# 125 - June 1988 

The recent furore over the State Sector Bill reminds me of a joke I heard many years ago.

Three men - a doctor, an architect and a Civil Servant - were arguing, over a couple of gin and tonics, the time-honoured question as to which was the oldest profession.

The doctor claimed that the practice of medicine obviously qualified, as the Creator Himself performed a surgical operation on Adam to obtain the rib from which He made Eve.

"Not so" contradicted the architect. "Long before He became a doctor, He was an architect. He is often referred to as the 'Architect of the Universe' who created order out of chaos."

"Ah, yes, gentlemen" said the Civil Servant quietly, who had been listening to the discussion with a slight smile on his face. "But who created chaos in the first place?"

All of which leads us to the undeniable conclusion that, if we're interested in establishing the origin of things, Adam and Eve were unquestionably the first nudists.

What a crying shame it is that Eve had to pick that confounded apple (although the Bible isn't specific on that point; it could quite as easily have been a kiwifruit).

I don't propose to start an argument as to why it had to be a woman who committed the first sin. I think it was pure coincidence; the serpent came slithering through the Garden and just happened to come across Eve first. After all, the Creator had told both of them, "Keep your cotton-picken' fingers off that tree." It could just as well have been Adam who liked the look of the fruit and figured Eve would like a bite but decided to sample it first, just in case.

Whoever was responsible, the fact remains that a direct order from the Boss was ignored, and before you could say "haute couture" flesh was out and fig leaves were in.

It is interesting to cogitate on how the world might be today if only Eve hadn't blown it.

For a start, I'm not suggesting anything so ridiculous as the total absence of clothing all the time, everywhere. The simple demands of our climate would have ensured, very early in the piece, that man discovered the advantages of bear skins over bare skins. In fact, it could well have come to pass during the lifetimes of Adam and Eve themselves.

(Nobody knows to this day exactly where the Garden of Eden was - geographically speaking - but general opinion seems to be that it would have been somewhere in the Middle East. And I can tell you from personal experience that it can get pretty nippy at night, even during midsummer, in that part of the world.)

If, however, total nudity had become optional at all times, everywhere, we might today be presented with some intriguing situations.

The probable impact on world peace if today there was universal optional nudity, has already been explored by at least one writer with imagination and a sense of humour.

Although, regretfully, I cannot recall his name, I remember reading a delightful little piece, wherein the author speculated on the impossibility of world leaders from both East and West, trying to maintain their dignity across the conference table whilst confronting one another in the nude.

Here are a few more possibilities:

Hotels would be hard put to deny admission to intending patrons, on the grounds that their dress was "not of a reasonable standard", if there wasn't any.

Impressionable jurors in our courts of law would be far less swayed by counsels' rhetoric, if the latter had no lapels to grasp whilst they held forth.

Non-upholstered wooden chairs would be unknown, and the range of suitable upholstery materials would be severely restricted.

The manufacturers of suntan lotions would all be multi-billionaires, and swimsuit manufacturing would be a novelty sideline.

Anybody entering a store wearing clothing would be automatically suspect as a potential shoplifter.

Firemen would be demanding far more powerful water pumps, to enable them to fight the flames from a much greater distance.

There are doubtless hosts more amusing situations which could arise from the practice of voluntary nudity in today's society.

How about dropping the editor a line, with any ideas you can think up? The more wildly improbable, the funnier they will be. Share them with your fellow-naturist readers of the magazine.

If you ask him nicely, the Editor might even be persuaded to offer a small prize for the best suggestion published.

Like the first Adam and Eve we too have had to leave our Garden of Eden because of the snake (vandals) but we too have the promise of Paradise.

Approximately two weeks after I joined the Orchard with its then beautiful grounds complete with swimming pool, playing courts, children's equipment, house, etc; the devastating "Abottsford slip" occurred. My first real lasting impression of the Orchard was as a very frightening bog. My husband took me to the scene of the slip 'illegally before the general 'Joe public" was allowed back on to the area, which, of course, included the whole of the Orchard Sun Club property.

I think that scene will stay in the minds of every person who had occasion to be on the property at the time. Even though the Abottsford slip occurred in 1979 my family and I still vividly remember what could only be classed as a science fiction type landscape; where the bog bubbled and squelched, seemingly, waiting to engulf whatever ventured near.

Like a drenched lunar landscape - not even a bird to be heard. It was as if a giant mindless child had reshaped beautifully formed sand castles on a beach - to see our swimming pool and playing courts looking like scuffed scatter rugs on the floor, our clubhouse like a kid's discarded set of building blocks.

Over the intervening years thousands of dollars and man hours were spent in reforming the club grounds. A toilet block, kitchen, play equipment for the children, para pool, concrete sports court, power points for caravans and finally a clubhouse were added. Hopes for the future were abound.

Members were leaving their caravans on the grounds - popping out for weekends or staying through the week and going to work from the club. We even applied to hold the National Rally.

All this sounds idyllic doesn't it?!! At the same time though something insidious was eating away at the heart of the club and no matter how much we tried, in the end we could no longer ignore it. 'The Vandal' squeezed till we all but heard the death rattle.

With our Green Island property so close to the city we were the whipping boy of every bored delinquent for miles around. Motor mowers and tools stolen or scattered around the property, caravans and clubhouse broken into, tractor tyres slashed, trampoline mat set on fire, para pool slashed to ribbons; it did not matter what measures we took to combat our problem - nothing worked.

Members even 'staked out' the property at night for hours on end, to no avail, as soon as they left, the vandal would be back armed with bolt cutters, axes and stones to wreck their havoc yet again.

It got to the point where members would not leave caravans unattended (if they left them at all), where children didn't want to go to 'the club' because the vandals had left nothing for them to play with or on, where socials had to be cancelled because windows had again been smashed in the clubhouse and the through ventilation was uncomfortable to say the least.

At the Special General Meeting held in December 1987 the members voted, overwhelmingly, to look for new grounds up to one hour's distance from Dunedin. We have now said our sad, fond, farewells to the grounds at Green Island and wait with baited breath to the hopeful future and Sutton.

I can't, unfortunately, tell you that we own Sutton yet as we are in the process of obtaining planning consent to use the property for recreational purposes; but I can tell you a little about the property itself. Sutton is situated approximately 8Okms from the Dunedin Central Post Office and less than one hour's drive.

The majority of the four point something-or-other hectares of land is of typical Central Otago landscape; large schist outcrops with lovely large flat plateaus between - suitable for caravans, batches etc.

Just on the right hand side of the property entrance is a large concrete block shed which will be ideal for dances, table tennis, pool or whatever. Beside this is a large lockup shed suitable for a tractor or converting into a sleep-out; attached is an open-fronted double shed again suitable for housing tractors, implements etc. Then through a gate is a lovely four bedroom house with a sleep-out attached; the house has a large open plan kitchen - living room - lounge area.

There is a bathroom with one of those old fashioned baths that we now all only dream about, you know the ones that you can fit your whole body in and not have to fold yourself up into postage stamp size and still have your feet half way up the wall. At the back of the house is an ideal barbecue area and another two or three small sheds; in one of these we disturbed a roosting chook who, by the look of the droppings under it, was the resident caretaker.

