# 131 - December 1989 

Over recent times, much has been said and written about the 'clothed nudist phenomenon' within clubs and resorts.

Having just returned from New Zealand where similar situations exist, and also having received correspondence from the International Nudist Secretariat, where this phenomenon is also causing grave concern, it is timely to let fellow nudists know of continuing developments.

Before doing so let me recap a moment. Many years ago it was to my surprise that an affiliated club disclosed to me that it had "compulsory nudity" in club rules. Aghast as one was then, to hear that this was necessary, for whatever reason, one simply wondered why but gave little thought about it until these recent times, when so many clubs how have raised this disturbing issue/trend. Like this club of the past other clubs now have introduced similar nudity rules, in an endeavour to assist club management committees in resolving the "clothed nudists" problem, and also to maintain the club charter or responsibilities under its affiliations with the Australian Nudist Federation and the International Naturist Federation, which is, to operate as nudist clubs/resorts; for nudists, and by nudists.

It is an unhappy and unacceptable situation to be in to have to introduce such a rule, but unless clubs take this initial step, if they have the problem, then genuine nudist clubs may well be a thing of the past. Is that what we want?

Reading reports on the last Australian Nudist Federation Convention meeting indicates clearly the urgent need for clubs to re-examine why they are established, where they are heading and how to get on with demonstrating to non-nudists the moral philosophy of nudism. We all should be proud of what we are, in our membership of this unique leisure lifestyle, and use our "difference" to progress even further.

It would be so easy to sweep this problem under the mat, but in my view we nudists are bound by our fundamental principles through our Constitutions / Statutes, to further the common cause of nudism/naturism, thus we all must continue to work to find solutions to this and any future problems as they may arise, as has been done in the past by dedicated, strong leaders of the nudist movement throughout the world.

The simple finality in this present debate is, whether your club/resort is a nudist club or not? Quite easy after all!

It is equally disappointing that some clubs in Australia have been ridiculed because they have recognised this serious problem and in so doing have acted courageously by introducing a 'compulsory nudity' rule, all to further the aims, ideals, integrity and enjoyment for nudists everywhere. Keeping our nudist movement on course and maintaining the credibility established over long years of struggle; that is what we are and need to be about.

The New Zealand experience has seen one nudist club change to "dress optional" in an attempt to gain members. Sounds drastic, but it happened and it failed. They have now returned to their original nudist status, and one wishes them well. However, that type of exercise is dangerous to clubs and the nudist movement and should never be an option.

The European story sees the same trend emerging, with the international office receiving complaints regarding Monsena; Montalivet; Belezy; Koversada; and Euronat, the youth camp.

The International Youth Committee have acted swiftly and positively by introducing compulsory nudity at Euronat. The I.N.F. Central Committee have also recognised the seriousness of this problem and is acting to resolve it, and is also calling on Federations worldwide to assist. Several Australian clubs are doing similar excellent work, now it is up to all other clubs/resorts in the nudist movement, to be mindful of the position, and if they are serious about the future of nudism, are bound to take positive action. Any clubs that have dealt with this problem in other ways, successfully, should advise fellow nudists so that all that can be done will be done. A very good time for clubs to reassess their role and responsibilities within the Federations, and in so doing strengthen bonds and commitments.

Photo: Leif Heilberg

Doug Ball reports on a chilling experience

At the other end of the bravery scale, I myself put down my camera, and was in and out of the water so fast that I would have won the prize for the shortest swim if there had been one!

Then it was into the clubhouse for a warming cup of hot soup, and the presentation of certificates.

When everyone had recovered from their self-inflicted torture, it was time to begin the pre-dinner 'happy hour' which was followed by the dinner itself: a wonderful variety of dishes provided by the club members topped off with traditional Christmas pudding.

With their sixty bodies duly cooled, warmed, primed and overfed the "polar bares" were ready to enjoy an evening of socializing and party games which continued into the wee hours.

After a relaxed Sunday morning, everyone gathered at the YMCA Sauna and got their gear off in less frigid conditions than the day before. And just in case anyone was still hungry, there was afternoon tea with biscuits and cakes!

The whole weekend was an excellent example of how we nudists can continue to enjoy each other's company, even in the middle of winter. Thanks, PNSC, for a most enjoyable Polar Bare Weekend.

No-one in his or her right mind would normally dive into freezing cold water in the middle of winter. But that is exactly what thirty stalwarts of the Palmerston North Sun Club, (aided and abetted by visitors from the Wanganui and Wellington Sun Clubs) did on a cold, overcast, windy day last June.

Led by the example of our intrepid President, we abandoned all common sense, and plunged into the wind-whipped water of the club pool which registered a numbing 7.5 degrees Celsius on the thermometer.

