rally of the Federation.

He spoke of his first experience of visiting a nudist club 10 years before. Unsure of himself, he kept his gaze firmly fixed at eye level, scared that if he looked lower, alarms would sound and he would be unceremoniously marched off the grounds.

Christmas, he commented, was a bad time for TVNZ. Choosing suitable gifts was a difficult task, especially for people of importance. He did, however, offer a few suggestions.

For Rob Muldoon two tickets to "Rambo" to enable him to compare Sylvester Stallone's fighting technique in Vietnam with his own in New Zealand. For David Lange - a copy of his own biography, "I fought Anorexia and Won". For Jim Bolger - also a book, a copy of "Julius Caesar", to show him how Brutus did it. And for John Rowles - a present of 10 visits to a speech therapist.

As his piece-de-resistance, Jim Hopkins offered his own solution to the problem of securing world peace: Compulsory nudism for all world leaders was obviously the answer. Can you imagine, he asked, Mr Reagan and Mr Gorbachev, over a luncheon in Geneva, both totally naked, saying "I'll show you my missile if you'll show me yours''?

The wine and cheese evening was a time both for renewing old friendships and making new ones. Swinging music for dancing soon got things moving. There was much hilarity at the game of Passing the Balloon between the knees (no hands allowed), a competition for the man with the brownest legs, the best Continental dancers and the "smoochiest" couple.

The refreshments were excellent, including an impressive selection of cheeses, and the evening was still going full blast in the early hours of the morning.

Then there was the "Las Vegas" night. Crown and Anchor, Horse Racing and many other gambling games were available. "Play money" was the only acceptable currency, which could be obtained very cheaply; several thousand dollars' worth cost only a few bucks. Thousands were won but millions were lost. (Strangely enough, Arnold and Bob of Canterbury Sun Club both closely involved with the organising of the night were among the biggest winners . . .!!

At the end of the night, winnings could not be "cashed in" but could only be used to bid at auction for sundry items and some "mystery prizes" - the latter providing much hilarity. One player bid up to $1.5 million for a mystery prize which was found to contain a packet of Durex. To add insult to injury the same man's wife paid $100,000 for an "emergency travel kit" which turned out to contain another packet of Durex, some engine oil and sundry other useless (or useful?) items.

Finding time for a shopping spree in Christchurch, I returned to the Rally to find World War Three in progress - or what seemed like it. There were children of all ages, big and small, dashing around waving toy swords and yelling themselves hoarse. Water and flour bombs were flying in every direction. In the end, I don't think any of them knew which side they were on but who cared?

On another evening a party of 35 of us dined out at "Rambles", a first-class Christchurch restaurant. With delightful company and a superb meal, the evening was an unqualified success - even though we were a wee bit noisy with our high spirits. I'm afraid the waitresses were a little disapproving, especially one who fled into the kitchen when she found out who she had been serving. The Nudists! One would have thought we had the "dreaded lurgy"! A slight hiatus in communication occurred when Ray, one of our party, ordered steamed plum pudding with "coo-steed". He wanted custard, but left the chef totally perplexed.

One lunchtime entertainment was the "Great Alice Springs Boat Race". For the uninitiated, the original of this hilarious event, held annually in Alice Springs, requires boat hulls of fabric on a lightweight frame, but without any bottom, inside which stand as many men as can be crammed in, who pick the boat up and race with it through the streets of the town. There were four entries in the Rally version, the course lying round the various playing courts and through the swimming pool. From the spectators' view at least, it was positively hilarious.

Although not the last event of the Rally, the New Year's Eve 'hoolie" was the high-spot as was to be expected. The theme was western, the "OK OK OK Coral" the venue. Fancy dress was the order of the night. There were many excellent redskins, and also a number of bear (bare) skins. A special group prize went to the "Sue" tribe for their originality. Ian and May collected first prize for best couple. The judges could not decide between two men both named Peter for the individual prize, so they shared it.

Another event worth mention was held one lunchtime, when a first-class exhibition of pottery, sculpture and macrame work (all of which was for sale) was held in the clubrooms. There was some particularly fine work on display done by children; it was heart-warming to see such talent.

Doug Cousins

An account of the Rally would not be complete without mention of Geoff, the announcer over the PA system. He chose a pleasant format for his "wake-up" ditties and they were appreciated by all (with the exception of the morning of New Year's Day!) It was good to hear someone with a clear "microphone" voice. In recognition of his wit and overall competence he was duly awarded the "wooden spoon".