The front of the house has a large fenced off area ideal for housing the children's play equipment. Around the side of the house is a lovely large verandah with a concrete patio and flat grassed area ideal for get-togethers, morning and afternoon teas.

It was delightful to see the hopes for the future gleam from everyone's eyes when they viewed the property, mentally placing swimming pools, miniten courts, spa, caravan points trees and fences knowing that these dreams were not unrealistic.

What would there be to do?

The Taieri River is only five minutes away by car or a 15 minute nip across the paddocks for a swim in the beautiful water holes. I don't think the river is deep enough for a large power boat but certainly canoes, row boats and runabouts. I have been told the fishing is fantastic and a spot of bunny shooting would not be out of the question either. I hear there is still a bit of gold panning done in the area. Miles and miles of interesting walks and drives. At Middlemarch, 7kms away, there is a garage, hotel (that serves meals) and shops. For those with the large power boats, Lake Mahinerangi is only about ½ an hour away, so you can even go water skiing.

When asked, the local policeman said, that there had been a bit of vandalism lately - someone had bowled over a road sign!! We should have been so lucky. The local farmer says that he hasn't had any vandalism in all the years that he has been there. So - here's hoping for a fantastic future at Sutton where there is a huge potential for long term extensive development without large expense.

See you all there in the future hopefully.

Recently I was most grateful for a holiday on Great Barrier Island. A friend made this possible by taking his car over on the ferry, we greatly appreciated our legs being "saved" as, it is quite a lot of island. We discovered some beautiful beaches. A good many hours were spent helping that all-over tan develop, coupled with, the invigorating freedom of swimming nude; at one location we had a whole, long beautiful beach to ourselves.

Whenever possible we were naked and natural during our vacation on that far-off "island on the ocean"; isn't that true naturism? We found ourselves a great camping spot by a beach which we and one other like minded couple shared for six days.

On a lovely sunny morning I wandered, on my own, around a rocky and rugged point thinking of a swim in a, delightful, naturally made tidal rock pool long and deep enough to swim in freely. Walking past a deep niche in the rocks close by, perhaps 8 feet long, sandy and just wide enough to lie in comfortably.

I stopped, no one around - so, I stripped off and stretched out in it to quietly enjoy the beauty all around me. I began to slowly integrate with nature and became very absorbed in the pattern of waves, coming round both sides of an off-shore island to meet together, in the shallow causeway between island and beach.

The inexhaustible sea; over and over again they crashed together. Further along the beach I watched the waves breaking on the base of a small rock island. A pattern was there also, for today, tomorrow - for all time.

Seagulls everywhere, flying, calling and gathering in a group on the sand.

I was lying on my stomach with my right arm outstretched. A young gull detached itself from the group and slowly worked its way towards me. He finally came right over and gave a few pecks at the cap in my extended arm.

Hardly daring to breathe, to remain immobile was a strain; I just waited. A few more steps, I could have touched him with a finger; slowly moving away, then, he returned to the flock.

There was I, naked and natural, the things of nature accepting me because I was part of nature; exalted in spirit and exhilarated by what had just occurred. I could see the Creator shining in all His Creation all around me, for nature is real, not the synthetic, material world so often seen. This, then, is true Naturism, being at-one 'with' nature, there must be many who feel this way. Can you?

The physical freedom of naturism calls me; many others too. Who doesn't delight in having a shower in their natural nudity? Who couldn't delight also in swimming, sunbathing, sleeping or even eating in natural nudity - as we did?

Why not participate in natural living within one's own home environment, if not wishing to join who groups of people in sun club nudity then our Supporter Group welcomes you.

Wellington's
Wonderful Welcome

Great weather, great Mini Rally says Doug Ball from T.N.C.

POLAR

BEARS

PICNIC

The Mini Rally tradition started back in January 1982, when the Wellington Sun Club invited members of other nudist clubs to a long weekend of friendly sports and socializing over Wellington's Anniversary Weekend.

The idea was that after the serious competition and non-stop organization of the Annual Rally, it would be nice to have a more relaxed get-together, with more time and opportunity to make new friends and cement old friendships.

The idea proved very popular. Nudists from Hawkes Bay, Wanganui, Bay of Plenty and Palmerston North attended the first Mini Rally, and since then quite a tradition has developed, with regular Meets at Wellington in January, at Wanganui for Waitangi Weekend, and at Nelson over the Easter holiday.

This year Wellington did a great job. Everything was organized with a minimum of fuss and a very pleasant and enjoyable weekend was had by all who attended. Visitors were impressed by the organization of the volleyball and miniten tournaments, and Barbara's ladies prepared and served a wonderful array of salads to supplement the BYO sausages at Sunday night's barbecue.

The late afternoon sun kept the barbecue corner pleasantly warm for the 80 people enjoying this evening meal together.

Another feature of Wellington's Mini Rally was the regular "Happy Hour" on the lawn before tea each evening - and we mustn't forget the free morning and afternoon teas so thoughtfully provided for the visitors.

Wellington's section of the Nudist Youth Club is commencing a period of increased activity. WSC has given them the use of an old batch on the club grounds, and they are already renovating its interior to provide a comfortable centre for their activities. At the Mini Rally they enjoyed the disco on Saturday night, and attended the Stock Car Racing at the nearby Te Marua Track on the Sunday evening.

The weather? Well, you couldn't have asked for better. The Cook Strait breezes do not reach this sheltered Upper Hutt valley, and although Wellington gets its fair share of clouds and rain from time to time, the Wellington Sun Club lived up to its name on this occasion.

The Wellington Mini Rally is an event not to be missed, so "Thanks WSC, we'll see you next year!"

An event well worth attending
says Helen from Timaru.

On December 26 last year during mid afternoon we towed our caravan through the gates of the old Aparina School grounds amidst intermittent showers. Towing the van 500km with four normal healthy children had been a bit of an ordeal. We unleashed the kids on an unsuspecting Southern Sun & Health Club to stretch their legs while we proceeded to get our awning up and the van in order.

First things first though and cups of tea were the order of the day. My heart went out to the men-folk of the club who were laying cables for more power points in between showers. With only a day to go the weather was not looking too kindly on this small club who were hoping to host the inaugural "Polar Bears' Picnic"

After a quiet afternoon and a fretful night's sleep we awoke to sunshine with the odd shower. Things started to get busy now as more and more people arrived and set up their caravans, buses and tents before the opening wine and cheese evening. By the 29th the days were mostly hot and sunny with a well established daily programme; morning and afternoon teas were a community get together and chat time enjoyed by the young and not so young. For an hour each morning and afternoon the children were taken away for organised activities by the tireless ladies of Southern Sun, to whom I am eternally grateful, as I too was able to holiday and relax.

Evening functions ranged from good old sing-a-longs to dutch auctions and everything in between. Daily games of cricket, miniten and volleyball were enjoyed by the energetic participants of the picnic. I believe everyone who attended had a lovely time, both young and old were very well catered for.

There was one other family from our club who attended this picnic and, apart from them, I had met one person in Timaru briefly six months earlier. When we left the "Polar Bears' Picnic" we said good-bye to a lot of great friends, everyone got to know each other as they shared a common belief. This holiday would have to be one of the highlights of our six-year association with the nudist movement.

