# 126 - September 1988 

It is a peaceful scene. Pink and brown bodies stretch out on the beach. Bare bodies bob about in the waves. The smell of coconut suntan oil drifts in the air.

Every Sunday during the summer, if the weather is fine, members of the Free Beach Group head off to one of their favourite sunbathing spots. Of those on the beach, some are members, others may be ex-members, but most have no affiliation to an organised nudist group. Many people in our community enjoy nudity, in their pools or gardens, or on the beach, without ever going to a club.

We choose beaches which are less used by the general public, and not overlooked by houses, although there are a few exceptions. On very small beaches, we sit in a group amongst the clothed bathers. If the beach is longer, we walk to the far end, or around a point to a smaller cove. On ocean beaches, we walk beyond the groups of "textiles" to a vacant part of the beach.

We have many beaches on our list, but use the closer ones more often, to minimise travelling time and transport costs. The choice of beach depends mainly on the tide times, which affect swimming, and sometimes access. We like to get onto the beach before the tide comes in, then go home again when it goes out. Some beaches are completely cut off at high tide.

On some beaches, there can be a constant parade of onlookers. Some are out walking or beach-combing. Others come to look at the nudists, while a few sit by and watch. If the perves get too close, someone will tell them to get lost.

One way of dealing with voyeurs is to point a camera at them. Nudists sunbathing on a beach are not particularly interesting, and most onlookers hurry of once they realise they are in the minority.

There is no statute in New Zealand law which expressly forbids nudity in public places, and we want it to stay that way. Prosecutions involving nudity must be brought for either offensive behaviour or indecent exposure under the provisions of the Summary Offences Act 1981. Section 4 of this Act states (in part):-

"Offensive behaviour or language - (1)

Every person is liable to a fine not exceeding $500 who, -

(a) In or within view of any public place, behaves in an offensive or disorderly manner".

Section 27 of the same Act states:- "Indecent exposure - (1) Every person is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 who, in or within view of any public place, intentionally and obscenely exposes any part of his or her genitals.

It is a defence in a prosecution under this section if the defendant proves that he or she had reasonable grounds for believing that he or she would not be observed."

In 1975, a man bathing nude at Little Palm Beach on Waiheke, was convicted for offensive behaviour. On appeal, this decision was overturned by Mr Justice Wilson, who said that nudity as such was not obscene, that the place and circumstances of the incident must be considered, and that to be offensive, the behaviour must be likely to cause resentment or revulsion.

Local authorities in some parts of the country are being asked by protesting ratepayers to 'do something about nudists on beaches'. The New Zealand Standard Model General Bylaws, written by the New Zealand Standards Association, are available for councils' guidance. NZS 9201 Chapter 19:1972 states in clause 1902.7 that "No person shall be or remain upon any part of a beach in view of other persons unless properly and sufficiently clad". Councils may or may not adopt this bylaw, and may or may not enforce it. Apparently it could be difficult to take a prosecution. Any prosecution would have to be brought through the police.

In the early days, the Free Beach Group made a number of approaches to councils for legal free beaches, without success. Meanwhile, we were building up a selection of beaches where we went and were generally accepted. A few years ago, it occurred to some members that if we did get a free beach, we may be precluded from using any other beaches, so we stopped asking.

The Free Beach Group aims to promote the freedom of nudity on the beaches of New Zealand. Our Beach List contains details of over 100 places throughout the country, recommended by our members. Of these, four have the formal or informal approval of local authorities for nude bathing.

They are Little Palm Beach on Waiheke, a part of Papamoa south of Mt Maunganui, Breaker Bay in Wellington and the beach adjacent to the Mapua Country Club at Nelson.

Pay attention, now, while I tell you a Fairy Story.

"Once Upon a Time, in the Kingdom of Newzealandia, a magazine was born which grew up to become the Fairest in all the Land. It was greatly beloved by all the Nudist Citizens of the Kingdom, because it was the only publication devoted exclusively to Naturism. It was called the N.Z. Naturist.

"Furthermore, in the nearby Kingdom of Australiandia, the N.Z. Naturist was equally popular. This was because the Australiandians had no such magazine of their own. The N.Z. Naturist gave full coverage to all Nudist activities in both Kingdoms, and was on sale in both places. The Australiandians were just as eager as the Newzealandians to part with their Gold Pieces in exchange for copies of the magazine.

"Meanwhile, back in Newzealandia, the Chancellor of the Exchequer (also known as the Business Manager) spent many Happy Hours in his Counting House gloating over his Bank Statements. It seemed as if the N.Z. Naturist and all its faithful Attendants were destined to Live Happily Ever After..."

That is the end of the fairy story, but by no means the end of the story itself.

In January 1983 the inevitable happened. Australia produced the first issue of its own Naturist magazine; Australian Sun and Health (ASH). (It's astonishing it took them so long: the N.Z. Naturist (NZN) by then had long passed its centennial issue and was in its twenty-seventh year of publication.)

Very obviously, several things were going to happen. A substantial number of Australian naturists would transfer their loyalty to their own magazine and stop buying NZN. (One would not expect otherwise; if the situation were reversed we would do exactly the same; ca va sans dire, as the French are apt to say).

Some would buy both. A very few would continue to buy NZN and ignore ASH. But whatever way you looked at it, NZN was faced with a drop in sales. Because of Australia's much greater population than ours the bulk of NZN sales had always been in Australia. The drop was likely to be considerable.

The Editor of NZN went out to buy a large bottle of aspirin and the Business Manager seriously considered installing a panic button on his desk.

This, of course, meant the end of NZN as a bi-national magazine. It would have to stop reporting on any and all Australian nudist activities. Little point in it when they would all appear in ASH anyway.

Conversely, there could be no question of the N.Z. naturist movement supplying ASH with any material on the N.Z. naturist scene. This may seem to some to be a "you can't play in our yard" attitude but it isn't. "Scoops" and "exclusives" are the life-blood of journalism. It's a cut-throat business and always has been. If Australians want to read about New Zealand naturism, they should expect to have to buy the NZN.

In December 1987 ASH went on sale in New Zealand.

(In case any reader feels like trotting out something like, "No need to be afraid of competition, brings out the best in everybody" I would point out that this and similar hairy old cliches are the invariable stock answer. They are meaningless. Everybody in the business of producing something fears competition like the plague. There is only so much money to go round. If a new airline sets up business on the established routes of an existing one, the latter invariably must suffer. The number of travellers remains the same but tickets sales are then split two ways.)

As it happened, however N.Z. sales of NZN were hardly affected at all. New Zealand nudists remained loyal and went on buying their own magazine. But this loyalty didn't hold good in other directions. ASH was receiving contributions from New Zealand on nudist activities here.

As I personally have never bought a copy of ASH, I was unaware of this until quite recently.

In the March 1988 issue of NZN I read with interest the account of the 36th N.Z. National Rally which, for health reasons, I was unable to attend. The theme of that Rally was Ancient Rome. This article was well illustrated with both colour and monochrome pictures.

Shortly afterwards, by pure coincidence, a copy of ASH for April-June 1988 came into my hands. There, also, was a full account of the N.Z. Rally - also well illustrated, with all pictures in colour. One of these pictures had a very familiar look to it. The sense of deja vu was inescapable.