I set myself the task of photographing these unnatural antics, but for some reason none of the naked naturists would hold still long enough for me to focus the camera. Except for Robin, from Wanganui, who bravely and sedately entered the water the hard way and had his moment of madness captured on film. The resulting picture illustrates the temperature and the torture more vividly than any thermometric measurement!

One hardy member endured the chill for long enough to swim several lengths, and earned himself the "Brass Monkey Trophy" awarded for the most deranged skinny dipper.

 I.   N.   F.
N E W S CORNER

From Karl Dressen

NATURISM

and

TOLERANCE

Naturists have always had the problem of having to grapple with tolerance.

At the very beginning, of course, this was not yet a problem. It was a matter either of a few privileged people who did what they pleased in their refuge or of isolated crackpots who, depending on the interpretation of law and religion customary in the country, were locked up or let off.

Tolerance was first required when the naturism/nudism thought took off.

In the twenties, when the first naturist clubs were set up and the public either turned away with a shudder "Ugh" or angrily shouted "The pigs"! tolerance was already very much in demand: by the world about us! This tolerance had to be fought for hard and suffered for by the fathers of our clubs. Many sacrifices were necessary right up to the present day in order to procure the right and the opportunity for naturist / nudist idea to gain the tolerance of the world about us.

It now seems in 1989 to have been more or less achieved! Hardly anyone still takes offence at naturist and nudist clubs and feral nude bathers. The public opinion is: "If people want to, go ahead!" or "Seems a bit crazy!" or "I wouldn't want to do it, but otherwise I couldn't care less!"

Now in 1989, more and more people are living without clothes. According to a recent representative survey in the Federal Republic of Germany, published at the beginning of July 1989, 51% of the men and women questioned said that they sometimes or often, enjoyed the sun "without a stitch on".

In the sixteen to sixty age group, there are about 20 million people in the Federal Republic of Germany.

However, anyone who now believes that naturists no longer have to worry about tolerance has made a serious mistake; only the perception of it has changed! It is now required "internally" in the clubs.

It is the up and coming generations who to a large extent no longer wish to have the hard fought for gift of their fathers and mothers, namely carefree nudity!

This phenomenon was also noticed by the Nederlandse Federatie van Naturistenverenigingen, which wrote to us that nakedness, for example in Monsena, seems to have become almost a peculiarity. Complaints about this have been made by a large number of people who spent their holidays in Monsena and in other Yugoslav holiday centres.

But also from France, for example Montalivet, Euronat and Belezy, similar things were reported. Furthermore, our Dutch friends observed certain tendencies in recent years in our own sites; especially the young people of increasing age (long after puberty) arrive at the swimming pool in slacks, admittedly they still swim naked, but then quickly dive back into their clothes to spend the rest of the day dressed, and this in declared naturist sites in magnificent weather! And these young people are the naturists of tomorrow.

These young people are still of an age (?) when the solicitous tolerance of old naturists and old nudists shows some understanding... "We must leave them to it! They are going through a difficult age!" or "They are sportsmen who throw themselves after the ball. That entails a risk of injury!"

But it seems to me that many arguments of this kind are a more or less successful excuse for heaven's sake not to fall out with the young people. They could otherwise no longer have a pint at the club!

But the young sportsmen and women do not throw themselves all the time at a ball! However the sports short, bikini pants and such like are worn by a large proportion of the naturist youth all the time, even with the sun shining brightly.

And the defence put forward for the difficult age? Consider how our uninhibited pampered naturist children have learned to deal with nudity! But just at the age when they look their best, they hide themselves behind highly buttoned terry towels, T-shirts and even bathing trunks strongly banned in naturist circles!

In their letter our Dutch friends wished to express their concern about the trend described above. The NFN will, within the areas of its federation, do everything in its power to bring about an about-turn in time. At international level, these efforts must be accelerated jointly. Our Bavarian friends of the Amperland Club in Munich made striking comments in their latest club newsletter under the title: "Naturists and tolerance" (already largely repeated here).

Our Bavarian friends then continued: "Oh tolerance! Where have you gone wrong?"

If the five-year-olds, through the example of the bigger youngsters also start to grumble when they should undress, then the question arises as to whether that which is required still has much to do with tolerance!

The INF will undertake various actions to arrive at nakedness in the naturist holiday centres and at our club sites: again the prime necessity.

We wish to reach the situation whereby the basic definition agreed at the 1974 Congress in A'gde again becomes universally applicable:

"Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature. It is expressed in common nakedness, associated with self- respect, as well as respect of people of a different opinion, and of the world about us."

We want to write to the holiday centres and stress our concern that many organised naturists are disconcerted if a large number of other guests do not agree with the principle of naturist relaxation and we shall ask the centres to insist clearly that nakedness in the centres will again become a prime necessity.