Thank you Southern Sun & Health.

Photo: Doug Ball   

Do you like soaking in a warm thermal stream or a hot tub by a lake? Perhaps you would prefer swimming, fishing or boating on the lake. How about bush walks, basic camping, peace and quiet with major tourist areas close by (in fact, right next door is a thermal area)?

All this (and more!) is available at the Rotota Sun Club grounds, situated in the central North Island on Lake Ohakuri, 45 minutes from Taupo, 1 hour from Rotorua and Tokoroa.

The camp sites on our 9.3 hectare property are flat, free draining pumice soil, grassed areas surrounded by pine and native forest. The clubhouse is equipped with a sink bench, hot and cold showers, games, library and wood stove; the stove is not available for cooking but has a wetback which supplies the showers. Tank water is used for drinking; with lake water piped to all the camp sites for general use. Our long drop toilets are quite satisfactory, being in pumice soil and regularly maintenance, they have little smell. Visitors will need to be self sufficient as there is no electricity.

General attractions, besides those already mentioned, include yachting, water skiing, the thermal warm stream has glow worms after dark; games include a nine hole mini-golf course and volleyball. The club has a caravan available for rent and there are some good sized trout, to be caught, in the lake.

Camp fees for visitors (INF Passport please) are $3.50 per adult, per night, with children free. The best time to visit is between November and April, summer time is more suitable for our outdoor activities, but the club is good, all year round, to use as a base for day trips. The nearest shops are 20 minutes away, towards Rotorua, for food - petrol and CNG/LPG.

Places of interest: Orakei Korako is five minutes by boat or 20 minutes by car. You can jet boat to the largest sinter terrace in N.Z. (since the Pink and White terraces were destroyed by the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera).

This 16,000 year old formation produces 20 million litres of boiling water each day, some of it as geysers; there is also a large cave and boiling mud pools. 45 minutes towards Taupo, at Wairakei, you will find an International Golf Course and Geothermal Power Station where visitors are welcome.

At Taupo there is hot pools, trout fishing and sightseeing by float or land plane or helicopter. 1½ hours past Taupo is Tongiriro National Park which has skiing in Winter; tramping, climbing and general bush walks all year.

One hour towards Tokoroa there is pine forests, scenic and picnic areas, hydro dams on the Waikato river and visits can be made to the Kinleith pulp and paper mills.

At Rotorua, the largest commercialised centre in the area, you can satisfy nearly every curiosity you ever had; at nearly every price range you ever imagined. One hour north of Rotorua is the Bay of Plenty - known as the Kiwi Fruit Coast. There are long open beaches here, including Papamoa free beach, and a number of hot pools - the only thermal salt water pool in the world at Mt Maunganui.

At Tauranga you can go big game or line fishing; take a boat trip to the unspoiled volcanic Mayor Island and the still active volcano White Island. All this within easy distance of the Rotota Sun Club grounds.

Rental motor homes are becoming very popular with visitors to N.Z. and are ideal for the Rotota grounds. Food is generally more expensive at the tourist centres; it is more economical to buy it from a supermarket and cook for yourself. Motor homes give you the freedom to get away from the high priced commercial tourist areas to see the real N.Z. and the real people. Away from the cities people are friendly and helpful; and coastal beaches generally open and near-private.

At Rotota Sun Club you will experience the friendliness of the people and can relax with the enjoyment of the simple things in life - you will probably want to stay on for a few more days than you first intended; a frequent occurrence! Using Rotota Sun Club grounds as a rest area, a base for day trips or a one-night stop-over on a tour, rest assured, you will be made very welcome.

A personal view of the future

From Choral in Christchurch

LOOK!!

WHAT I FOUND!

In the April edition of the Orchard Sun Club newsletter:

OH NOOO! In the vain hopes of keeping a little sanity, whilst typing this, I gave my four-year-old son a pair of scissors and some paper to make himself a kite!! He has just come inside importantly informing me that he has cut off all of Kim's whiskers and that she now looks much better. I "quietly"!! informed him that Kimmy needed those whiskers to judge distances. Oh heavens above - he is now going outside armed with the Selotape to stick them back on. (Kim is a senile old dog by the way.)

I can only surmise that members' memories have improved. At the half A.G.M. it was stated, by some members, that they felt the poor attendances at the two previous saunas was because they were not given reminders by telephone that these activities were on. Keith kindly offered his services as official telephone memory jogger and you were invited to ring Keith if you wished to avail yourself of his services. NO ONE RANG KEITH and still the attendances for this month's sauna were poor. If you would still like to take advantage of Keith's offer, please ring him as soon as possible. Thanks again Keith.

The other day a group of pre-school children at a play centre were seen romping and laughing in a water sprinkler, it was a hot sunny day, the children were all nude. The next day, the weather was as good and, the supervisor repeated the game. This time 3/4 of the children were equipped with togs; what does this say about our society?

I suspect that the growth of nudism has just about reached its peak. Mapua has not been emulated all over the country as many had hoped and topless women on a public beach are still a novelty. What is wrong? In "B N 78" - the quarterly journal of the Central Council for British Naturism, a correspondent states, "In my view, the sunbathing-only type of naturism is utterly boring."

What is needed is a change of direction and we are being forced to think this out by good old Mother Nature herself! I am referring to the depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Christchurch has a measurable reduction in October 1987. The time may come when it is dangerous to go out into the sun, to sunbathe may become suicidal, so let's get prepared now.

Many people move around their home in the nude so we should promote this way of life, what we need is naked bodies, nude living instead of just nude sunbathing or sun-worshipping. Try and see just how long you can postpone getting dressed in the morning; breakfast undressed is one way of feeling free.

Why is it that everyone dresses up at sun clubs in the evening? It should be in the nude. A naturist movement would promote nude indoor bowls, nude dancing, nude gardening and competitions for the most private garden at home - we have already seen nude skydiving. This would change the character of sun clubs. More would have large halls, like that at Five Acres, Wellington, this would enable activities away from the dangerous sunshine. Heating would have to be good but once installed, a year-long programme of events could be organised. So! Let's be nude - not just when the sun shines.

One final thought; why is the naturist movement not in the vanguard of concerned citizens protesting against the slow movement away from chlorofluoro-carbons known to pollute the atmosphere and so destroy the precious ozone?

USA

Preserving a little piece of the beach for textilers?

Nude bathing near Fire Island Lighthouse on Long Island, New York is bothering a preservation group which is restoring the historic beacon. Because dozens of people bathe nude on the beaches in the area of the lighthouse every day, reports the local newspaper 'Newsday' the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society has written to President Ronald Reagan, the National Park Service and lawmakers asking that a 2000 foot long 'nude free zone' be established around the site.

It's an interesting switch when you consider that naturists usually request designated areas. However from past experience we know that park policy prevents the National Park Service from designating any area for special interest groups - such as naturists and presumably, other groups such as the Fire Island Preservation Society.

The Event, Fall 1987

Some Rally

Big plans are brewing for the 1988 East Coast Naturist gathering. This annual four day event scheduled for June this year will take place at a special venue.