It was a picture of a "Gladiator" in full fancy dress pulling a two-wheeled chariot. I turned back to the NZN. Yes, there was the identical picture. In monochrome. The ASH picture, remember, was in colour.

A vaguely unpleasant aroma emanating from the pages of the magazine assailed my nostrils, but it was not the odour of wet printers ink. More or less in the words of the Immortal Bard, something smelt 'orribly wrong in the State of Denmark.

I made enquiries, and the story that emerged was, indeed, unpalatable.

For a start, the ASH article and accompanying pictures were submitted by a New Zealand nudist and club member, who was also an official photographer for the Rally. Furthermore, I was told that this same photographer had, after the Rally, advised the Editor of NZN that because of "technical difficulties" he was unable to supply any colour pictures for reproduction in NZN. (The colour pictures that were eventually used to illustrate the Rally article in NZN came from another photographer.) But, apparently, the "technical difficulties" must have been rapidly resolved, for this man to be able to produce colour photographs of the Rally for ASH!

But worse was to come - this was no "one off" example of somebody letting their enthusiasm run away with them.

In the very next issue of NZN (June 1988) was an account of a "Mini-Rally" in Wellington. One monochrome photograph illustrated this article. The author (and supplier of the photograph)? You've guessed it - the same man.

But then - believe it or not - in the next issue (July-September 1988) of ASH - there it is again! Basically the same article but obviously rewritten and expanded. Illustrations? Two colour photographs. Is it possible, you are probably now wondering, that one of the colour pictures in ASH was the same one that appeared in monochrome in NZN?

Too right it was, mate. A photo of Wellington Sun Club grounds.

And finally, just to turn the knife in the wound and rub in a goodly handful of salt at the same time, in the same issue of ASH was another article by this man; an article (and photograph, of course!) about a visiting couple from overseas who he met at the Wellington Mini-Rally... But that article had not been submitted at all to NZN.

The situation in Denmark was no longer slightly malodorous - it stunk to high heaven.

There is no law in this country that I know of, prohibiting anyone sending articles and pictures anywhere in the world for publication. But in the nudist movement of New Zealand, there are unwritten laws. Laws based on a long nudist tradition of loyalty, honour and decency.

Ever since the introduction of ASH, NZN has been fighting for survival. I am betraying no secrets here. Among the concerned nudists of New Zealand, those who care for the continued publication of their own pioneering thirty-two-year-old magazine, it is common knowledge.

Despite everything, NZN has survived. It would be nice to be able to say that it has done so through loyal supportive efforts of everybody. Unfortunately, as the above account demonstrates, this is not the case.

The actions of this man constitutes a series of almost unbelievably traitorous acts. Why he is doing it I cannot imagine. (Or can I ...? NZN offers no payment for contributions. I wonder if ASH does? Just a thought...)

In my opinion, based on my writing experience, the ASH version of the mini-rally article is undoubtedly superior to the one he submitted to NZN. At least he didn't have the unmitigated gall to submit the same article, word for word, to both publications. But it is hard to ignore the thought that he used the NZN article as a practice draft from which he then produced the more polished version for ASH. He would have been able to do this only because ASH comes out a month after NZN.

If he were deliberately trying to undermine the sales of NZN in an endeavour to bring about its downfall, he couldn't be doing a better job.

In the Never-Never Land of my Fairy Story, the answer would have been simple and retribution would have been swift and savage.

From the Throne Room would have resounded the King's stentorian bellow: "Off with his head!" Out would come the chopping block, and that would be that.

Sometimes I can't help feeling that it's an awful pity we now live in a civilized society....

[But see the first letters in #127 & In-Touch, Nov-Dec 88]

Photo: Les Olsen   

HOLLAND AND AUSTRALIA

Last year naturists in Gelre realised there were problems with wearing clothes on their grounds.

The youth especially did not want to dispose of their clothes, even when the weather was nice. Apparently they liked their clothes so much they wanted to hang on to them.

Also men and women were regularly seen wearing underwear. This habit had recently been banned at their AGM. The committee therefore had to do something about it and in a very strategic and somewhat humorous way succeeded:

Although much carry-on is heard and witnessed with the "clothes optional" question from time to time, particularly centred toward the youth, we at Northside (Victoria AUST.) do not have a problem as such, rather, we allow the youngsters to remain dressed while experiencing puberty in order to, hopefully, keep the whole family unit intact and visit the club as a family. This trend seems to only stay for a couple of years and the teenagers grow to young adults and many of them continue on as wonderful responsible club members.

To cite a perfect example of this philosophy you only need to look at the Helios Board and Convention Committee for the last year's 19th ANF Rally. 10-15 years ago, these were the teenagers who ran around in their black footy shorts etc. They are also members of Helios with their own families now.

I think their attitude was allowed to grow constructionally and properly during those years as "clothes optional teenagers" and the results are there for all to see.

At Northside we are allowing exactly the same thing to happen and to date, we still have many teenagers attending the club happily.

"Clothes optional" is not an issue at Northside, is not appropriate and we have no problem with the adult members.

Let us not forget that when we joined our respective clubs the children were very young, some in fact born into nudism, and the kids had no input into the initial decision to join. As they grow older, they develop their own ideas and set their own goals in life. Sometimes they differ from what we adults might expect, sometimes they develop character as we would hope for. A little bit of patience, tolerance and sensible guidance is all that is needed to maintain a healthy, wonderful nudist group. Too much pressure, heavy handedness and intolerance will turn them away. This would be a tragedy.

Tindo Tidings April 88.

How true the above words really are. I have followed with interest both progress at Tindo and Northside with respect to teenagers having been to both clubs and belonging to Northside for four months in 1972. I quote both clubs as being prime examples of how to look after their youth. At Northside all parents with youth aged children had to go to the club at weekends when we belonged because the youth wanted to see their friends. I'm pleased to say that at Wellington club we are now in the same situation. R.C.

USA

How about this one for community involvement.

"Now's your chance!" writes Norm Swirin. "On September 4th, from 10.l5am up until 1.00pm, we'll have the Red Cross up at Elysium Fields (California), for what will be the 3rd annual Elysium Blood Drive - the only NUDE BLOOD DRIVE IN THE KNOWN WORLD!

In exchange for a pint of what only you can give, Elysium will give you a certificate good for one free day at the Fields. Now's your chance to experience the warmth and fun at Elysium in winter - and enjoy the glow and pleasure from helping others - all at the cost of about half an hour of your time and blood your body will replace before you even realise it gone.

When you leave with that little bandage around your arm, knowing that you helped some doctor and nurse keep a patient alive, you'll develop the 'Donor Habit'. There's nothing quite a wonderful as knowing that you, personally, have helped another human being in the fight for survival."

Journal of the Senses July-September 1988.

Now which club in Australasia will pick up this community based project and run with it. Elysium gave 55 pints of blood from 72 donors at their last drive. Well done.

UK

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who is the Sanest of Them All?

According to the United States' National Commission on Mental Health the healthiest, happiest and sanest people are nudists. After six years of studying hundreds of groups and organisations and rating the mental health of their members, the commission found that naturists came out or top.

"The nudists came out so far in front that virtually every other grout studied, looks like a gathering of lunatics, perverts and criminals in comparison." said Dr Edward Harper Moore, spokesperson for the Commission.