We have asked the naturist youth leaders, who bring groups to the INF youth camps also to make it clear to the participants at the youth camps that Euronat is a naturist centre and that nakedness is the rule there. Young people who no longer want to accept these rules, do not have to come to a naturist youth camp at all.

We recommend that all our federations take similar steps at the camps which are organised by their own youth groups.

But we wish to do even more: we propose all federations start a discussion among their members on the importance of common nakedness as a focal point of our movement.

All naturists and nudists wish a great deal of tolerance from all sides.

Tolerance is a plant which should be carefully nurtured and also used, above all, as it is a useful plant! But please do not nurture tolerance to death at the cost of one's own ideals!

What use to us is tolerance from the outside if, as an available resource, it is again directed against us and destroys naturist thinking!

Finally an interesting observation: young people at the age of those roaming the club sites partly clad, are to be found on the free beaches - termed 'wild' by us - completely naked.

Photo: Freddy Karstensen

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor

Congratulations on the new review. Now that the Australian magazines seem to have 'had it', we need a N.Z. magazine even more. The following paragraphs are comment on your editorial.

While I am in agreement with the general thesis of your editorial, and definition therein, "naturism is a form or relaxation which improves physical and mental health", I am sure that very many naturists would disagree with the severely qualifying phrase "and nothing more". To many people, I think, naturism is also an expression of disbelief in the modern system of values, which largely by means of high pressure advertising, is concerned only in vaunting the artificial and unnatural in every aspect of life, in our eating habits, in the way we spend our leisure and recreation time, in our artistic appreciation, or lack of it, indeed in every part of our way of life.

Many people understand that the more artificial our way of life and our aims in life become, the less happy we become and in order to escape the vicious circle of trying to relieve a week's accumulation of tensions and inhibitions acquired in our necessary employment by submerging ourselves in the weekend mill of artificial "relaxation" and forced "pleasure", it is necessary to return to an appreciation of nature and enjoyment of simple things, best achieved by the help of the practice of nudism, and meeting congenial companions at the club in the atmosphere of nature's healers, sunshine and fresh air.

Yours sincerely,
Jerry

* * * *

CLUB NOTES

Auckland Sun Club

The old club is still battling on. I have been in touch with all the members in the last couple of weeks. The grounds are in pretty good order for the coming season and I hope that we may be able to add to our membership at a faster rate this year. I received our first application for membership from a couple last week.

We have added to our area by clearing a piece of ground about the same size as our present playing area and the grass is coming through very well; it should be quite well established by the time the really hot weather starts. Also on the programme for this season is the installation of city water supply. (I am sure that if the wealthy Wellington club cared to make a donation of £200, we could have a very nice little swimming pool, too.)

Waikato Sun Club

Constant searching for suitable grounds has not disheartened the "Mooloo Sun-Bashers" as the members call themselves. Membership enquiries are still coming and there seems to be every indication that the club will make some real headway once the elusive property is found.

Wellington Sun and Health Society

The members are working very well preparing for the Rally. The clubhouse has made great progress - now that the wash area is completed, lining well underway, the tanks and spouting are up and the electric power is to be connected any day. The trees are growing well, even though the weather is rather dry. The Annual General Meeting resulted in some changes on the Executive. Rosa is the President, (I think she is the first woman president in N.Z.) Doug is Secretary/Treasurer, Perc. Public Relations Office and Keith and Rosalie committee members. Jim is the Auditor and Dexter is the National Rally Delegate. Subscriptions remained the same but the ratio of men to lady members was abolished for the current year. Six new applicants are under consideration for membership, so there is still every indication that the club is thriving.

WHO ME?

XVXN THOUGH MY TYPXWRITXR IS AN OLD MODXL IT WORKS QUITX WXLL XXCXPT FOR ONX OF THX KXYS. THXRX ARX 41 KXYS THAT FUNCTION, BUT JUST ONX KXY NOT WORKING MAKXS THX DIFFXRXNCX. SOMXTIMXS IT SXXMS TO BX THAT OUR ORGANISATION IS NOT UNLIKX MY TYPXWRITXR, THAT NOT ALL OF THX KXY PXOPLX ARX WORKING PROPXRLY.

YOU MAY SAY, 'WXLL, I AM ONLY ONX PXRSON. I WON'T MAKX OR BRXAK AN ORGANISATION' BUT A SUCCXSSFUL ORGANISATION, TO BX XFFXCTIVX, RXQUIRXS THX ACTIVX PARTICIPATION OF XVXRY MXMBXR. SO THX NXXT TIMX YOU THINK THAT YOUR XFFORTS ARX NOT NXXDXD, RXMXMBXR MY OLD TYPXWRITXR AND SAY TO YOURSXLF, "I AM A VXRY KXY PXRSON IN OUR PROGRAMMX AND I AM NXXDXD VXRY MUCH."