The selected venue is in Pennsylvania. Camp Akiba, not at all like any previous facility to accommodate naturist participants, is a 350 acre con ventional summer camp for children of wealthy homes. This is a rather significant change of pace, since it marks the first occasion that a naturist gathering of this proportion is held at a camp not exclusively for naturists.

Some of the facilities include a 40 acre lake stocked with fish, row boats and canoes and two Olympic sized swimming pools (one heated). There are 17 tennis courts, volleyball, basketball and hockey courts.

Approximately 80 cabins sleeping 8-10 are available for guests. Spacious indoor facilities include a 1000 seat auditorium with stage, dance hail, arts and craft buildings and more. The kitchen can feed 1000 people at a time.

So it goes without saying that Camp Akiba is also the number one rated camp in Pennsylvania for boys and girls.

The Tri State Sun Club, hosts for the event is going all out to make it the most memorable and successful gathering ever.

One of the door prizes is a free trip to a Caribbean naturist resort. Exhibitors are urged to contact the host club early for allocation of free commercial space.

As we said earlier, it's going to be some Rally!

The Event, Fall 1987.

Answers for nudists in search for a vacation.

Nudists going on holiday in the United States can have 100 "clothes optional" resorts to choose from. That's roughly the number of holiday places offering privacy, seclusion and tolerance for clothes shedding tourists, according to the Travel Agent Magazine.

Orlando Sentinal via the ASA "The Bulletin".

AUSTRALIA

The next ANF Convention will take place at the Tindo Club in South Australia. A great place for a Convention and such nice people.

Talking about the Tindo Club, they recently celebrated the 200th Anniversary of their country by holding an "Aussie Night" which was a barbecue event held under the Coolabah Tree. You were asked to bring your own booze, flies and mozzies!

IRELAND

The Aquarius Club has the opportunity to purchase 20 acres of land for their club site. If successful it will be the first Irish Club to own their own grounds.

CANADA

Recently the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation producers of the TV programme "Midday" contacted Judy Williams, Wreck Beach Society President asking her to participate in a coast-to-coast debate defending Wreck Beach as the best nude beach in Canada. The show has been running a series on great Canadian beaches, featuring square-off's between similar beaches. Their interest indicates a growing recognition of nude beach popularity. The two debaters were linked by cellular telephone, while standing on their respective beaches, with the hostess Anne Petrie in Toronto.

From Going Natural Fall 1987.

INF

Quote from World President Alan McCombe.

"It used to be said that you could tell the dedicated naturist leaders by the whiteness of their skin, because they were too busy going to meetings ever to have time to get their clothes off. In much of Europe we have all been white for the past few years, so poor have the summers been. Let us hope then that in 1988 the clouds may roll aside and the sun may shine, both on us and on all the big schemes which we have for the future of our movement,"

The 21st INF World Congress in 1988 will be held in Monsena, Yugoslavia from 16 - 19 September. The theme will "Naturism-Tourism-Leisure".

Attention young Naturists aged 12 to 20 years.

Are you looking for a pen-pal and maybe later on a friend for a holiday exchange? This wish could come true if your age is between 12 and 20 and if you send us the following data.

Name and surname, full address, age and sex, languages known, hobbies and favourite sports, and the country you wish to correspond with.

Send you reply to M. Gody, Hablutzel, Vallombreuse 97, CH-1008, Prilly, Switzerland. They will then send you lists with addresses from other young naturists that can contact you directly. If you want to receive letters, write letters.

Fortunately for visitors to the sunny Bay of Plenty Sun Club on farmland near Matata; a good indication of its sheltered position. Whakatane, 30 miles away has often recorded the highest sunshine hours for New Zealand. "Freedom to seek the Sun" is the Bay of Plenty Sun Club's motto.

Recently at the N.Z.N.F. national rally the B.O.P. Sun Club won the Mowlem trophy for the biggest increase in membership, when asked, "How do you do it?" Alan our President replied, "Friendliness and a sense of humour". People are attracted to the club to relax in its "convivial" atmosphere, some think of the club as an extended family. Members come from all over the Bay of Plenty, including Tauranga and Rotorua; even as far afield as Wellington, Auckland, Paeroa and Hamilton.

Before the Fire: This was the scene in January 1987. The sun shone down on the clubhouse, people pottered in and out doing general maintenance or just plain relaxing.

The Fire: Early in 1987 our clubrooms were destroyed by a fierce fire causing $13,000 worth of damage. A thief stole our new motor mower and torched the building to hide the evidence of his crime. The sitting room gone, the showers and toilets twisted beyond recognition. As yet the crime has remained unsolved.

The Phoenix: Plans were quickly put into action to build a new clubhouse; the aim was to be operational for the busy Christmas/New Year holiday period. Before building it was decided to excavate the bank to accommodate a bigger building; the fill, taken from the excavation, was used to level a portion of the grounds and make more room for camping. Alan managed to manoeuvre a digger to move most of the dirt and then it was all hands to the wheelbarrows.

Fortunately the clubhouse was insured and along with many donations from members and other clubs there has been almost enough finance to purchase all the materials required to rebuild. The main lounge area is a prebuilt garage type building with iron cladding; members poured concrete floors and constructed. an addition to the main room for a kitchen, toilets and showers. Once the outer walls were constructed it was amazing where the fittings and contents came from. Club members provided doors, vanity units, fridges, freezers, stoves, sinks and enough furniture to seat half the club. The only things we had to purchase were 2 toilets, 2 showers and the plumbing to connect them and electrical fittings. Outside the club there now reads a sign, "T & J McMuggins & Crew Builders; James - Plumber; Phillepe - Electrician." Perhaps they should form a contract team.

The gang has since nicknamed the clubhouse "The Manawahe Hilton" (the grounds address being Manawahe Rd).

The work of all has not gone unnoticed; for at the N.Z.N.F. rally we also won the Pat Trott trophy for "Overcoming Adversity". The clubhouse was officially opened by Alan of New Plymouth, the then N.Z.N.F. President, on 5th December 1987; the occasion was also used by Santa for a visit.

What does the B.O.P. Sun Club have to offer? It's a delightful spot where members like to go and spend the weekends in the sun, back to nature, out of the public eye. The club is sheltered from most strong winds and is ideal for camping. The clubhouse, besides the fittings already mentioned, has a lounge area big enough to play indoor bowls, table tennis, darts or hold a dance. For the energetic the club grounds feature a grass volleyball court, a concrete miniten court and, for a more leisurely activity, 9 holes of mini-golf. When you are too hot you can cool off in the four foot deep swimming pool.

The clear mountain stream that flows through the property, has been dammed to provide a natural swimming hole; it is suitable for canoeing, tyre swinging and other aquatic activities. The pools are the only place where you are asked, definitely, to take your clothes off. For the children there is a play area with swings, slides and sandpit.

The 4.5 hectare block provides ample room for caravans and tents; power is available to a limited number of sites so it pays to book early.

There are pleasant walks through the bush clad slopes of the valley and grass areas for relaxation. For those with fairer skin there is plenty of shade near the creek.