All good things, however, must come to an end as the saying goes, and the farewell party was the time to say goodbye to friends both old and new. One thing is certain: the 34th Rally will be remembered by many for years to come.

A few comments from guests at the Rally:

Peter - Tindo, Australia

"The first thing I could not get over on arrival at Pineglades was the greenery absolutely beautiful. By comparison with my club, it was fantastic. At home my club is screened by a big tin fence; here, it is natural vegetation.

Despite a few jokes about being 'underhanded' (something I had completely forgotten!) everyone went out of their way to be friendly to me. Certainly there is no animosity because I'm an Aussie.

The idea of using identity tags (which we also use in Rallies) is excellent. Apart from keeping "tag" on who's paid, it saves much embarrassment if you can't recall someone's name. It was really great to see so many kids of all ages enjoying their own activities and also joining in the sports.

It has been a great holiday for me; I feel I have been among true friends and have been accepted. I hope to return for the Rally in 1988 and am really looking forward to it."

(EDITOR'S NOTE Peter won two of our trophies, but with a truly splendid gesture handed them back to us for safe keeping. He was content to retain his certificates as mementoes of his holiday)

Don - Arbutus, Canada

"Pineglades is a fine club; large, well laid-out, a nice country setting and not too 'commercialised'. True, by comparison with the clubs in the USA, the cabins appear a little primitive! but the members surely made up for that by the friendliness of their welcome to me.

It was great to see activities arranged especially for the children. The days were relaxing and the evenings stimulating and great fun. I note most people who attend Rallies seem to be very sports-orientated. I really have enjoyed my stay."

Jo and Jim - Taranaki, New Plymouth

"The club has a nice peaceful setting and is well-kept. It is great to see plenty of room for the kids, and also organised activities to keep them happy and contented. Everything has been grand, it was well worth the trip down."

Peter and Dawn - Rosco, Australia

"We have been to three Rallies in Australia, but this is by far the best. There are more activities for the children. In Australia, only the top teams get into the Rallies, whereas here everyone is given a fair go. Because of the activities, entertainment and the friendliness of the folk here, we have decided to stay longer than originally planned."

Sharon and Reg - Wanganui Sun

"The club is well laid-out and there are a lot of things for everyone to do. Everyone has been really nice to us and the welcome we received put us immediately at ease. The organisation for the Rally was superb, both in regard to sports and evening functions. We have really had a great time."

What's in a name?

(I know that this subject has often been raised in the past, but the trouble is that nothing positive has ever been done about it. And it's high time something was.)

Do you realise that the nudist movement is the only large organised body of people in the world that cannot agree on what to call itself?

Consider, for a moment, a few other outdoor pursuits that are practised worldwide. Have you ever come across a Racquet Club, met a member of a Mashie and Tee Society, or been invited to join a Bat, Wicket and Bail Association?

Of course not. Over the entire face of the globe, tennis players belong to Tennis Club, golfers to Golf Clubs and cricketers to Cricket Clubs. But do nudists belong to Nudist Clubs?

Not on your sweet life! In New Zealand alone, they belong to 13 Sun Clubs, three Sunseekers, an Outdoor Health Club, an Outdoor Society, a Sun and Health Club, a Naturist Club, a Country Club (could prove hilariously embarrassing for intending members unaware of its true identity) and finally a club identified solely by its location (and which could be anything from an Abolitionist Society to a Zoological Association).

The only. body of nudists who put us all to shame by openly acknowledging their activities is the Nudist Youth Club!

Across the Tasman they're a lot more honest. They have seven Nudist Clubs, 14 more, all with the word 'Sun" in their name (interestingly, not one Naturist Club) but also nine other clubs bearing an assortment of titles, all of which (presumably deliberately) totally conceal their true identity.

To compound the confusion, although the governing bodies in New Zealand and Australia (the latter with three - one National and two State) are all called Nudist Associations, we all come under the aegis of the International Naturist Federation!

What an unholy mess! Is it any wonder, that if we mention that we belong to a Naturist (or Sun or Health or Outdoor or whatever) Club, our listeners usually gawp at us in incomprehension until we explain: upon which, a great light dawning on their faces, they exclaim, Oh, you're a nudist!"

Why are we so reluctant to call ourselves nudists? Why the cover-up names?