The Auckland Outdoor Health Club was established Sunday afternoon, the 28th August 1949, when a group of twelve enthusiasts met together in a cabin on the property of Bert and Helen Brittain at Oratia and decided to form a naturist club. The name above was selected and a constitution drawn up with objectives such as '...the practice of social nudism and sunbathing' and '...to spread the gospel of Naturism'.

The new club was offered the use of the Brittain family's grounds on a temporary basis until a property could be purchased.

Among the founding members was Eric Flint, owner of a nearby property 'Kaurivale' who had been associated with the nudist movement for many years prior to World War 2.

During the first year a small clearing was made, upon which was built a small cabin. Regularly each summer an attempt was made to dam the stream permanently for a swimming pool and, as regularly, every winter it was washed away. In 1950 the club celebrated its first birthday party with a cake decorated with four miniature nude figures.

AOHC was formed as a 'members' club but with the grounds privately owned, concern was expressed about the tenure of the property when it was purchased by Norman Murray, one of the members.

As the members were unable to arrange a formal lease of the grounds from Norman, an approach was made to Eric Flint for the use of some of his grounds and the move was made downstream to develop land adjacent to Eric's Kaurivale!

Those members who remained behind on Norman's property formed themselves into the Auckland Sun Club some time later. In the event the move proved futile, as Eric was reluctant to sell off part of his land to the members, and the modest development that did take place was inhibited in the knowledge that someday it would be necessary to move again.

Land was cleared for nude sunbathing and a games court and work commenced on building another small clubroom.

Membership in 1953 was approaching some 50 members and the fee for a married couple was thirty shillings (three dollars).

One of the first requirements was for fresh water so it was decided to put down a post hole bore at the top of the hill. Water was found at twenty feet depth, but members never succeeded in drawing more than a few pints to the top of the shaft. This quest for water led to further development. Some of the men hacked their way through the undergrowth down to the stream where it was decided to build a log wall along the bank which could be back-filled with earth and provide a reasonable sized flat area for sunbathing and a games court.

Photo: Les Olsen

Later a small bridge was built over the stream.

In January 1955 the club, along with Kaurimu, made naturist history by being the first clubs to invite the press to a naturist rally. Reporters from the Star, Herald and, with a little trepidation, Truth; were invited to attend. In the event the most praiseworthy report of the 3rd National Rally was published by Truth.

The club took a major step toward official recognition when it became the first nudist club with legal standing in becoming an Incorporated Society.

In early 1956, once again being thwarted in their attempt to obtain a lease of Eric's property, the members decided to move on once more. The present property at Ranui was located after many weeks of searching. With the membership growing it was decided to raise a debenture issue for the six hundred pounds required for the deposit on the property and Hans Burgin agreed to act as guarantor for the mortgage of two thousand pounds.

Photo: Les Olsen

On the 31st January 1960, following the rally, the club held its first 'open day' which attracted some twenty-three visitors, many of whom subsequently joined as members. The preparations for the rally had sadly depleted the funds and the influx of new members helped ease the club through a difficult financial period.

Most of the funds were used to pay the mortgage installments and the debenture interest. Notwithstanding this difficulty, bamboo plants were purchased and planted along the southern boundary behind the clubhouse.

The club was foremost in putting forward the idea of a National Association of naturist clubs in New Zealand. At that time the clubs were loosely organised by Perc Cousins who had been the Dominion Organiser in Wellington, for some years.

That idea was bitterly opposed at the Rally held in Wanganui in January 1957 but was finally accepted the following year at Christchurch and thus was established the New Zealand Sunbathing Association with Perc as the first National President. This post he held until his death in 1969.

The "National Naturist Review" was first published in 1956 and members of the club were the principals who printed the first issues and arranged the distribution to clubs and shops throughout the country. The name was changed to "New Zealand Naturist" in 1961.

Work started in earnest on the new grounds and it was first necessary to cut a track from the gate, through the blackberries and gorse, to the creek, near where the present adventure playground stands. A tent was erected as shelter and to house the tools with which the clearing could proceed. Through what must have been one of the wettest winters on record, a few dauntless souls worked at making a clearing for sunbathing, near the junction of Whittington Way and this was grassed for the 1956 summer season.

A start was then made on forming the roadway, which was brought across a culvert to the edge of the stream, and a fence was erected on the western boundary at the same time.