Fantails are prevalent and the call of the bellbird and morepork can be heard in the clear country air. In the evenings a soak in the hot tub is most relaxing. The wood burning heater, buzz of the gas lamp and even the cobwebs add that back to nature atmosphere; along with the convivial conversation that hot tubs always seem to generate.

(4) Ohiwa Harbour offers diving for mussels or flounder. There is nothing quite like freshly caught mussels cooked on the barbecue at the club.

(5) Thornton River is great for fishing. Clive will get you up early and is a willing guide to the favourite fishing spots.

(6) Most know Rotorua where you can explore the thermal attractions and the many lakes in the area.

(7) Matata and Edgecumbe are the nearest shopping centres for basic food and drink items.

"Happy Hour" is a feature of camp in holidays and weekends. Everybody gets together for a few light refreshments before the evening meal.

The Bay of Plenty area has many attractions for tourists; within an hour's drive you can visit numerous places of interest.

(1) Mount Maunganui has well known safe sandy beaches and the Mount itself to explore.

(2) Cross the new harbour bridge to Tauranga and visit the Historic Village or scenic attractions such as Kaiete Falls, McLaren Falls Park and Minden Lookout. Many members from Tauranga would gladly act as tour guides.

(3) At Whakatane and Ohope Beach, John, one of our club members can arrange deep sea fishing trips; on occasions he has provided smoked tuna for our "Happy Hour" sessions.

(8) Papamoa Free Beach is the only officially recognised beach in the country.

The boundary line of the Mt Maunganui Borough and the Papamoa County is the spot to go. The club can also organise a free beach trip near Thornton. Access is through private property so permission is necessary; we usually get a group together, you might need the man power, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the sand.

However, the final result is well worth the trek through the sand dunes. Deserted beach as far as the eye can see in both directions and plenty of tuatuas to collect at low tide.

Those wishing to enjoy our lovely surrounds either for a camping holiday of a day visit please write to: The Secretary, Bay of Plenty Sun Club, P.O. Box 476, Whakatane.

Membership is open to families, couples and a limited number of single persons.

"Freedom with Nudism" is the name of the game, especially with the friendly folk of the sunny Bay of Plenty Club.

Editorial

Nudist magazines, like every other publication, must have a popular appeal to obtain sufficient sales. Undoubtedly their popularity is mainly due to their "art studies" rather than to the public's interest in naturist activities, and hence, it is believed that the majority of casual purchasers are attached by less desirable expectations.

Nevertheless many of the articles may benefit some of these people, help to create a healthier attitude of mind, and certainly persuade many to become active nudists. However, the "art studies", are creating a general opinion that these magazines may be indecent, certainly have a doubtful value, and are most unsuitable for general distribution.

A future for naturist magazines: The restrictions on their display and sale is therefore denying many an opportunity to widen their knowledge of a way of life which is physically and mentally more healthy. It is removing a valuable means of correcting public opinion about nudists and of creating a well informed understanding of the movements ideals and activities. They have undoubtedly introduced many people to naturism and both the movement and the individuals have benefited thereby.

It is desirable that the magazines become more instructive and have an appeal through their articles rather than their illustrations. In a fashion similar to popular science or health magazines they could interest a more desirable reader and the more spurious purchasers would not find the "thrills" which apparently assures many of the present sales. Illustrations to support such articles would become more acceptable generally.

* * * *

1958 National Rally

The dates of the 6th National Rally to be held in Christchurch at the grounds of the Canterbury Sun and Health Club, will be the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of January. The Union Steamship Co. are already penciling in bookings for the Xmas-New Year period so members are recommended to do likewise.

NEWS FROM THE CLUBS...

Kaurimu Sun Club

Elsie, the Secretary, writes "Since our last report Eric has offered us the lease on 10 acres of his property at a nominal rental. This includes the pool and clubhouse, which most of you know already. At a meeting of members, it was decided to accept his offer, and to incorporate the club. The wheels have been set in motion to achieve this, and we hope to finalise everything within the next few weeks. The club now functions as a members' club.

We appreciate all that Eric has done in the past to start the club and to keep it going, and for his generosity in making the grounds available to us on such generous terms. We look forward to many more happy years with his help and advice.

We have 24 adult members and 14 children. A satisfactory feature is the fact that we have several teenagers on our register. Visitors from other clubs are very welcome. Please drop us a line when you are in Auckland.

Auckland Outdoor Health Club

Auckland is still basking in the tail end of the best summer in years, and we are only just finding it now a bit cold to be in uniform all the time.

The club has grown as a result of inter-club transfers and ordinary additions to membership, and we found ourselves in the position one day of having so many people out that our sports facilities were insufficient when we tried to play volleyball. We've decided that it would be less bother and less exhausting to clear more courts!

At present we are clearing a space for a car park, having got the drive metalled, and we are now waiting to get the material to make the bridge which will mean that we can get cars right into the middle of the site. Next job; lavatory and septic tank. Then a swimming pool. And in between whiles, we are clearing more land, planting grass and also giving thought to what we are going to plant for screening purposes.

Our Winter social programme got away to a good start with a discussion on "Is legal marriage necessary?"

We decided it was; in the air for the next discussion is "Communism - it can't happen here' Those blasted Auckland politicians again!

Wellington Sun and Health Society

The half annual general meeting was well attended as was also the first winter social. The latter was a film evening to farewell Doug who is attending the Scout Jamboree in Great Britain. He intends visiting a number of clubs in the U.K. during his stay.

Contractors are now digging our 45' x 20' pool, a herculean task with rocks of huge dimensions. The spoil has improved the drive and is being used for filling. Plots are now ready for many of the trees soon to be planted, but many more have to be prepared.

* * * *

OVERSEAS NEWS

Britain's nobility has come to the fore. It seems that His Grace, the Duke of Bedford, has displayed his interest in, and sympathy for, our movement by offering B.S.B.S. the use of his estate for the 6th International Congress which is to be held in Great Britain in 1958. As this gentleman is a blood relation to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, more than a mild rustle among England's critics may be expected. If the news is true, may we congratulate His Grace on this forthright stand for what he deems to be good and worthwhile.

The predominant feature of central Canterbury is its large plain. This plain was formed by the meanderings of the province's rivers over millions of years. The Waimakairiri river has changed course many times, spreading alluvial deposits from the mountains to the sea. Depositions of silt, as a result of this process, form the basis of many farming and horticultural pursuits.

In the early part of this century - grain, timber and wool were the prime industries of the region. this has diversified into a vast array of products and manufactures.

The climate is warmer and drier than most North Islanders will admit, in fact, Christchurch has the highest summer temperature average in New Zealand.

Twenty kilometres from Christchurch on the main south road, close to the township of Rolleston, is the Canterbury Sun Club.

The grounds were acquired in the early 1950's for £300.00. This consisted of two hectares covered in burnt and fallen trees, overlaid with gorse and broom. To carve a club from this wilderness must have been a daunting task for the early New Zealand sun lovers.

Nevertheless the grounds have now grown to eight hectares and transformed into a large garden setting of flowers, shrubs and trees.

In addition to the clubhouse, the club also boasts a spa and sauna adjacent to the main swimming pool close by is a very attractive barbecue area.