I'm well aware of the stock arguments against admitting to being a nudist (social ostracism, losing one's job and so on) but that's not what we're discussing here. We're concerning ourselves with the choice of a name (and one name only) for all aspects of the nudist movement.

Trying to hide the true nature of a nudist club behind a euphemistic name is a sheer waste of time, anyway.

Everybody in the town will know within hours that the members of the newly-formed Waikikamukau Outdoor Social Club remove all their clothes and cavort together in the altogether. (The simplest way to enjoy the club, whilst remaining respectable in the eyes of the community, is to tell nobody you belong, and always drive to the grounds in a rental car and wearing a false beard.) This failure to agree on a name and stick to it can lead to unwanted dissension within a club, and unnecessary work and expense - as the South Auckland Sun Club found out.

As astute readers may have noticed from the Club Directory listing, this club changed its name about five years after its formation to the South Auckland Nudist Club and then, after another five years or so, in 1984 reverted to its old title.

As I understand it, the first change was proposed by a small group of members, but it is unclear whether the remaining majority were in agreement, or were persuaded by the arguments of the proposers, or simply voted with them because they couldn't care less one way or the other. Probably a combination of all three.

It would appear to be significant, however, that it was not until most of the original proposing group had left the club that a substantial majority of the membership expressed the wish to re-adopt the original name.

(There is also some evidence that the original small "break-away" group were subsequently involved in the decision to change the New Zealand Sunbathing Association to the New Zealand Nudist Federation.)

Apart from the feelings of members (which I gather ran high on the issue) the club was put to considerable expense with the payment of fees (twice) to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies for both changes, quite apart from the work entailed for the Secretary and the Committee, including twice having to alter the Constitution... all simply to get right back to where they started from!

Dedicated nudists the world over have been fighting for half a century for universal recognition, and acceptance for what they are; not dirty-minded voyeurs or frustrated sex maniacs, but honest and sincere believers in the indisputable fact, that communal nudity opens up an entirely new dimension in the sheer joy of living.

If we continue to try and conceal our activities behind a confusing plethora of misleading names, is it any wonder that the non-believers" are suspicious of us?

Obviously, the INF would have to give the lead in any move to adopt one worldwide name.

(My personal preference is for 'Naturist" for one simple reason. The vast majority of the so-called civilised world (that is, those normally going fully clothed) are only nude when taking a bath or making love. And as the vast majority are far more interested in making love than taking a bath, the word "nude" in their minds is almost synonymous with "sex").

However, we must bear in mind that "naturist" is a word coined by nudists as a more "socially acceptable" description. It is universally used throughout Europe but totally ignored in America and here in Australasia. The American Random House dictionary makes no mention of the word.

We are faced with the task either of persuading America to adopt "naturist" or converting the whole of Europe to accepting "nudist". As either course might well lead to an International Incident perhaps it could be wiser to think up an alternative to both.

Any suggestions? Please write and tell the Editor - he will be delighted to publish your views. But (as John Davidson would say) before you write, think about this - Why is the word "naked" shunned like the plague?

(And don't rush to tell me that it has a subtly different meaning. Consult your dictionary first.)

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CLUB NEWS

NORTH SHORE SUN CLUB

Hello out there. Well, I know it has been some time since you have heard from us, but we have not been sleeping. Our ablution block has been finished, we have two toilets and a hot shower. Some more of our pine trees have been cleared and some have been planted.

The camping area has been enlarged and we intend to get power up there as soon as we can.

As this is being written, we have started to repaint the club house. I am glad to say that our glowworms are thriving. They are an incredible sight at night, well worth the short walk into our bush.

On March 30, we will be having a spit-roast and I would like to extend an invitation to come along and join in the fun. There will be a small cover charge per head. If you are interested then you can ring the number or write to the address in the back of the magazine.

We had about 20 to 30 people come to a New Year's party at the club. We danced and sang the night away. Even though it was a cool night, some of us had a short (very short) swim, the first for the new year. Then for about eight of us it was back to the party. One of the eight (a lady?) decided that a nudist club was for nudes, so one by one everyone was stripped of any clothes cold or not.

The children's Christmas party was a great success due to all the work by Berry. After the young ones had had a try at the different tests of skill available the 'old kids' were tempted to have a go, especially at throwing wet sponges at a poor soul with his head exposed through a s.heet of plastic. That is one of the times when club uniform is very practical. A Christmas party wouldn't be complete without Father Christmas who each year arrives at our club by a different means. It seems to be one of the greatest contrasts you see at a nudist club, adults and children without clothes and Father Christmas in the traditional regalia.