A sociologist who was on the teaching staff at Harvard University before joining the Commission, Dr Moore says he was so impressed with the statistics on nudists that he and his family now practise naturism themselves.

As a group, the nudists have the lowest rate in the nation for crime, suicide, mental breakdowns, divorce and time lost from work due to illness. It was also found that their children had much higher average intelligence, the lowest number of high-school dropouts, the highest number of university scholarship winners and college graduates and the highest number of star athletes.

British Naturism Spring 88

Maybe some of these benefits should be included in our promotion leaflets. R.C.

(Top)

SKIN CANCER

AND YOU

Before you strip off and sizzle - read on... Sunburn and wrinkled skin are not the worst results of too much sun. Skin cancer is. Skin cancer doesn't occur overnight. It's the result of the sun's effect built up over the years. Last years sunburn could contribute to the possibility of developing skin cancer ten years from now. Fortunately, if treated in time, skin cancers usually are simple to treat and very curable - but prevention is even simpler!

Watch out for a lump, sore, ulcer or scaly patch on the skin which has been there for more than four weeks. Most often these will not be cancer but only a doctor can determine that. If found early enough, skin cancer can be removed with little trouble. Found very late or left untreated, scars and very occasionally, death can result. There is one form of skin cancer, melanoma, which spreads much more than usual forms. Fortunately it is uncommon but because of its tendency to spread, it accounts for most of the nation's skin cancer deaths. When treated promptly, however, the outlook is good. A warning signal for a melanoma is any flat, irregular dark skin patch which starts to spread, or which first appears in adult life. It can also start in or around a mole, especially the smooth, flat, hairless variety. Of course the vast majority of moles are perfectly harmless but if you notice one that changes in any way you should go to your doctor without delay.

Some people are at greater risk from sun damage than others. People with darker skins are relatively safe because their skin pigment provides good protection from ultra-violet damage. Those with fair skins (which, in the medical sense is about 50% of the population and includes many people who can tan easily and don't think of themselves as "fair") should be careful.

Skin cancer is usually found in people who have had too much sun. It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. New Zealand has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

Skin cancer's real danger lies in the fact that it can spread . . . either at skin level, or to other parts of your body if left untreated. Over two-thirds of us will develop a skin cancer of some kind in our lives. Why? Because most New Zealanders are fair skinned people, living in a place with intense sunshine.

Your likelihood of developing a skin cancer increases with age. So the longer you've been in the sun the greater your chance of a skin cancer. We know that skin cancer appears more frequently in fair-skinned people. The fairer your skin, the more likely you are to develop skin cancer. Those people who burn easily in the sun and who find it difficult to develop a suntan have a higher risk. People with red hair, freckles and very fair skin are particularly at risk.

If you belong to one of these groups, take extra care when you're out in the sun, working or playing.

If you've had skin cancer before, your chances of getting it again are increased. However there are other warning signs. If you have sunspots (solar keratoses), beware. Sunspots are red scaly spots on the hands and face, which may come and go over months or years. They are not skin cancer.

They are your skins way of telling you that you've had too much sun and are prone to skin cancer. You're also in the high risk category if you have a family history of melanoma, the most dangerous and least predictable kind of skin cancer.

We Kiwis are rather fond of our image of being healthy, suntanned, sports-loving people. But take a closer look. We also happen to be some of the world's greatest sufferers from skin cancer. Playing sport, swimming and surfing, getting lots of exercise and fresh air are certainly healthy. Spending your spare time lying down being belted by ultra-violet rays from the sun isn't.

So should elderly people (they've had more years exposure to the sun) and those who work outdoors, such as farmers, construction workers, seamen, etc.

Many sunscreen creams and lotions are available that prevent burning but not tanning. Some are more effective than others. The test is whether you get sunburnt or not. To get a sunscreen suitable for your skin-type ask your chemist. In some cases you may be wise to get medical advice. Remember, too, that some tanning oils, baby oil and coconut oil may be good cosmetics but they give very little protection against the sun's rays.

You can burn just as easily on a cloudy day as a bright one. The sun's rays can also search you out below the water. Trampers and skiers take note - there's less atmosphere on mountain tops to filter out ultra-violet rays. Also, snow can reflect as much as 85% of the sun's rays and wind makes the effect of the sun even more damaging. Two components of sunlight are A (UV-A) and ultra-violet B (UV-B). Artificial tanning-devices can emit either or both. UV-B produces a longer-lasting tan but carries risks similar to sunlight. UV-A is safer but the tan does not last. GOGGLES SHOULD ALWAYS BE WORN.

Sunbathe before 11.00 a.m. and after 2.00 p.m. when ultra-violet rays are weakest. If that seems too restrictive, lie out a maximum of 15 minutes during the danger hours. Wear a shady broad-brimmed hat. Use a reliable sunscreen product when you're outside for more than a brief period. Re-apply it every few hours and every time you come out of the water if you're swimming. (Some sunscreens are water resistant and do not need to be applied so often). Be especially careful to protect your face, back of hands, V of neck and lips.

Information supplied courtesy of the Auckland Division Cancer Society of New Zealand, P0. Box 1724, Auckland.

Irish Pride

and Prejudice

Marita O'Leary, a student studying journalism,
tells us about naturism in the Emerald Isle.

I would have thought what I have been doing here for the pat couple of years would have proven to our members that their is no flak out there; but you'll always get the argument put over by people, especially in provincial areas, that "it's alright for you up in Dublin or Cork. If you can do the same thing down here then maybe you'll have a point."

Paul believes that "It's merely a question of one's own attitude. If you're going to let your life be dictated, one's life on this earth is short, by what our neighbours may or may not think, we are going to lead a very miserable existence. They let themselves be dictated to by the bulk of ignorance that's around. The biggest fear is in our imagination and if we could get it down to basic brass tacks, when you've seen a half dozen naked bodies you've seen them all, the entire range and you become comfortable with your body. My mother arrives in the back-garden and I'm lying there with no clothes on, she's got to put up with it or leave and she puts up with it. That also applies to my wife's relatives or my children's friends, if they arrive and I'm still without clothes, I stay that way while I'm comfortable."

Later at Moores Hotel, Cork, while I drank my Guinness, Brendan F. showed me his holiday photos of Cap d'Adge, France. Families and young people swimming, laughing, eating, playing beach games and everybody in birthday suits. My initial curiosity at all these shapes and sizes gave way to familiarity and I didn't feel embarrassed anymore. Brendan says "That's the reaction of most people who decide to try naturism, mortification gives way to a feeling of 'what's the big deal' and the 'textiles' on the beach (people wearing swim-suits) end up looking weird."

Brendan doesn't want people to know he is a naturist, "Oh you would want to keep it to yourself in Ireland. People think it has something to do with sex but their reaction is usually caused by ignorance. I think there is a breakdown in moral attitudes towards sexuality, whereas naturism encourages a healthy attitude towards the naked body. Especially for women who are brought up to think of their bodies as dirty, filthy objects and that, if people look at them, they can only look at them with lust; to overcome that attitude is very difficult.

For me naturism and Christianity are one and the same. Naturists know that it doesn't matter if you're not a perfect person with a perfect body or mind, this connects with the fact that you see women who have breasts removed after cancer and a high percentage of families with handicapped children.