Within walking distance is the Rolleston Tavern. Originally a rather run down local watering hole, the Tavern has been renovated and a restaurant added. The meals are very good and reasonably priced.

There are six vineyards, on the local wine trail, two of them conveniently situated to the club.

Relief from the flat plain can be found in Banks Peninsular, named after the botanist on Cook's second voyage, the peninsular is host to many inlets, small beaches, steep cliff and winding narrow roads. The jewel in the crown is surely Akaroa harbour.

This deep water harbour almost cuts the peninsular in two halves. The settlement was originally French and still bears the names and flavour of this country. It is a base for fishing, but becoming more a holiday and recreation centre for Christchurch. A launch trip round the harbour is very rewarding, taking in a visit to a Salmon Farm.

Two hours to the west lies Hanmer Springs, so named for natural hot springs which nature has generously provided.

Set in a hollow in the alpine foothills, Hanmer has a micro climate all its own. The road carries on westward to Arthur's Pass and the splendour of the West Coast. The "Coast" is unique in New Zealand, if not the world.

All this and much more are accessible from Christchurch. Its International Airport is only 15 minutes from the city centre. The main road and rail links pass through the "Garden City". Not the least of the attractions is Orana Park. Work began on the wildlife park in the early 1970's and became a reality in 1978. It now covers some 75 hectares in the McLean's Island recreational area. Far from just the usual display of lions and tigers, most animal species from around the world are represented. Indeed, the park has now entered into a phase of caring for and reproducing endangered species such as the White Rhinoceros. Should your visit to Canterbury Sun Club coincide with the winter months, ski fields are within driving distance of the grounds.

The club is well appointed with two kitchens and two shower blocks, sixty privately owned baches and a similar number of caravans. Affiliated members will receive a most hospitable welcome.

ROTOTA SUN CLUB

Some club members and many visitors enjoyed part of their summer at our grounds. Some came for noise (interclub visits), some came for peace (small groups and families). We arranged many tours to Orakei Karako in the big jet boat - door to door service; as well as using private boats for visiting thermal areas, water skiing, fishing or just having a quiet time on the lake.

We even had three generations of a family (non nudists) using our beach to water ski from; when they realised where they were, they felt they were invading our privacy, but after talking with Bill they enjoyed the day with us. Bill and Caryle showed them over the grounds late that afternoon - possible new members?

The stream has been well used, but I think the hot tub, on the lake edge, will be used, even more, over winter as the water stays hot all the year. The ingenious pump system works extremely well while the lake level is not too low.

One problem arose in late summer with some visitors digging a hangi-hole to cook vegetables in; it was on a small ridge, about ½ acre, with many fumeroles, stunted shrubs and large areas of moss - very fragile environmentally. The damage may never heal itself but, not only that, it is not on the Rotota grounds! We like visitors to experience the natural wonders of the area, but please respect what nature has provided.

We have videoed various club events and activities over the last 15 months for the N.Z.N.F. promotional video. Rennee W.O.S., who is co-ordinating the video, says she has received nothing but the two rally videos. Is Rotota the only club to support this?

Initially few people ere willing to appear but, after viewing the results, there was favourable comment and more enthusiasm. We are aware that there is a difference between having a club record and a public promotion and special care must be taken. Gwynne has put a lot of time and effort into this.

Full of complaints - aren't I? We did have a marvellous summer with nice people visiting us. We are looking forward to enjoying the winter activities with our friends from other clubs. Keep warm and keep in touch.

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

Belated congratulations to the A.O.H.C. for a well run rally. Glowing reports came from the members of the A.S.C. who had a great time there. It is a pity that the terrain of our small club does not lend itself to holding a national

rally. Although its five acres does boast a couple of nice little bush walks including a stream.

Not much work was done in and around our club during the summer except for the usual maintenance. The more ambitious jobs are kept for winter when we enjoy a get-together during weekends with a little work, a bit more hot soup and a great deal of chin-wagging.

However, some things were done. The condensation in the club house was tackled, a small flower garden was started, and our double bar-b-que is almost complete, (this at the cost of a finger-nail from our intrepid bricklayer!). Also, the double driveway is making some progress.

By now the A.G.M. will be over and a new committee will have been elected. This hardworking band of people will be organising fundraising drives, recruiting drives and events for the coming winter season as well as the rest of the year.

Compared with any other type of club, a sun club, is great value for money. What other type of club provides a swimming pool, outdoor games courts, a quiet sunning area, and a great deal of indoor facilities all for the yearly family price that is often comparable to one persons fee to join a sports club, and that often only for half a year!

SUNLEISURE

It was with surprise and dismay that we noticed recently the New Zealand Naturist still published Sunleisure's old P.O. Box number. This is entirely an oversight on our part and we apologise to those who, over the last 3½ years, have written to us without getting an answer.

Our correct address is: Sunleisure, P.O. Box 101, Woodridge, Qld. 4114, Australia.

We have, as members, helped set up Sunleisure in the early 80's, visited the New Zealand clubs of the Bay of Plenty, AOHC, Wellington SC, Mapua, Christchurch SC and attended the New Zealand Rally, Palmerston North in 1983.

Shortly after coming home from our travels we purchased Sunleisure and some adjoining land, almost doubling the original area to 40 acres.

Much work has been done since and much remains to be done. Ground beautification is an on-going task; the original dam has been increased to a small lake from which water is pumped into a treatment dam holding some 50,000 gallons of clear water subsequently fed into the underground pipelines servicing the pool, shower block and 50 powered sites in the residential area, in addition drinking water (rain) is also reticulated throughout the grounds.

We now have a sauna accommodating 15-20 persons, and a spa should be operational before long, as will be, a tennis court. There is already two miniten and one volleyball court, an archery range and pentanque.

In the recreational shelter are table tennis, pool table, dart boards and a gas barbecue. There is a spacious camping area with wood burning barbecues and we have a number of fully equipped hire-vans. Last winter we completely tiled the, previously, painted pool.

Visitors may be assured, that, in addition to many activities and facilities available at Sunleisure, there is abundant wildlife, beautifully peaceful and natural surroundings, shopping, doctor, hotel etc. in the village (4 km away) and, above all, a warm welcome - friendship and hospitality from all at Sunleisure.

Sunleisure is NOT clothes optional and INF passports or Nudist club membership cards are required for admittance.

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB

On 31st January our club decided to hold the forthcoming N.Z.N.F. Rally. We had a fantastic turnout for the special meeting and a team of 57 willing workers offered their services. The theme of the rally is to be "Red Indian" and henceforth we will communicate with smoke signals from Lake Downs Reservation.

Ten months is scarcely enough time to organise the national event but already we have tentage, entertainment, bar, stage, seating, sports venues and public address system arranged.

Several working bees have already been held and a new ablution block is almost complete. Eleven metres of concrete was poured on April 9th most of which went into the second mini- ten court. The court was kelly floated to a professional finish and then the Evil Spirits dumped over 50mm of rain on it in the next 12 hours. This information is a warning to all other visiting tribes that our squaws and braves will have some advantage because of long term practise on this surface.

The rally will be a seven-day event from December 28th to January 3rd inclusive. Information and application forms will reach every N.Z.N.F. member, via club secretaries, during August.