Anniversary Weekend 1986 will be remembered in Wellington for the fantastic weather and the Mini Rally. The sun shone brightly all three days with the temperature reaching 30° on the Monday. By then there was much evidence of overexposure to the sun. June and Bevan did a marvellous job organising the weekend's programme.

On the Saturday night there was a social in the club hall. Sunday night was the occasion of the almost traditional spit-roast which was well attended as always. With the weather being so warm, dancing continued on the lawn under floodlights until the witching hour. It was so warm, some people were forced to dance in the pool - at least that was their excuse. Bevan organised our version of the, Top Town competition for the Monday morning. Of course there were the mini-ten and volley ball contests. All in all, a most enjoyable weekend finished off with a communal barbecue for the members and visitors still on the grounds. Thank you June, Bevan, and all your helpers for all the work you did. Thank you also to the visitors who shared their friendship with us.

The next thing for us to start planning for is the National Rally next Christmas. We already have reservations for camping places. In the meantime we will make the most of this summer. Happy sunning everybody, be you a club member or one yet to try our special way of relaxing and escaping the daily cares.

ROTOTA SUN CLUB

This is written in November so the late news will be very late, and the proposed activities will be just late, except for items planned well in advance which are about to happen!

The hot pool weekend in July was informal qnd, relaxed and well supported by neighbouring clubs. Don't forget the next one on May 24.

The AGM saw Pat retire from president/secretary, and she is now going to relax and put her feet up by going back to shift work full time! Thanks for all time and effort, Pat.

Labour Weekend saw a reasonable turnout of members and three families from Hawkes Bay - it's not usually cold like that, really! One of our members came through snow to get there. Sunday was good, Monday was better (almost summer) and the rest of the week was best when we were all back at work.

Nov 9-10, three of us joined up with WOS (Waikato) at the Mystery Creek Sport and Recreation Field Days with a tent containing photos, videos, slides, magazines, and us - out of club uniform unfortunately. We had mostly positive response, the occasional hilarious comment, and some prospective members. Nice to see Gary and Ellen pass through as well as our friends in the motor homes group. Rotota has not made a lot of physical progress on the grounds this last year because of our financial commitment to the Geyserland Leisure Park mortgage. the work done has been at the cost of time and money of individual club members - good club spirit, thanks people. This is why we have no camping fees for full members, as the ones who go most regularly to the grounds are the ones who do the work.

We are looking forward to a good summer with the grounds full. With the Rally down south, and many of us on shift work, we will not be well represented (sorry, folks!), but hope to grab whatever odd days we can at Rotota.

(This last paragraph will of course be in the past tense when you read it!)

Hope your summer is a good one.

TARANAKI NATURISTS CLUB

We are proud to say that one of our members, namely Alan Henderson, has just become the NZ Nudist Federation president. Alan has been a member of the Taranaki Naturists Club for the past 14 years, and is the second member of this club to become national president.

We have extended the lounge area in the clubhouse into what used to be the shop to accommodate a wood stove. This has proved very beneficial during the winter months, when once we wouldn't have gathered so often over this period. Even those members with caravans have preferred to sleep on the floor of the clubhouse in close vicinity of the fire.

The spa and sauna complex is progressing nicely, although slow at first, and it is hoped we will have this ready for the approaching winter. We feel proud that as such a small club, we have been able to achieve this goal. We used to hold a very successful cabaret, however due to increased costs, hireage of a complex etc, we found this was not worth while. We have now taken to hiring a country hall about one mile from the club and holding 1960's "rock 'n' roll" evenings. Dennis and his disco provide the music (he is one of our members whom most of you will know from his performances at past Rallies).

We hold approximately three of these such evenings a year because they are so popular, everyone keeps saying, "When is the next one?" Maybe your club could hold one of these, it may prove to be as popular as ours!

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB

The holiday period saw up to 70 people on the grounds each day, with visitors from Australia, America and Holland as well as other New Zealand clubs. Our New Year's Eve disco was a great success with a rather raucous welcome to 1986, and some slightly off-colour members competed in the Lake Downs 'Pro Am' golf tourney the next morning.

Lots of fine sunny weekends and pool temperatures reaching 30°, has seen greater than usual attendance from very early in the season, with swimming starting a lull six weeks before the Labour Day 'official' opening. Open weekend was 'rained off', but our advertising campaign hit the spot with over 50 enquiries, and a number of new members including family groups. The publicity resulted in a local radio station giving us a news spot every eight weeks and this will help us keep a high profile.