The following year under the guidance of Hans, the bridge across the stream was erected using reinforced iron obtained from railway lines. City water was a welcome luxury when a plastic half inch pipe was laid to provide for the shower and a cup of tea. The present main sunbathing area was 'discovered' in early 1957, when one of the members climbed a large tree and was surprised to see flat ground beyond the gorse and blackberry. Weekend after weekend the ground was cleared or wattle and manuka and finally rotary hoeing and grassing finished the job. To provide for relaxation a small hole was dug and concrete blocks erected to form a small splash pool. This pool provided many hours of enjoyment for both children and adults alike.

In 1957 it was decided that the members should be able to refer to the grounds as something other than 'the club' and accordingly the property was named 'Oranui' (place of plentiful sunshine).

All AOHC photos: Les Olsen

A clubhouse had long been a dream of the members and to this end a foundry at Te Papapa was demolished to obtain some of the materials. The large wooden roof trusses were moved to the club grounds and diligently stored near the bridge. Following a severe thunderstorm and flooding, the trusses were retrieved from near the railway lines about two kilometres away. The first stage of the clubhouse was completed in time for the 8th National Rally held on the grounds in early 1960.

Although the front of the building was not enclosed fully, it did have electricity: brought in by underground cable, connected just prior to the opening ceremony.

From the early days of A.O.H.C. tenniquoits was the most popular game but with the development of the lawn, handball held sway for a season. This game had almost no rules, so as injuries mounted interest in the game waned and volleyball was established. During the winter of 1961 the old games of horseshoe pitching and tenniquoits were re-introduced but never overtook the lasting popularity of volleyball. Miniten, a game that had been played for many years in English clubs, was introduced and proved to be popular with those people with a more competitive nature and became a serious challenge to volleyball.

Swimming is an ideal activity for nudists and only the chronic financial difficulties at the time prevented a large pool being built earlier than it was. In 1963 it was decided to impose a levy of twenty dollars on each member to finance the construction of a pool, and work began immediately on the excavation. The 50' x 30' filtered and tiled pool was officially opened by Dr John Reid on the 13th December 1964, after a continuous working bee which lasted for almost eighteen months.

It was ironic that the day of the official opening there was a torrential downpour and very few photographs were taken to record the momentous occasion. The water supply was renewed with 1½ inch pipes in 1965 and the sundeck added to the pool a year later. This deck housed the toilet facilities, showers and the filtration equipment.

In preparation for the 15th National Rally, it was decided to complete the interior of the clubhouse and to fully enclose the upper section of the exterior.

Again many working bees were held and the work completed just in time for the rally. For the occasion, the clubhouse had an office and canteen annex attached to it and as permission had not been granted by the local Council, the building had to be removed following the event. The original cabin on the grounds was converted into a washroom and moved into position beside the clubhouse where it remained for about five years before being relocated to its present position behind the clubhouse and converted to use as the office.

Meanwhile a larger camping area had been developed mainly through the efforts of Arthur Leuschke and this area is now known as Arthur's Park. Prior to the advent of caravanning this camping area served well for tenting by members and visitors alike.

An annual beach picnic was started in 1964, to Long Bay and then to Waiheke Is. and Pakiri Beach. Of recent times Uretiti Beach in Northland has become popular and boating trips on the harbour have been successful.

Inter-club sports days were introduced to foster greater co-operation between clubs in 1966 and have continued annually since that time. When the Kaurimu Club disbanded in 1969 an Honorary membership was conferred on Eric Flint to recognise the work that he had done for the nudist movement in the region.

Play equipment for the children built up over the years starting with a chain swing in a wattle tree together with a painted packing case and wooden see-saw. Galvanised play equipment was purchased with funds raised from socials and raffles. To encourage the children to learn to swim two cups were donated to the club and these were first contested for in 1968.

During the early 70's membership began to pick up, allowing further consolidation of the finances.

The early debenture issues were repaid along with the outstanding mortgage monies due at the time. The club held its 21st Birthday Party in the Romaleigh Lounge, Northcote, with a dine and dance function which was attended by many nudists from throughout the region.

The club hosted the 21st National Rally in early 1973 and in preparation for this event the first miniten court was laid in concrete and the present children's pool built. The caravan sites on Whittington Way were established and an area of the top paddock cleared for the excess campers coming to the rally. Until this time the paddock had been leased to local farmers for grazing stock, and there was always an abundance of blackberry bushes; the produce of which graced the members' tables in the form of blackberry jam.

Throughout the winter months the club maintained members' interest with socials, discussion groups, film shows, fancy dress parties and square dancing. Friendliness on the grounds was fostered by everyone having lunch around a big table and community morning and afternoon tea.

With the large number of members at present, that custom has become impractical.