In case you are wondering; Dennis of T.N.C. will be on Disco and Jim H, of Wellington Sun, on public address announcements. We have several entertainment acts booked ... perhaps you could imagine how a hypnotist show might go down at a nudist rally???

N.Z.N.F. SUPPORTER GROUP

A very positive report from the Supporter secretary John Trotter.

On 20th October 1986 I wrote my first report to present to the A.G.M. that year. I mentioned we had a total membership of 124 adults incorporated in 89 member units. 16th October '87 saw me write the report to present to last year's A.G.M. and, at that time, membership had grown to 148 actual members in 111 units.

At the date of writing this we have 170 people from 130 units. This increase is very gratifying and my thanks to each and every supporter for their interest and co-operation. Our Contact scheme has continued growing, it is possible for a supporter to visit a contact member in many areas of New Zealand and enjoy their hospitality for a day or two. It is good to share and strengthen common thoughts by that contact. Accommodation is valued to a traveller these days also, knowing a "welcome friendly hand" at a new or strange town is there to greet you, creates goodwill and, hopefully, friendships.

The N.Z. Naturist magazine is a vital link in the growth of our supporter movement. Without the contact it provides between us, all the Group would be an "endangered species". We have a true international following as a number from U.S.A., one from Singapore and another from Malaysia have enrolled with us. The Magazine is our communication link.

"Educating Julie": A good many Sun Club people locally have seen this excellent and entertaining video. Quite a lot of our Supporters have seen it also. It is being provided to any of our members, who requests a viewing, at no charge except, of course, return postage. Some good comments have been received from our viewers; yet another strengthening link between us.

FREE BEACH GROUP

What is happening at Long Bay?

Earlier this year, the Auckland Regional Authority Parks Department gave notice of its intention to prepare a draft park management plan for Long Bay Regional Park. Submissions were invited from the general public, and we took the opportunity to present our views.

The park is situated in Takapuna City, and comprises 4km of coastline with 110 hectares of land. The adjacent landowner leases 81ha for grazing.

Up to 25,000 people visit the park on a peak summer day, giving rise to vehicle congestion and accidents. Other problems are security and vandalism, disregard for dog laws, nudity and exhibitionism on the main beach, and sex offences (two attacks in six months, one on a woman, one on a child).

Toroa Point at the southern end of Long Bay is being subdivided, and there is a proposal for subdividing the farm behind the regional park. New roads will open up access to the park, especially to the northern end.

ARA chief park officer, Chris Howden, said that their suggestion was to "acknowledge an area for nudists" about 10-15 minutes walk from a car park, possibly in the Okura River estuary. There would be no signpost or publicity, to avoid attracting undesirables.

In our submission, we suggested that park usage be family oriented and low-key, excluding such activities as power boats, water-skiers, jet-skis and yacht racing.

We recommended more emphasis on public transport. We noted that nudism, especially of family groups, has declined with increasing numbers of gawkers. An approved area would probably attract more nudists to the beach. We pointed out that the presence of genuine nudists tends to discourage offensive behaviour.

We made it clear that we would prefer our traditional beach to remain the same, but if houses were built on the hill behind, our second choice would be the beach between ours and the main beach.

The designation of a 'free beach' is complicated by the Takapuna City Council's bylaw restricting nudity on beaches. We decided to approach the council, requesting 'clothing optional' areas at St Leonards Beach, and at the far end of Long Bay.

Copies of the letters are available at 60c ea. from - Free Beach Group (Inc.) P.O. Box 41171, St Lukes, Auckland 3.

The sun is shining brightly on the grass in front of our tent. In is the 24th of January 1988, three o'clock in the afternoon. In a short while some white clouds will move in front of the sun and immediately it will be getting quite a bit cooler. But a moment later the sun will be out again in full strength. We can observe the swimming pool area.

Around it are a few dozen people. It is not exceedingly busy. We can hear the "beat" of the "Miniten" a type of tennis played on a smaller court with wooden bats and a tennis ball.

He has a stack of the New Zealand Naturist Magazine and gives us the very old newsletters of the club for our perusal.

The club was the brainchild of a group of naturists who came together on a property belonging to one of them. The club was established in 1949 and they had to find a name that was not too revealing. Collin told us that some people were rather amazed when they came to the club in response to an advertisement in the paper for an open day. Seven years later the present property of about 10 hectares was bought.

The fruit originated in China, but for marketing purposes the name kiwifruit has been chosen.

A kiwi bird is a nocturnal native bird of New Zealand. We only saw them in captivity. Even New Zealanders are often called "Kiwis".

New Zealand is eight times larger than the Netherlands, but the population is only three million people. The majority of the population live in the North Island where Auckland (one million inhabitants) is situated and also Wellington, the capital city. We travelled by car from Auckland to Wellington, some 600 kilometres.

We can also overlook the kitchen which contains refrigerators, cooking and washing up facilities.

Our tent is surrounded by pungas which are ferns some four metres high. There are still three more tents and two caravans in this field. We are on the property of the "Auckland Outdoor Health Club" at Ranui on the outskirts of Auckland. We have been here now for a week.

Earlier in the piece we were camping for about four days in Whatipu, situated at the entrance of the Manukau Harbour. A very primitive camping ground with cold showers and no other facilities but a few sort of "toilets". But it is well situated on a piece of land surrounded by hills in a semi-circle.

The beach here is very wide and has black sand. After a five minute walk on the beach in a northerly direction you are totally by yourself, not a human being in sight. You can just walk for hours till you get to Piha, a popular beach resort. But before you get there you must leave the beach and walk through the bush because of the rocks that reach into the sea. At that camp we saw some 30 ways and means of camping in all sorts of shapes and types of improvisation. Not many well set up tents to be seen. Many of the campers washed in the creek near the camp. When they had a shower they had to wear their dresses or swimming togs.

Small wonder that we find the nudist camping a luxury. Right from the beginning we made some good contacts. A rather elderly couple: Daphne and Collin took us under their wings. He has been a member of the club for 30 or so years and has a great knowledge about the history of the club.

Half the property is developed and the rest is still bush. Membership is about 400, but in the past the number has been greater.

There are some 50 caravans on the higher part of the grounds and some more spread out in other parts. It may be of interest to mention that the caretaker and his wife are non-naturists. It was the caretaker who answered our telephone call when we asked whether we could come. That was no problem and on arrival we received the key to the gate. We were not even asked to show our I.N.F. papers. The caretaker not only showed us our camping site and took the fee of NZ$5.00 per day, but he also empties the rubbish bins, mows the lawns (not a small job either), looks after the toilet cleaning and the cleaning of the showers. On the terrain where the caravans are parked people take turns to clean toilets and showers. The club has no days of obligatory work and there are no hard and fast rules re. being unclothed.

In the course of years a lot of work must have been done by the members. Collin who is a young 74 is busy chopping down trees that proved to be unsuitable. He is doing this for most of the days that we are there. He takes us also to a place run by his son-in-law, who specialises in kiwifruit - seemingly endless rows of trees whose branches are held up by a framework. Alongside are tricklers connected to rubber hoses which moisten every tree. Each tree has been grafted. The roots of the better strains are used to get the best fruit. For every seven female kiwifruit trees is a male tree. Difficulties in fertilisation by bees have necessitated the use of artificial fertilisation.