The holiday rain which washed out a number of New Zealand resorts, caused us no problems, our grounds are still green and require constant mowing.

We extend a warm welcome to card carrying travellers to drop in and cool off in our pool, use our facilities and stop overnight if you want. Just contact our resident caretaker Brian, when you arrive and he will be happy to help.

HAWKES BAY SUN CLUB

As I missed the last edition of the Naturist, the following has happened over the last six months.

Our weather has been very kind, dry and warm with temperatures in the high twenties. Visitors especially will notice the dry hills surrounding us, although our grounds are still green.

During the last few months we have had visitors from many New Zealand clubs, but also as far away as the USA, England and our regulars, such as the Kotare and Blue Heron, are very often seen around the lake. Children as well as grown-ups have spent many hours rafting, canoeing or rowing, also catching tadpoles or watching our fish grow.

Much progress has been achieved, especially on the club house. This is now fully lined, walls and ceiling and is waiting to be painted.

Power on the hill area is now legally finalised, baches and permanent caravan sites have electricity by the flick of a switch.

The road around is fully used with no more congestion of cars.

Many shrubs and trees have been planted, they replace some of the pine trees which had grown so high, that they were getting dangerous and unsafe. Guy Fawkes weekend was very enjoyable with a large crowd on the grounds. The main attraction was the Maori hangi with delicious tasting food and we had an enormous bonfire on which four "Guys" were being burned. They were made by some members and their children.

The children's Christmas party was also a great success with of course Father Christmas in person. One small girl did not think he was the "real" Santa, as his boots were too dirty.

The next item on our programme is a Mini Rally on March 1 and 2 for which all neighbouring clubs have been invited. If any other member of the NZNF is in our neighbourhood that weekend, please feel free to stay with us and join in the fun, because that's what it will be.

SOUTH AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

Hi folks Welcome to 1986. We hope you have all enjoyed the Christmas/New Year break

The weather has been a bit disappointing, to say the least, over the holidays. We hope the next few months will be warmer so we can retain a little of the colour we have managed to acquire so far.

South Auckland has started off the year with good news and bad news. The good news is that after a long battle with bureaucratic red tape we can now officially call ourselves the South Auckland Sun Club. The official acceptance of our new constitution has legalised the name change from Nudist Club to Sun Club.

Now for the bad news. You may remember in the last issue, we were still battling with the weather and flooding of our grounds. We managed to clean our pool and grounds just in time for the next torrential downpour and over the last month have been back to square one with a yukky brown pool. Fortunately South Aucklanders are renowned for their optimism and hard work. After several hours hard work vacuuming, trying out various sand and gravel filters, recycling the water, eventually hiring a pump to empty the pool and finally refill it, we now report that pool is a respectable colour for swimming Let's hope it stays that way for us all to enjoy a little longer.

A New Year's Eve gathering was held at the club grounds with great success, We welcomed the New Year with an "5" party. Members all dressed up as something beginning with "5"; we had an Arab sheik, slave, spinster, Suzi wong, Snowtex fairy, sugar daddy, schoolgirl, a Samoan and a snake.

We were delighted to learn when our delegate returned from the Rally that we were last year's winner of the Mowlem Trophy for the biggest percentage increase in membership. We would also like to let you know that we are not slacking off as over the holiday period we had several more enquiries and have also gained more new members.

On the weekend of Feb 15/16, we are holding our sports weekend weather permitting. We hope members from other clubs will attend and make our sports as successful as last year.

Our commiserations to A.O.H.C. for the disappointing weather on their allocated sports days.

Our committee is busy at the moment organising further social functions for the future, and also preparing for our AGM on May 4.

We hope you all enjoy what is left of our summer and - if you can make it - we look forward to seeing you out at our club grounds.

WELLINGTON SUN CLUB

As visitors to the club in recent weeks will know, we now have our camping ground licence. The funny thing was that since ours is the only camping ground in Upper Hutt, the City Council did not know how much to charge us. Furthermore, they insisted that our licence be displayed in a public place although the licence specified that we are not a public camping ground. A bit of imagination is called for there.