Most people like to get undressed in private, have a shower in private, and wear a nightie or pyjamas in bed. They wouldn't walk around their homes naked, swim naked and the only way they'd walk down Patrick Street naked is in a nightmare. If you're taking your clothes off and not having a shower it usually means your having sex; but if you're a member of the Irish Naturist Association it is part of your way of life. Their philosophy is - "Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature, characterised by the practise of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment."

Benefits quoted by naturists include; "When we take off our clothes we also take off any phony postures and status symbols of the every-day world, it's a great leveller."

"It is no more than a few moments before one is aware that nudity has no necessary relationship to sexual arousal."

"1 think one of the most important realisations is that there is, in truth, nothing shocking, embarrassing or sexual about social nudity."

It is not easy to be a practising naturist in Ireland. They have been called "unethical, unhygienic, unchristian and immoral." They have a problem gaining co-operation from local officials, it's a struggle to secure swimming pools or beaches to swim in. Their magazines are called pornographic by lone customs officers who set themselves up as guardians of the public morals. Photographers refuse to develop their holiday snaps; the law places naturism alongside sexual intercourse in public, streaking and indecent exposure - carrying a maximum penalty of £500 and/or six months in jail. Some members worst fear is discovery of their naturist ideals, by non- nudists, therefore they want the clubs to be like Masonic Lodges.

I interviewed Paul Moynihan who is the President of the Irish Naturist Association. He owns Bits 'n' Pieces, an antique shop in Francis Street, Dublin. There are quite a few antique shops in the area, but Paul's is the only one with naturist magazines in the window, and a sign stating I.N.A.

The shop is quaint and crowded, I spoke to Paul while balancing on a coal bunker thrown against the counter, my tape recorder tilted on a brass weighing scales. Paul has red hair, a neatly trimmed beard and had all his clothes on.

Where did it all begin?

The International Naturist Federation (I.N.F.) was founded at Montalivet, France, in 1953. It links together all the worlds' naturist organisations, over 35 countries, including the Eastern Bloc. Naturism is very much a family pursuit and single people applying are carefully vetted. Paul spoke of how he was always a "back-garden naturist" and decided to join an association.

What are the advantages?

"Well there are the benefits of the various activities and support that a club gives. In order to acquire free beaches or other facilities, you need the association which has some clout. Officially there are no naturist beaches in Ireland but, unofficially, you can find them in Brittas Bay, Arklow Beach, West Cork, Blasket Islands, Connemara, Lough Derg and estuaries in the Shannon." Paul mentioned the benefits 'clothes optional' beaches would bring to Irish tourism, citing Yugoslavia, "whose economy, they say, would collapse if it was illegal." Paul laughed cynically when I told him how some people I spoke to were worried about naturism being exploited and vulnerable to 'pornographic elements'

"They're talking through their back- sides. Most people are afraid of change of any kind and to levy a charge that naturism, as an organisation, is subject to abuse, as it were, is a load of cods wallop. What they really mean is it might grow in strength and they don't want that'

So, Paul, who becomes a naturist?

"Naturists come from all walks of life and the only thing they would have in common is naturism. The biggest problem for any naturist organisation is that members are afraid to admit they are members. People are afraid of how others will view them, some are even scared they will lose their jobs.

Naturism does away with social and economic barriers and pre-meditated images. In a naturist club you don't know if the fella next to you is a street cleaner or a multi-millionaire."

Brendan agrees it's a cop out on the part of naturists to keep membership secret but he counters, "In Ireland you're taking a risk. If you just mention naturism in a casual conversation, the feedback is one of nudge nudge, wink wink. People in the country are literally afraid, one woman told me her daughter is still in school and would be thought of as a 'free-liver' and become a likely rape target:'

Brendan spoke of how members from Dublin Country Council had to come to Cork to persuade the corporation to give the Cork Naturist Club access to the swimming pool and how in August, Pat Leahy, a customs officer in Brian Boru Street sorting office, said "Naturist magazines we had received from Australia and New Zealand were pornographic because there were pictures of nude people in them:' Brendan said "We had received them for years, without any problem, but this was the first time they were stamped Cork Naturist Club.

The magazines in Cork were released, but some which were sent to Dublin, the same magazines, are being held under Section 42 of the Customs Act 1876, this act just does not apply. I'm amazed at the red tape, Ireland is the only European country that hasn't legalized naturism. The situation is a farce."

Another example of the problems naturists experience in Ireland is the World Congress which was held, in May 1986, in Dublin. "No hotel would take it, we had to go to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce to put pressure on the hotels. It seemed they were all booked a year in advance for that particular weekend; it was eventually held in Parkgate Hotel. Bertie Ahern, the Lord Mayor, was also busy at that particular time, despite six months notice, he wouldn't deal with that class of people he said, or some words to that effect.

The Sunday World were the only newspaper that reported the congress, wondering where we would put our identity cards. Our international visitors couldn't believe the attitude was for real. I guess it boils down to ignorance, like a friend of mine who sent some photographs to be developed in Cork City.

When the man gave them back he said "Yer all, yeah know, in the nude like." Brendan asked "What's wrong with that?" and he replied "Ahh sure, yeah know what I mean, why are ye all like that?" My friend explained and he has been developing them ever since.

In some background reading, for this article, I came across reports from psychologists and psychiatrists who hailed the naturist movement as a revelation and condemned, as the most damaging mistake ever made by humanity, the notion that there is something intrinsically evil and obscene about sex and the body and that the need to control sexual behaviour, in our part of the world, is based primarily upon fear not reason and ugly attitudes towards nudity and shame in the human body played a part in peoples sexual problems. If naturists really believe in the benefits of naturism expounded in naturist magazines then they should be prepared to face the scrutiny of public opinion and the bulk of public ignorance, because naturism, as a movement, should be dedicated to the disappearance of naturism as a movement.

NELSON

A Report from the wine belt of New Zealand

by MARIAME CERECKE

In the beginning, back in the late 1960's, a small group of people leased the first of several properties from farmers, to be used for sunbathing in the nude. There were many early difficulties; the wider community was very much against "that sort of thing" in those days. The group had to move several times.

In 1969 they finally managed to lease a property of 30 acres (for the princely sum of $10 per annum!) from a farmer at Bellgrove. The very size of the grounds eliminated problems with the neighbours; their only worry was the sand flies!

In March of that year they held their first inaugural meeting. Of the twenty- odd adults present, two couples are still members of the club today. The five-point agenda, unanimously accepted, was simple and straightforward: To form a club, to be called the Nelson Sun Club, to apply for incorporation, form a committee and elect officers. A constitution, based on that of the Wellington Sun Club with minor changes, was adopted.

So the N.S.C. was born, but there was still a lot of work ahead. They had a large tract of land with a creek running through it, and nothing else.

The most important item of all, a "long-drop" toilet, was dug. Next they installed what must surely have been the most ingenious shower in the land - a stationary pedal-cycle fitted with a pump which hoisted water out of the creek.

Fortunately, nothing more permanent was installed on the property, which was just as well. After two years of battling the ever-increasing assaults of the sand-flies, the club gave up the unequal contest. Another search for alternative grounds began. Then the present premises were discovered. A far more manageable property of 6¼ acres in Sunrise Valley Road in Upper Moutere came on the market - for sale. Unfortunately, the club had no money - as much a common failing of sun-clubs then as now!