In early 1974 work commenced on the extension to the clubhouse. This work was let to contract and proceeded throughout the winter months. The official opening was conducted by the Patron, Sir Dove Meyer Robinson, on 16th November 1974. This addition proved its worth at the National Rally held in early 1976 when a very large attendance of nudists took part in the activities.

Through mid-1976 the club suffered from repeated attacks of vandalism.

A past member of the club conducted a hate campaign on the facilities; damaging toilets, writing obscenities, smashing furniture and the phone box. Many members sat out late into the night awaiting the vandals return but he was never sighted whilst members were present on the grounds. Months later the caretaker was alerted to his presence and eventually apprehended him behind the bamboo hedge beyond the clubhouse and he was then taken into custody by the police. Following his conviction, restitution for the damage was made to the club and the vandal served six months periodic detention.

During 1977 the club ran into difficulty with its sewerage disposal. After a very disturbing period when the local Council drainage inspector was trying to close down our activity, the club had to limit its membership and evaluate the sewerage disposal. Underground sewer pipes were installed throughout the property in anticipation of a connection to the proposed development of the land next door. Unfortunately the development did not eventuate and we were left with drains laid and nowhere to dispose of the sewage. The septic tanks which had served the club well for many years were checked for leakage and new pipes laid in the reticulation trenches where necessary. This remedy has been sufficient to date along with the regular cleaning of the tanks. With the installation of the drainage it was possible to build a foot bridge across the stream to provide a more direct access to the upper campsites which were developed progressively through the late seventies.

In 1981, following a bequest to the club, the children's adventure playground was constructed. On its completion it was named after Norman Murray who had been associated with the club since its outset.

Photo: Les Olsen

To recognise the efforts of the many early members who had made a significant contribution to the club's development, Twenty-Five Year Membership Certificates were presented for the first time and have continued on an annual basis since.

In preparation for the 31st National Rally held in 1983, the grounds and main facilities were upgraded, painted where necessary and maintenance carried out. Most of this work had fallen behind due to the financial constraints imposed at the time of laying the sewerage. Following the rally it was decided to further develop the camping area in the top paddock. Pine trees which lined north western boundary were felled prior to the establishment of a loop road, powered campsites and a new toilet block.

This asset was officially opened by the President, Les Olsen, on the 16th December 1984. Bamboo plants were planted along the fence line to provide the screening necessary in the future.

A building was purchased for the Youth members and initially located just over the bridge on what had been the badminton court. After excessive flooding in the area the building was moved to a site above the adventure playground.

The last major event held on the grounds was the 36th National Rally, held in early 1988, with 'The Roman Games' theme. This was a very successful Rally with members attending from all over New Zealand.

Our 40th Birthday Jubilee will provide an ideal opportunity for past and present members to reflect on the good times held at 'Oranui'. The unique native bush park setting provides an enjoyable setting for camping, sport and relaxation.

We have maintained the concept of a 'family' club throughout and the large numbers of young people present and taking an active part in the activities ensures that the club will continue to develop and be a place of enjoyment for many in the years to come.

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB

This retrospective review of the club activities is timely with the 40th birthday being attained on 28th August 1989.

This has been a full year of sport and social events beginning with the Rally team returning from Palmerston North, with nine trophies. In early January the swimming sports were held, in ideal weather conditions, and a large number of contestants took part. Reflecting on the ages of some of the contestants we have now introduced veteran swimming in the age groups 35 plus and 50 plus.

This is the second year that these races have been held and they provided a highlight to the day. The Senior Vets was won by Les for the second year running and the past President Ron won the Junior Vet race. On Anniversary weekend the annual Top Team contest was held and this was won by 'The Deckers'. Most of their players being last year's winners also.

On Easter weekend a Rubik Cube dance was held with members and visitors dressed in multi-coloured clothing. The idea being to exchange articles of clothing and be fully dressed in 'one' colour when directed by the social organiser. This social was hilarious amusement for the participants and spectators alike. The following evening a Trivial Pursuit night was held with some 60 players in teams of four taking part. The winning team won a closely fought contest and took home the $40 jackpot.

Other new events introduced during the year were the N.Z. vs The World Volleyball and Cricket games. Happily I record that N.Z. won both these games.

The mid year Christmas Dinner was done pot-luck style this time and the Veteran's Miniten drew a large number of players again. This event is run on handicap and played with table tennis scoring. Being a fun event there are lots of laughs. It concluded with a happy hour and prize giving.

To celebrate the 40th Birthday, two events are planned. The first is a dine and dance on Labour Weekend, at the Windsor Tavern on the North Shore; at which around 80 people are expected to attend. This will be followed on 19th November with a family fun day where the birthday cake will be cut and formalities carried out by an invited N.Z.N.F. representative.