Despite the lousy weather we still had around 20 visitors during the national open days. Our experiences in Wellington suggest it may be more sensible to have the national open days later in the season, perhaps after Christmas. Our second open weekend at the beginning of December was a little better weather wise with more visitors resulting. Altogether we have gained another 15 members. Of course we, like other clubs, don't restrict visits by people interested in joining the club to just these weekends. Interested people are welcome to visit us any weekend.

BREAKING THE NEWS

Alan Morrison

So, you're a nudist... that's great. Somehow you made the contact and summoned up the courage for your first visit to the club. Visual shock and the strangeness of seeing naked bodies quickly faded since no-one was doing the strange things they are supposed to do at nudist clubs. The people were normal, friendly and you soon felt at ease.

The lifestyle is great, no hassles and you enjoy the relaxation and the social gatherings and events. You have found as many thousands before you that this is a marvellous experience, but how do you tell your family and friends?

Club literature will very tastefully say something along these lines... 'Your friends will express polite interest or even envy'. Whilst largely true, this does not allay the wondering or worrying about how and when to tell, and how your friends will react? What will the boss or workmates say? What about our parents?

Our first rally was 200kms from home, but only l5kms from the in-laws. Obviously where we are going needs explaining, so with a deep breath, we launch forth. Nice reaction with some amusement; seems they were private nudists in their younger days. Whew.

The other parents are more conservative but still no adverse reaction. Two down, about a thousand to go. Friends' reactions varied. Some didn't want to know, others were polite, several were interested. Eventually came the mutual decision to go public'.

My wife's experience with workmates in a high profile company was of general interest but they couldn't handle an invitation to visit the club; it would mean seeing their office manageress unclothed.

My workmates ranged the whole gamut from lively interest to outright ridicule. One such individual took pleasure in baiting me with remarks like "off to play leapfrog again" and "going down to air your differences". He never lost an opportunity in three years until one day recently he enquired whether I knew the second reason why God expelled Adam and Eve from the garden. To a shake of the head, he answered, "because they covered their naked bodies". Surprised, I pushed him further to have him follow up with another statement. "Well I reckon you blokes have got the right idea, I just wish I could do what you are doing." So, the club literature was right even if it took three years to prove it. Since then, my name and telephone number have been used as a club contact. They have been in newspapers and on radio and in a number of magazines. After 18 months, we have yet to receive a malicious phone call. Perhaps the general public are more mature than we give them credit for. So there it is, pick your moment, tell the truth and happy sunbathing,

"Have you met this couple before?"

Barry and Bev Williams are your hosts for the Harbour City Rally to be held in Wellington from December 28 to January 2. Barry and Bev have been in the movement 11 years, attending many rally gatherings and know the recipe for a pleasant and memorable Rally. They look forward to meeting you all.

Dear Sir,

In the December '85 issue of Naturist are two delightful photographs of children on pages 7 and 14. Unlike pictures of adult naturists these were completely free of any trace of self-consciousness, or being different from others.

As the naturist movement reaches its maturity one would hope that it would foster the ideals that getting one's clothes OFF is 'NO BIG DEAL and that clothes are worn to keep warm and protect the skin etc.

That being the case, the movement should encourage citizens to get their gear off in their private backyards, if they wish, albeit screened from Catholic neighbours.

This would in short time diminish the concept that nudists are cranks who have to segregate in groups or camping grounds to do their thing.

That naturists are sophisticated people who can do everything in a civilised society and dress up for dinner as well, if not better than most,

Perhaps the naturist game of Miniten could be played by non-nudists? One would hope that those families who paid out a lot of money to attend the New Year Rally at Rolleston took time out to see the sights of Christchurch and its gardens

Why the hang-ups some clubs have about single males one never knows but unless a man marries at 18 or younger he will be single for seven to 10 years after leaving school let alone those who wait to marry until they are at the ripe old age of 30 or older?

Candidly
John Ogilvy

Dear Sir,

Many thanks for a wonderful magazine that I find so refined and in good taste. This magazine is so well organised it's hard to realise that it is run by four people, two men and two women, all of whom have families. You four people keep up the wonderful work, and may you get better and better in every way, every day.

I would not be ashamed to show this magazine to my children or any of the young ones that understand nudism/naturism, and for that matter it would help young ones understand their bodies as well as see others in the nude in a good way. It shows that you do screen your photos and there's no pornographic matter anywhere.

Keep up this wonderful and nudist news of the Naturist magazine.

Gertrude and I would enjoy letter and photos exchange of anyone interested in friendship and understanding of one another.