Raising a mortgage gave rise to difficulties. But the price was so attractive that if the club didn't move fast they would lose it. Club members Hub and Trudy Op den Buysch bought the property and lent it to the club until such time as a mortgage could be arranged. The land had been a boysenberry farmlet and it came complete with an old farm house. (A mortgage finally was obtained, the Op den Buysch family paid off but remaining as guarantors. The club, however, paid off the loan some years ago and now owns the property freehold.)

The grounds are in a beautiful spot, at the far end of Sunrise Valley Road. Adjoining the west boundary is a sheep and hop farm, with pine forests on the other three sides. We enjoy an excellent relationship with our farmer neighbour, who often helps out with the loan of his bulldozer when required. In addition, we have no problems with the forestry department.

We are very well accepted by the Upper Moutere community in general.

Over the years a great deal of work has been done. First, the building of an ablution block with two toilets and a large shower room. Next came a small swimming pool, and a children's play corner with swings, trampoline and the like. Finally, believe it or not, a nine-hole golf course.

The old farmhouse was not the greatest clubhouse in the world. The interior was lined with scrim (which used to billow in the wind when it was blowing outside!) and in winter time it was cold and draughty. There were three bedrooms, a kitchen with a coal range for cooking, a bathroom with toilet and a small lounge with an open fireplace.

As soon as the last mortgage installment was repaid we started in on renovations to our clubhouse.

We now have four completely done- up bedrooms, and an extended kitchen, fully equipped with fridge and electric cooker. The lounge is now heated with a Fatso-burner and on to it we have built a games room. We have a pool table, TN'. and darts board. It is a popular social centre all year round, members gathering at weekends during the winter to watch TV. or have a game of pool. As a small club, we are very proud of what we have achieved.

In the grounds we have set aside eight sections for baches. Five are already taken, all the members building their own; three are completed. In addition, there are a number of caravan sites with power-points. A few members have permanent vans parked, but there is still plenty of room left for visiting holiday-makers.

Visitors come from as far afield as Auckland and Invercargill. Many use the club as a base for touring the district. The nearest beach - a very popular one - is Rabbit Island, about twenty minutes drive away.

Somewhat further, an hours drive, is Kaiteriteri Beach. There also, is the beautiful Abel Tasman Park. Other day trips possible from the club, are the Pupu Springs, the Nelson Lakes and many more beautiful scenic drives. For skiing enthusiasts, the ski fields are not far away either.

Social activities outside the club but nearby are well catered for. In Upper Moutere village is not only a shop and service station but a pub which does a brisk trade.

The district is of course famous for its wineries. There are a number quite close and wine-tasting tours can be arranged. For those seeking the diversions of the town, Nelson is 37 kilometres away, Richmond and Motueka about 24 kilometres distant.

We have enjoyed visits from Australian naturists, and a few of us have been corresponding with a German Naturist Club, which I visited last year whilst holidaying in Germany. I was tremendously impressed with the recognition naturist clubs get in that country.

Many of them are affiliated with other (non-naturist) sports clubs, and receive the same financial grants. The naturist clubs have teams for soccer, volleyball, tennis and the like, and regularly compete with their non-naturist 'opposite numbers' acquiring many trophies.

In this German club I visited, they had to close the membership at 300 owing to lack of room. There are 100 permanent caravans on the grounds. Their clubhouse contains living accommodation for a full-time resident caretaker, who also has an office. He manages the canteen which is open six days a week (where I ate some of the best cakes I have ever tasted!)

To cap it all, they have a heated swimming pool and a sauna - luxuries a little club like ours can only dream about!

Over Labour Weekend last year, the N.S.C. hosted the South Island Seminar. The National President, as also the North and South Island Vice-Presidents, were present. Quite apart from business, it was a highly successful social occasion.

Every Easter, we have an Inter-Club sports tournament. This year, clubs as far away as New Plymouth attended.

Our Wellington friends say that it is always a "must" for them to come to our club at Easter-time. We always have a wonderful time at these tournaments and this year was no exception. Our many good friends from Christchurch, as always, were there in force.

Although still only a small club, we are immensely proud of it and of what we have achieved. Visitors are always most welcome. If you feel like dropping in on us for a few days, we'd love to see you. If you're bringing a caravan, and want to be sure of getting a powered site, it pays to book in advance. The same goes if you want to reserve one of the bedrooms in the club-house. Just drop us a line to P.O. Box 467, Nelson.

Photo:Doug Ball

Doug Ball investigated Mapua Leisure Park
and liked what he saw.

Photo: Leif Heilberg

Now, although I have not completely changed my opinion about unnecessary clothing in nudist clubs, I can see great merit in the clothes-optional idea for public places.

Mapua Leisure Park is on the interface between the nudist and the textile communities, and its philosophy is based on tolerance between the two, and on respect for each other's rights. It seems inevitable, therefore that the Park will attract people who are naturally of a tolerant disposition, and this seems to be born out in practice. Dave told me that in the eight years since they opened, there has never been any wilful damage, graffiti, or stealing. Lost property usually turns up at the park office. People leave their tents and caravans open - a thing they would not dream of doing at any other public campground. Tolerance and openness seems to engender respect and honesty. We nudists know that this is also true of our nudist clubs, but remember, Mapua is open to the public, and except for the occasional car load of boozers turned away at the gate over the New Year holiday, everyone is welcome, as long as they behave themselves well.

Tolerance is not confined to inside the Park. In spite of some early difficulties, relations between the local Mapua community and Mapua Park are good. The neighbours and the police realize that the campers are a very law-abiding group, and that the Park is a great benefit to the district. In fact it has put Mapua village "on the map:'

What do the Mapua campers think of the nudity? Dave showed me the replies from a questionnaire which they sent to all their previous visitors. Although very few were affiliated to NZNF, the majority approved of the dress-optional policy. The mixed-sex showers and toilets were also approved, especially by families with children. (There are also single-sex ablution blocks for those who prefer them).

Clothes-optional living gives non-nudists the opportunity to become gradually accustomed to nudity. At first they see others enjoying it, and then they try it out for themselves. There is little embarrassment involved. There is no need to make any sudden change or "big deal" commitment. Going on holiday to Mapua Leisure Park is a lot easier than that first visit to a nudist club with its high fence and P.O. Box address. Actually, it is even easier since they took down the "clothes optional" sign from the gate.

On a recent visit to Mapua Leisure Park, nestled in a pine plantation on the shore of Golden Bay, Nelson, I spent some time discussing the whole concept of the Park with the operators, Kathy Trott and Dave Hutton. I was most impressed by the high standard of all the facilities, and also by the effort they put into fostering public relations. Their summer entertainment programme, for example, is non-stop variety from Christmas to January 20th, and caters for all ages. There are live performers, sports tournaments, children's programmes, top-town games, arts and crafts, body painting, indoor games, discos, . . . the list goes on.

As Kathy points out, this is not an ordinary motor camp where people are left to themselves, but a holiday park where the whole family can enjoy a holiday without ever leaving the Park grounds. There is a sense of community here, and many visitors keep returning year after year.