Colin and Joyce, our non nudist caretakers, retired early in the year and we wish them well in their retirement. Jim and Vi have taken over the duties and have maintained our grounds to a very high standard.

We look forward to welcoming many new members to the club this season and a good team is getting organised to advance on Wellington for the forthcoming Rally. We wish all members of clubs everywhere a joyous festive season.

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB

Our committee for 1989/90 has many new faces. We are very grateful for all the work that the previous committee has done for improving our grounds and facilities. Compared to last year, we now have a new large shower block with plenty of hot water, another mini-ten court, four additional powered sites, two caravans for hire, and plumbing that works!

We extend an open invitation to all INF and NZNF members who may be passing our way over the summer. A peaceful, sunny break on your trip to or from the National Rally in Wellington is just the ticket to relax and unwind. We have plenty of powered sites and spaces for camping. If you need accommodation, the two caravans can be booked through the Youth Officer. The children have a good play area with two trampolines, fenced swimming and paddling pools.

Our nine-hole putting green is restored where the Rally marquee was erected.

The totem pole still stands as the solitary reminder of Lake Downs Reservation festivities. On weekends we fire up the barbeque for you to cook your vittles. (But not your vitals!)

ROTOTA SUN CLUB

The winter months have been quiet at the grounds, but there has been a lot of planning for summer activities. Ground maintenance has continued to be done by the unsung heroes; let's sing about one of them who works quietly on his day visits to improve the grounds. Ken D. who has just re-done the steps from the clubhouse to the top camp area. He also re-built the steps down to the beach (twice! He wasn't satisfied with the first result), and is frequently seen (or the results are seen) clearing the tracks and the road edge with a slasher. Thanks Ken!

We had an attempted break in while Bill and Caryl were away one day but it was foiled by a visitor camping there. This is the first attempt since Bill & Caryl retired(?) to the grounds two years ago. Thanks for just being there folks.

Muriel Howell and some Waikato Outdoor Society representatives helped us plant a rimu tree at the lake edge in memory of Stan Howell. We thought it was an appropriate place with Stan's love of fishing and boating.

Don't forget where we are folks, the phone numbers are in the back of the Naturist. Visitors are welcome anytime and we look forward to seeing you this summer.

THE AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

It's a boon sharing the drive with our new neighbours. All expense is divided between the five of us. We shall now be able to have the top of the drive sealed over. Before, this would have stretched our finances to the limit. Now that the cost to us has dropped by 80% this keeps it well within our budget.

Work has been going on steadily at the club all winter. An accumulation of nearly two decades has been cleared from under the club house. There was a grand assortment of trash and treasure. Each piece bringing back a memory to, or of, some member past or present. Enough saleable treasures were found to pay for the trash to be taken away. Now that we have space, individual lockers are being installed. This will further help to keep the club house tidy as members tend to leave bits and pieces in the corner, ready for next weekend. Only, at the end of the sunbathing season they are still there.

We have had the first working "B" of the spring. This included a general tidy up of the grounds and cleaning the pathway underneath the 'flying fox'. The blown down ti-tree branches were collected ready for the first BBQ. A good day was had by all and it was rounded off by a pot-luck tea.

Time has taken its first toll of the club house. This, as well as all the leaves have rusted through the guttering and it has had to be replaced. This time with plastic.

Our committee has come up with some great ideas. These will be non-nude events to introduce the public in general and the local community in particular to our club grounds and amenities. They may be surprised to find that we are not the bunch of weirdos as they would like to imagine.

The cost-cutting exercise on the pool was well worth while. The cost of the chemicals used during the winter was less than a quarter of the cost of replacing the water in the spring.

The building going on in the next door sections has done nothing to frighten the bird life away.

If anything we have more now than before. The native wood pidgeons can be found, early in the mornings, feeding on the berries in the trees right on the edge of the volleyball court. The rosellas can often be heard screeching though and still sometimes come down on the lawn for a brief feed. The latest visitors were a pair of ducks looking slant-wise at the pool. Will this be another unexpected source of income? Will we be able to rent out a mai-mai for the next duck shooting season?!!

WELLINGTON SUN CLUB

The weather is at last warming up and it was heartening to see at least 20 people at our working-bee in August. Even though we have over 200 members, if we get 20 to a working-bee we think we're doing well! A sad reflection of the times when most people are too busy to give up a day to the club. Those that do make it usually thoroughly enjoy the companionship - particularly when we all sit down to lunch and afternoon tea together. It was even warmer for our September working-bee but we couldn't manage more than 14 people.

We are very excited to see our new toilet block taking shape at the end of the clubhouse. It is due to be completed in time for the rally. We have waited several years to be able to afford this project. Many people will have memories of running through the pouring rain to get to the toilets.