Dan and Gertrude Williamson

Dear Sir,

So many letters to the editor carry complaints of lack of New Zealand content, lack of club news, lack of photos depicting true sun club activities. Now come on let's stop complaining and start to face the facts. It is NOT the editor's fault. He does a great job, it is not the magazine, in the strength and what social nudity in this country has to offer.

Appoint someone in your club to record your club's activities both with pen and camera, then the rest of the club members wake yourselves up and get behind that person helping in every way and especially in being available when people are needed to illustrate your club's strengths. On the other hand, if you are a member of a club and think you can do something to help with articles in YOUR magazine do not wait to be asked, offer your services, but above all do something more than just criticise.

Even though through no fault of mine, sudden serious illness sidelined me just after I took the job of a regional PRO. I still feel guilty I was unable to carry out so much I had hoped to do in 1985 and apologise, as I had accepted the job in the hopes of stirring more interest in clubs contributing to the Naturist and to clubs showing other clubs what they were doing and what they had to offer.

Although now nowhere near as active I would still like to help in any way to foster clubs in letting others know their strengths, and each club has its own attractions from hot water falls. bush walks to good sport and camping surely there is plenty to find to write about. What about all those club functions 'special' to your club.

Come on now, let's stop complaining and each and everyone of us make a real effort to do something constructive for OUR clubs, for OUR magazine and therefore the NZ Nudist Federation. While about it, let's encourage more interclub visits and more overseas visitors and you will be very surprised I promise, what great friendships can develop and through visiting and be visited, how much your own horizons are widened. As a member of the NZNF you are part of a worldwide federation that is made up of some great and interesting people.

Bernie Davy

Dear Sir,

My name is George Satata. I am from Lukon City, Poland. I am very interested in the New Zealand Nudist Federation. I want to remain a member of your NZ Nudist Federation and I want to correspond with New Zealand girl nudists. Can you help me? Thank you very much.

Here is my address: Mr George Satata, 2 1-400 Lukon City, 3A Gotoszomec Street, Poland.

Best wishes,
George

Sir,

The December 1985 issue of the "NZ Naturist" contained 14 photographs of men, 14 of women and 12 of children. Thus, the total of males and children together outnumbers that of females by almost two to one.

Surely this is sufficient evidence of the Editor's policy of presenting a balanced view of the nude human body irrespective of sex?

Is it too much to hope that this will, at last, silence the bleating of the pathetic "purists" whose dirty little minds find pornography in just about everything?

What will they be objecting to next - "Pot Black" on television because they see the billiard cue as a phallic symbol?

Yours etc
"Fed up"

Dear Sir,

As a new member to the nudist movement I would like to thank you and your colleagues for what my family and I would class as a very interesting and informative magazine. After reading letters to the editor in No. 115 I would like to ask all those who write in if they would like your job. I for one will be doing what I can to help. Keep up the good work and if every one read the small article that was in No. 115 then they would know that they can no longer leave it up to someone else.

So come on, get behind the overworked and unpaid four that make this magazine possible.

S. W. McCann

Dear Sir,

We are willing to act as a host family for a Kiwi boy or girl, 8-14 years of age. Parents pay fares and pocket/spending money. We provide outings and nudist activities. Interested? Write to: Mr Doug Ward, 34 Kirby Street, Willagee 6156, Western Australia.

Dear Sir,

I find it hard to understand what prompts the correspondent Albert Wayers in his letter to the Naturist (No. 115) in his campaign against the magazine; and also in trying to discredit Doug Cousins' article in issue No. 113, which wa a reasoned review, (our magazine A Personal Opinion).

Mr Wayers has misquoted the review in general, which deplores that some news-agents display the Naturist with magazines like the Penthouse, Mr Wayers seems to be abnormally obsessed with 'sex' which he mentions three times in his letter. I have never seen a picture in the Naturist that has offended me. I wonder that anyone would be in a nudist club who can see evil in a naked body. I view with some distaste that some Parvenu comes along to tell us what we can see or ought not to look at in our magazine. It's all in the mind.

Yours,
W. Harrison

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. 116 March 1986

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

Lindsay McLeod

   I.F.C., P1, P6, P14, I.B.C.

Doug Cousins

   P2, P3, P4, P5, P9, P16, P18.

Leif Heilberg

   P12.

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

117 June 1986 - 20th April 1986

118 September 1986 - 15th July 1986

119 December 1986 - 1st Oct 1986

116 March 1986 - 30th January 1986