Some parts of the route were so quiet that we had the whole road to ourselves. We happened to be on a lonely road called the Desert Road and just then our radiator began to boil and for a moment we were a bit scared. But thanks to a helpful Kiwi we were able to overcome this trouble. He happened to be a radiator repair man by profession. We learned to get used to many things: like driving on the left hand side of the road and seeing snow clad mountains, geysers and hot springs, the richness of nature in flowers, bird life and delightful views over bays and valleys. This time of the year is the time that the pohutukawa trees blossom with their rich red colours. They are the New Zealand Christmas trees.

It seems that the birds are tamer than in the Netherlands and it is not difficult to observe the habits of the Tui, a beautifully singing bird, and the rosella, a beautifully coloured type of parrot. An ideal land for vacation, particularly for Naturists.

A Happy and Sunny 1988.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Skinny dippers exposed" was a headline that ran in the New Zealand Sunday News, February 14, 1988.

A YOUNG couple's nude swim in the Greymouth dawn was politely interrupted yesterday. The skinny dippers were asked to get dressed and "move along" after police found them cavorting in the high school swimming pool in Greymouth's High St about 5.30am.

The officers were acting on a report from an early rising resident of splashing and other goings-on at the school pool.

"There was no problem - just a couple of red faces in the dark," a police spokesman said.

Dear Sir,

Readers of my submission to the Royal Commission on Social Policy, in your March issue, regarding the Acceptance and Encouragement of Society Nudity might be excused from wondering what the submission was asking for. You printed the nine introductory sections which attempted to counter negative attitudes towards social nudity, and to highlight the positive benefits of the naturist lifestyle, but you omitted to print the recommendations I made to the Commission. The recommendations were:

1. That laws and bylaws inhibiting or penalizing innocent public nudity be rescinded.

2. That statutes relating to indecent exposure be interpreted solely on the basis of indecency, so as not to inhibit or penalize innocent nakedness.

3. That social nudity becomes generally acceptable, and encouraged as a positive way to promote community health.

4. That newspapers, magazines and television be allowed and encouraged to depict full nudity provided it is done in an honest, tasteful way, not pandering to prurient interest.

Perhaps you did not print these recommendations because you felt they were too ambitious or because you realized that if implemented, they would lead to the demise of nudist clubs as we know them.

Nudist clubs always face this dilemma:

The more successful we are in promoting nudism, e.g. free beaches, the less people will be inclined to become club members because they have other opportunities to practice nudism, free of rules, restrictions and responsibilities of club membership. However, if we are honest with ourselves, and realize what it is that we are, or should be, promoting - namely a healthier way of life - then we must see that more good will result from increasing opportunities for the practice of nudism than from merely increasing the memberships of our clubs. If we want to be able to be rid of anti-nudist prejudice, if we want to be able to practice nudism without restriction and ridicule, then we must encourage nudism in the whole society, even if there is a risk to the existence of our clubs. I must hasten to say that I am a great fan for our clubs as they are. The friendship and facilities they offer are unique. I would also be most disappointed if our clubs did not continue to thrive. But we must accept that risk if we are to gain public acceptance and credibility.

Imagine how good it would be if you could swim or sunbathe at any beach or swimming pool, work in your garden, participate in sports, go sailing, tramp in the hills, stay in public campgrounds, all with the option of being clothed or unclothed at your own discretion, according to the weather at the time.

I am not greatly in favour of promoting designated "free beaches" (although, admittedly, they are better than nothing at the present time) because they set nudists apart from other people, they exist by permission of local authorities and are a focus of attention for the anti-nudist lobby. Their very existence implies that nudism is not really acceptable, and needs to be confined to out-of-sight places. It would be far better if one could choose to be naked on any beach or other public place. Tolerance is one of the greatest virtues, and we should tolerate those who prefer to be clothed at all times and expect them to tolerate us in return. Mapua Leisure Park is doing a great job in promoting this tolerance and in the process is introducing large numbers of people to the enjoyment of nudism.

Nudism is a great way of life. Let's encourage it!

Doug Ball
New Plymouth

Dear Editor,

I would like to congratulate the Editorial team on the new look magazine. Keep it up - and you are bound to have more support from Club members with both photos and articles. May I also comment on a couple of matters from this issue.

At the Roman Games Rally opening I would suggest that Canterbury did not sacrifice a "prime Canterbury lamb/sheep" They only sacrificed Old Cecil!!

I feel that Gemini has missed the point over his comments on professional models and professional photographers. It does not matter in the slightest what the background is. What makes these photos stand out from the true Club member photo is this. Models invariably have one or two white strips of flesh from constantly wearing a bikini. Naturists do not have these and that is what makes them vastly more appealing. Just look at that last issue, front and back covers. The front shows a white strip - obviously a model. But the back cover is different - a lovely all-over tan, a true naturist. In my view the white strips not only show up a model, but also spoil the photos. By the same token, it doesn't matter if there ARE photos of models, so long as they are not obviously such. So let's have a lot less photos of obvious models revealed as such by the white strips of untanned flesh.

Doug R. Cousins
Wellington S.C.

Dear Editor,

Hooray for your writer from Calcutta, I agree with him 100%. I find that men or women nudists look far more natural and have a better all-over tan when their pubic hair is removed. Maybe that isn't for everyone, agreed, but I've shaved for about five years and find I feel much cleaner and a lot better for it. It is amazing the time people spend in beauty parlours and barber shops paying so much attention to their appearance but neglect the pubic hair. I agree with the engineer that no pubic hair certainly attracts some attention but after a little while it becomes perfectly acceptable and I even find some men and women even emulate me.

Permission to publish this letter is certainly given and if any of your readers wish to write to me and express their opinion I would be happy to write to them.

Mr G. A. Srigley
Apt. 208 - 1477 Notre Dame Ave Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R3E 0P8

NEW ZEALAND CLUB DIRECTORY

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

new zealand

naturist

No. 125 June 1988

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

Business Manager:

Frank Murphy

Typesetting and Artwork by:

Ad Service, P.O. Box 22271, Otahuhu

Printed by:

Aarkon Printing Ltd.
P.O. Box 38065, Howick

Distributed by:

Gordon and Gotch (NZ) Ltd

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.

(Top)

AUSTRALIAN NUDIST CLUB DIRECTORY

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 1359. Wellington.
NEW ZEALAND

President: June Campbell-Tong
Wellington 356-918

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

PHOTO CREDITS

Freddy Karstensen - F.C., P.5, P.17, I.B.C.

L. Heilberg - I.F.C., P.1, P.7, P.11, P.14, P.20

Doug Ball - P.6

Les Olsen - B.C.

STATE ASSOCIATIONS:

Nudist Association of Victoria,*

P.O. Box 313,
Reservoir 3073

Nudist Association
of Queensland,*

P.O. Box 442,
Woodridge Qld 4114.

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

DEADLINES FOR COPY

126 September 1988 - 15th July 1988

127 December 1988 - 1st October 1988

128 March 1989 - 30th January 1989

129 June 1989 - 20th April 1989