However, my aim in writing this article is not to advertise Mapua Leisure Park, but to offer some thoughts on how the dress-optional idea fits in with our nudist philosophy. In the past I have complained of people, particularly teenagers, wearing clothes at clubs and rallies even on the warmest days, and I have read several articles and letters in the same vein.

In the early days people would often turn away when they saw the sign. Nowadays, without the sign, unsuspecting visitors drive right through to the Park Office before realizing they are in a clothes-optional camp. Having got this far, very few turn away. They have already seen their first nudists, and been a lot less embarrassed than they might previously imagined. They stay on, and their conversion" to nudism, or at least the acceptance of nudity, has begun. Most people take a few days, or even a few visits, to remove the last few inches of cloth from their bodies, while others are quite happy to strip off for a swim or sunbathe on the basis of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do".

The effect of the removal of the sign from the Mapua gate, (gradual acceptance of nudity by textile visitors,) is an indication of what would happen if restrictive laws against nudity were to be rescinded, as I begged the Royal Commission on Social Policy (see letter to the Editor, N.Z. Naturist, June 1988). Nudism would become a non- issue, which is how it should be. At Mapua nudism is allowed, but not forced on people. Sports and games can be played nude or clothed as you wish. This is how it should be in our wider community.

The "matter of fact" acceptance of nudity learned at Mapua is not left behind when the campers return to their homes. Their pleasant holiday memories will never be forgotten, and many will tell their friends about them. I venture to suggest that this applies more to Mapua than to the nudist clubs, because there is still a tradition of secrecy lingering in the clubs which has never existed at Mapua. It might well be that this single dress-optional park does more to encourage a sensible attitude to nudism among the general public than all the nudist clubs combined.

This is not meant as criticism of our clubs, or as special praise of Mapua Park - it's just that in the clubs we are mostly concerned with our own affairs, and the public are "out there' whereas at Mapua the public are flowing through in their hundreds and thousands. Over the December - January period the park is packed with people from all over the country and from overseas.

Teenagers are under-represented in our clubs, but at Mapua there are plenty of them. Mapua is an "OK" place to go and to be seen at, because there are so many things for young folk to do, and so many of their own age group to do them with. Is there a lesson here for us? In any case it is good to see plenty of young people learning tolerance of nudity in a healthy environment. After all, today's children are tomorrow's parents, before long there will be greater numbers of people from all over the country who are prepared to tolerate nudity even if they have not become nudists themselves.

Photo: Les Olsen   

My visit to Mapua Leisure Park has given me a glimpse of how our society might be in the future, with complete tolerance between clothed and unclothed people. People going about their daily lives dressed or undressed as they think fit.

Mapua today might be an indication of what New Zealand might be like in the future, when we nudists will not have to hide away behind fences or seek secluded beaches.

One beautiful sunny Saturday morning, after being cooped up for over a week with a four-year-old male and a 48 going on four-year-old mate - all three of us having contracted a particularly nasty strain of flu virus - I alternated between wanting to put a bullet between their eyes and mine to take me out of their misery, I decided to escape - a few hours of peace and solitude!! Do I have breakfast before going or do I just escape? World Wars Three and Four were starting up again, between father and son, which made the decision easier.

Armed with two pieces of toast, liberally spread with golden syrup wrapped up in lunch paper, half a tupperware container of Barkers blackcurrant juice, my usual coffin nails and the last of the half dozen books that I escaped into whilst the two males had tormented each other over the past week, I crept my way down to the Lan- drover and was off. Where to go? With no club to go to I decided on the Taieri lookout.

On parking I found that my eyes, thanks to the flu, still didn't like bright light so I proceeded to do a contortionist act between steering wheel, gear stick and kid's booster seat before finding just the niche for arms, legs, etc., and still be shaded enough to read my book and drip golden syrup down the front of my jacket. Peace at last!

Two old dears turned up - "Go away" I shouted in my mind, "I want to be miserable all by myself!"

Thought transference must have worked as they left and I began juggling toast, juice, book and fag with the best. Five minutes into the book and another car pulled up behind me. Out of this smallish car got five or six - what looked like the Wizards Party and the English Red Coats rolled into one, except that their uniforms were blue with red braid - attractive - but not that day. What are they doing? - Ye Gods, they are flapping a ruddy great Union Jack all over the place and - oh no, blatting on bugle or trumpet or something.

Next with squeals and unmanly giggles they take photos of each other then, like jack-in-the-boxes, they all folded back up into their little car and with Union Jack flying out of one window and bugle blatting unmusically out another they tore off down Three Mile Hill; followed by unkind hopes that the bugle blower would knock his teeth out.

I turned on the radio to 'Buy, Sell and Exchange' and went back to my book. Another five minutes into the book and various 'car parts for sale' and 'a lounge suite wanted to buy' etc. It felt as if a sudden gust of wind had hit the Landrover - "Hell no! it's not! It's the car load of whatevers back trying to roll the Landrover over." I looked out through the windows but couldn't see any maniacal faces leering in at me. At this point, I noticed, the radio announcer's voice had taken on a slightly hysterical quality; "Oh! what's happening!?

Oh dear! - I ah ah ahm - Oh dear it's getting worse - yes I think - yes we are definitely having an earthquake - Oh it's getting worse - ah ahm - I might have to leave you in a minute!!" And here I am sitting under 50ft trees in a vehicle with the ground doing the rumba!! Are you supposed to stay in a vehicle during an earthquake? - I didn't think so!! I know you don't sit under 50ft trees. I got out of the Lan- drover with knees that felt like rubber, not only from fright but also because the ground was walking out of step with me. I stood in the middle of the lookout but that flamin' tree still shook over me, so I wobbled my way back to the Landrover.

My imagination, by now, was working overtime - in my mind's eye - my family was now buried under half a ton of rubble especially as only a few days earlier I had watched a film about an earthquake; I drove home all the time expecting the ground to open up and swallow me. With the Landrover moving I could no longer feel the earthquake but the radio announcer was still trying to control his panic so I knew it was still happening. I finally reached home still expecting the worst - but no! The house was still standing. I ran inside fully expecting to comfort hysterical family members and clean up a mess - BUT THEY HADN'T EVEN FELT IT! So I went back to controlling World War Five and forgot any thoughts of peace and quiet that day.

Editorial

Perhaps we have been fooling ourselves for a long time since we have sincerely believed that the 'man in the street' was not only intolerant but, in fact, antagonistic towards nudists in this country. We naturally have been very reticent about making it generally known that we are members of a club. "What will the neighbours think?" and "I don't think my friends or relations would approve" are constantly thought by many of us. That is, until that surprising day when it becomes known by one such person that you are a member, and he or she shows a sincere interest in your nudist beliefs and admits that he also thoroughly agrees with them.

We are pleasantly surprised and soon warm to the sincerity of this approval by dispelling his doubts and uncertainties with an account of club activities and the value of nudism. The sudden realisation that this is a complete reversal of your strongly held belief feels rather like a douche of cold water. We begin to think again.

There are a surprising number of folk who not only approve but actually wholeheartedly support our ideas and activities. Admittedly the majority state that they are not nudists and it's not 'their cup of tea but they certainly see nothing wrong in the idea. Again many confidentially admit that they enjoy nude swims or sunbaths whenever the opportunity offers but they have never wanted to join a club. So the opposition apparently is not so formidable.

The principles we believe to be wholesome and healthy are held in common with many. So, should we make our membership so secretive? The courage of our convictions can benefit the movement immensely, for if members are known to be worthwhile citizens and first class friends, there will be a similar realisation about the movement. It is often thought that others knowing of our nudist activities will jeopardise one's job, but again there are few who can confirm this.

If the opportunity offers, it is worthwhile stating the case for nudism. Discreet discussion when the situation favours an honest consideration of the arguments, without persuasion to participate, succeeds for more in creating favourable interest.

The amused if not facetious questioning can be turned to advantage by your own enthusiasm and example, and the respect which you can demand will carry with it considerable acceptance of nudist ideas. The sincere and honest expression of your convictions will often win another supporter.

* * * *

OVERSEAS NEWS

The 6th World Naturist Congress is to be held in the vast park of Woburn Abbey, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Bedford, in August of next year. An International Naturist Youth Camp will also be held from 17th to 31st August.

* * * *

NEWS FROM THE CLUBS

Auckland Outdoor Health Club

Clearing of our main games area goes on apace and every weekend sees about a dozen members out working. The fact that this area is well sheltered from the wind, and the general mildness of the weather this winter, has meant that we have been able to strip without goose pimples all the time - though it has been noticed that the shower is not well patronized, to put it mildly.

By the time this is in print it is hoped that we shall have completed the concrete bridge over the creek that, at present, prevents our road from coming right into the centre of the property. With this done, individuals will be able to get private baches in and things will take on a more permanent air; two baches are waiting to be erected now. Present indications are that the Christmas holiday period will see a good crowd staying at the site for the whole holiday.

At a recent social held at Reg's, members were invited to select a name for the site. Although the suggestion was made that Auckland should show its natural superiority to Wellington by naming the site, accurately, 'SIX ACRES' this and other suggestions failed to satisfy. The competition is open to all serious contestants. The prize - to be collected in person or by a deputy - a kiss from the President.

Wellington Sun and Health Society

Planting is the present priority, so that aching backs and a permanent stoop identifies the members. An offer of dozen pines became 300, so with Taupatas, Lacebarks, Flowering Currants, Tree Lucerne and Kowhais each marked by a white stick the place looks like a graveyard. A large number of young trees were also sent down by Dick from Northland. Gardens and fernery are also being laid out and promise to be a feature of our grounds. If all these trees grow the screening will be terrific, for there proximity makes a cats back look bare.

Our explorers have discovered another ideal area, this time surrounded by a high bank which makes an amphitheatre and an excellent games court completely screened. It is at present being cleared and promises some first class facilities, while other areas are still being prepared.

The social evenings continue to be well supported. Bob gave an excellent illustrated talk on mountaineering in Scotland and the French Alps. Members slides have also made tours of New Zealand and overseas fascinating and enjoyable for the many who attended.

Everyone is a nudist at heart, think about it. Why does a tiny-tot, when undressed for the bedtime bath, escape from the constricting towel and run riot for a few glorious minutes of freedom? I must have tried the same thing in my distant past but I expect, in the confines of my narrow upbringing, these few stolen moments were curbed whenever possible; indeed if they were allowed at all.

My first recollections of the naked body are sometime in my pre-school days on Friday bath-night. Living in rural England during the 1930's meant you had to manually haul the water up from the well to fill the boiler in the wash-house, the galvanised tin bath was put in front of the roaring kitchen fire. My two younger sisters were bathed first and bundled off to bed followed by my two older sisters then, being a boy and obviously more dirty, it was my turn. After we had all gone to bed, I presume, Mum and Dad had their bath - all in the same water!

One Friday night, seeing my eldest sister undressed, one of the other four of us pointed a finger and exclaimed - "Look, she's growing hair!" That was the end of the communal bath night. Every Friday night after that I was banned to the wash-house to sit by the fire until it was my turn. The other sisters who were not either in the bath or in bed had to sit at the table doing jig-saw puzzles with their backs to the fire and "don't you dare turn around"!

Another incident worth recording, from those far off days, was when my mother used to put a bowl of rainwater outside, on the bench, in the sun to warm. Then, before it was time to get tea, she used to come outside stripped to the waist to wash. I can remember looking up from whatever dirty little boys do on the ground and seeing her breasts bounce as she washed; she realised I was looking up and immediately turned her back.

This situation never occurred again. Remember - I was still only pre-school!

My first experience of adult nudism took place when I was about fifteen years old. After moving house several times, we were once more back in the country in even more primitive conditions than before, more or less an adult and working for a living. The weekly bath arrangements were not good enough for me even though, by now, the eldest sister had married and left home.

Two fields away from our cottage was a clear running stream about a metre deep. I used to go there on Wednesday afternoons armed with bathing trunks and a towel to freshen myself up a bit. The stream was quite sheltered and one day I dared to go in 'sans-trunks'. I can still recall the wonderful feeling of freedom. After lying back in the sun for a while to dry I spotted my father coming to get the cows in for the afternoon milking, so, quickly on went the woolly trunks; I don't think my father and I ever saw each other naked in all our adult lives.

Years passed, I got married and settled down to a routine life. One day, it must have come up in conversation with my wife, we decided to take a look at a 'nudist colony' with a view to joining. I found an address in 'H and E' magazine and wrote to a club near Bristol but unfortunately, not having a car, we could not take advantage of the invitation extended to us by them.

In the early 1970's we immigrated to New Zealand and in no time at all we were spending every weekend either at a beach or a hot pool complex. Again we decided to join a sun club. After the usual preliminaries the secretary, of the club I had written to, came and interviewed us, leaving us with an invitation to visit for a day.

Due to a drop in wages I decided not to spend any money on the required fees in case we didn't like it. A short while later I answered an advertisement in our local paper and in due course we were interviewed and became members of our first nudist organisation - The Free Beach Group.

Our first trip, with Free Beach, was to Pakiri. At the time we all used to meet at a pre-arranged place and proceed to our chosen spot on the beach as a group. We walked a long way along the beach until we were about one drop from exhaustion. Our small family group came laden with chilly bin, haversack, fishing rods and surf board; with the mists of sweat dampening my vision, we finally halted.

As a dutiful husband I began to spread blankets, towels and do battle with beach umbrella all the while yearning for a well earned drink and a swim. I can recall all sorts of activity going on around me and when I finally looked up, vision cleared at last, I saw that everyone - including my wife who had previously told me she might take off the top of her costume but never the bottom - was nude. I soon got dressed in the same gear and had that longed-for splash in the waves. We were true nudists at last and have never looked back since.

The first few years saw the F.B.G. on some beach or other during the summer and at 'swim and sauna' nights in the winter. By kind invitation and open days my wife and I visited all the clubs in the Auckland area. Finally, after several years, we joined one of the older clubs that was nearest our favourite beach.

I have gradually progressed from ordinary member through to Vice- President and now President, a position I am enjoying but I intend to step down and allow some other member the chance to achieve the same satisfaction I have found in the movement.

FREE BEACH GROUP

For our winter social event this year, we held a dinner at the Ming Court Chinese Restaurant, in Birkenhead, on Saturday, 2 July.

Despite the cold and blustery weather, twenty-five members and friends turned up for a warm and sumptuous eight-course banquet. The winter's cold was soon forgotten with wining and dining, and enjoying a wide panoramic view of the city by night, seen through the large picture window.

Some were able to use the chop sticks, but most had to use knives and forks. Dinner included rice (of course), sweet-and-sour pork, chicken soup, chicken dishes, beef and several kinds of vegetables, ending with the only cool dish on the menu, ice cream. We then had tea or coffee.

Entertainment was provided by a male singer who accompanied himself on the guitar.

All in all, a very pleasant evening enjoyed by everyone.

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

At last we have a concrete drive right down to the car park; the drive does not seem half as long now or as steep. The car park is full of loose fill at the moment but as soon as we can get a bulldozer down there the fill will be pushed around to complete the ring road.

The car park is extra boggy this year due to being used to store the materials and equipment for doing the drive, because of this, the social committee have planned off-club venues for our winter social evenings.

Almost every Sunday a small group of die-hards are working on the lounge, panelling and a new store room in the club house, so if you are passing by on a Sunday you will be most welcome to drop in for a coffee.

After the A.G.M. there was concern that the increase in fees would stop some members rejoining but, up until now, the majority have rejoined and we have had a healthy number of enquiries from prospective members together with some applications to join.

The projects we have planned, for completion before summer, are to get the car park back in shape and the regulation fence, around the swimming pool, erected.

ROTOTA SUN CLUB

The winter activities are being well supported. On Anzac weekend we had a Hangi and party, there are some very talented cooks and consumers in the club.

The annual Tauranga hot pool weekend, in May, started Friday night, with 30 people, at 10-pin bowling. On Saturday, despite the cold and drizzle, 120 people turned out.

Again, my thanks to all the visitors; interclub contact is greatly valued at Rotota.

Queen's Birthday weekend saw 30 people at the grounds, in cool weather. The hot-tub, at the lakes edge, was in continual use and we had a lot of 'wing-waving' by the float planes going into Orakei Korako. I'm sure we should be charging $1.00 a head for their passengers as entertainment tax!

Preparations are well under way for the A.G.M. in September. I am standing down, after three years as President, time for new ideas and leadership.

On Labour Weekend we are planning a fun fundraising event - Hangi, games, raffles and a social evening. Visitors, from other clubs, are especially welcome.

Two members with video cameras have, with committee approval and permission of people involved, been recording activities and scenes around the grounds, to be edited on to a tape we already have. The aim is to have a visual record of the club for historical purposes and showing to prospective new members.

After viewing the original tape our members have become, generally, more open about video recording but we are very aware of and respect personal privacy and confidentiality.

Don't let the moths get at your club uniform, over winter, please have it neatly pressed for next summer.

Dear Editor,

After reading an article in a well- known weekly journal recently, on sexual education, I was somewhat bemused by some of the contents therein. Apparently teachers still have to comply with sections of the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act when teaching on sexual matters. Also if parents do not want sexual education taught to their children, again, teachers have to give way.

We, as parents and naturists, have a grand opportunity to show other folk how thorough and fresh approaches to the subject can be made with apparent ease. I have seen children of all ages playing naked together and enjoying this freedom to the extent that there are no blushes, no unnecessary body contact, no naive staring - in short, a healthy attitude to sexuality is obvious. Likewise, if a child asks a question relating to sex he can promptly be answered truthfully, while the occasion of his query is still fresh in the mind.

Pupils in our schools generally are deprived of this sane, educational approach. The author of the article concerned goes on to quote figures on research done in our schools e.g. "In the Hutt Valley in 1986 a survey revealed that ½ of 389 fifteen year old girls were having intercourse and half of them had done so with more than one partner." What this means in terms of pains, anguish and guilt can not be under-r-estimated. Pregnancy at a relatively early age can be and is, definitely, traumatic.

What harm or lasting scars may result from ignorance of sexual matters, can be judged from our high pregnancy rate among teenagers, by crimes of sexual violation and indeed by murder of young innocents. Can we let our naturist example be hidden or enjoyed only by us? We should be voicing our concern in the daily papers and openly stating our credo in relation to the sexual education. As a former teacher of the subject to form 4 and 5 pupils I can say that it is a revelation to observe how easily it is absorbed and treated by such pupils - there was no tittering, no snide or rude comments and above all, no embarrassment.

If our sun clubs take a lead in the fight against ignorance of human sexuality, then this country would be all the better for it. Youngsters need sexual information urgently and we should be ready to give it freely and without restriction.

Derek Tollan
Whangarei

Dear Editor,

There has been publicity about Takapuna city Council clamping down on nude bathing on their beaches.

On Waiheke Island there are still beaches available for nude swimming, particularly Little Palm Beach and the western end of Onetangi Beach. Both these beaches can be reached by bus. Anyone wanting more information can write to me enclosing a S.A.E.

Evan Todd
20 Crescent Road West
Palm Beach
Waiheke Island

Dear Editor,

PAPAMOA FREE BEACH
THE DEMISE

A 36 home unit complex set back just 75 metres from the high-water line and a foreshore reserve with a pedestrian walk through it have been approved.

The question I would like to put to your readers is - should the N.Z.N.F. support the traditional use of clothing optional for the 'Free Beach' area or move to a less inhabited area further down the coast?

Graham Macgregor
Rotota Sun Club

Dear Editor,

Like your 'new look' magazine. My family and I would like to thank Auckland Outdoor Health Club for a fabulous rally, plenty of sun and fun. We look forward to the next rally at Palmerston North, renewing acquaintances we have made at previous rallies.

Rick Baker
Wellington

Dear Editor,

Latest magazine has arrived - keep it up! BUT - I was not too pleased at the lack of N.Z. photos. I will agree with you that it will take time for clubs and members to respond to the new look etc.

It is partly with that comment in mind that I write. You are likely to have some problems with the next issue as it will be before summer starts. We need more N.Z. photos. I have had a look back through some of mine that you have sent back unpublished. I am going to enclose them as I feel that the use of at least some will assist in a better N.Z. representation. I shall also consult members of my club in some other pics. to confirm releases are still current.

I am back as club photographer so hope for something next summer. Cross your fingers. If the earth's atmosphere is warming up that's a good sign for us but if it is wet that puts paid to any photo ideas - same if it is windy but for many months now our wind has been very minor most of the time. Photos depend largely on what is on the programme plus when I can get to the club.

Doug Cousins
Wellington

Dear Editor,

My family and I are practising naturists and regular readers of your magazine "New Zealand Naturist' We are not club members as the nearest club "Northern Sun Seekers Inc' is 130km away from home.

We, on occasion, travel to Oraiti Beach (near Waipu) to enjoy the freedom of an accepted "free" beach.

Where else in Northland are there accepted free beaches?

Could your magazine publish beaches throughout New Zealand which are accepted or used by naturists as you did for the Pacific Island beaches.

Thanking you

Don Watson

A guide to free beaches in the Greater Auckland area will be published in the next issue of The Naturist. Ed.

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. 126 September 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.

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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

127 December 1988 - 1st October 1988

128 March 1989 - 30th January 1989

129 June 1989 - 20th April 1989

130 September 1989 - 15th July 1989