Thanks to an offer by the Porirua City Council we had the exclusive use of the Cannon's Creek Pool for two hours on Sunday 10th September, kindly arranged by June.

Free Beach members were invited and this helped to swell the numbers to 38 adults and 7 children. Not only was the pool screened by the manager but the temperature was so warm we were able to barbarque with nothing on, just as if we were at the club. It was so enjoyable, everyone present voted in favour of another session next month. It was particularly pleasing to have visitors from Canterbury and Hawkes Bay join us for the evening.

Finally, the grounds are looking magnificent at present and we are all getting into gear for the rally. We are looking forward to welcoming old friends and making new ones and are keeping our fingers crossed for fine weather.

NELSON SUN CLUB

Our "18 Years Service" celebrations were a lot of fun. We began with a round of golf on the newly renovated and very popular golf course, using the up-graded clubs and printed golf cards.

Then we followed this with a very enjoyable banquet including a beautiful cake. We finished the night off by dancing into the early hours, to the music from our new stereo.

We have had a busy winter upgrading the clubhouse and grounds in anticipation of a busy summer. Considering the Rally is so handy this year we are expecting folk to call in, either on the way there or on the homeward trip. We look forward to sharing our picturesque grounds, and playing a round of golf with our visitors.

Because I oppose discrimination of any kind, except against people I dislike, I fully support the position taken by a group of women who call themselves the Topfree 10.

They call themselves that because they believe that laws prohibiting women from baring their breasts in public are discriminatory.

The women were recently arrested on a Lake Ontario beach in Rochester, where they had appeared nude from the waist up.

As one of them said, when they went before a judge to enter their pleas: "Because the law is unjust, I plead not guilty."

I agree. I have never understood why a man can go to a beach wearing only a pair of shorts, while a female must cover part of her upper body.

In most cities and states that prohibit women from going topless, the laws say it is indecent exposure or indecent behaviour or something of that sort.

When you ask the lawyers what they mean by "indecent", they say that it is something that appeals to our "prurient interest". And prurient, in my dictionary, means: "Having or expressing lustful ideas or desires; tending to excite lust; lascivious; lewd."

What a lot of nonsense. Why is it assumed that the sight of a woman's breasts will arouse lustful ideas or desires? How do the politicians who write these laws know what is in the hearts and minds of men?

Apparently they haven't noticed that many, if not most, females don't necessarily have upper bodies that will turn men into salivating beasts. Those who do are already employed as no-name starlets, jiggling and bouncing on the late-night cable movie channels.

What about those who have lustful thoughts upon viewing a well-turned female calf or even the strange souls who gaze adoringly at painted toes? To shield these men from dark thoughts, should we demand that females wear knee-high boots?

But the size, dimensions, pertness, pendulousness or other individual characteristics of the female anatomy are not the issue.

The issue is fairness and equality for women. As the Topfree 10 have pointed out, if a man can bare his chest in public, they should have the same right.

Or, looking at it from another angle, if women must cover up, why shouldn't men be required to do the same?

On any public beach can be found yuppie males, or even older stiffs, who devote long hours at the health club to developing their lats and pecs.

Since most of them shuffle paper for a living, they don't need bulging muscles, but they want to strut and flex, hoping to catch the eye of a female as dimwitted as they are.

Who is to say what lewd, lascivious, lustful ideas their twitching muscles arouse in female persons? There is ample evidence that females do have such thoughts.

Reprinted from Bare In Mind

Photo: Les Olsen

Sunday 10 September was an exciting day for Wellington members of the Free Beach Group, with the first swim night of the Wellington Sun Club, organised by NZNF President June Campbell-Tong.

FBG local organiser Bill Baine warmly invited us to rendezvous during the afternoon at his home in Eastbourne. For those of us who could make it, this gave us the opportunity to meet and share ideas. We then proceeded in convoy to the Porirua East Aquatic Centre, no longer feeling like isolated individuals. We were delighted that members came from as far afield as Masterton, certainly an encouraging sign for the future.

So, off we went to the Aquatic Centre, which is very easy to find, simply by following the signs as one leaves the motorway and turns into Porirua East. A friendly welcome was extended to us all by June Campbell-Tong.

With children entering at no charge, and adults paying only $3, we reflected on how inexpensive this wholesome recreation was, in comparison to the fees that one pays for practically anything else.

The Aquatic Centre was an ideal venue, with a full-size heated pool and a toddlers' pool, complete with kayaks, ropes, sprinklers and all sorts of inflatable tubes that can give tremendous fun to anyone daring enough to try and stay on them - and tremendous entertainment to those who prefer to watch.

With indoor barbecue facilities there was every opportunity for a great way to spend a Sunday evening. Forty adults were able to come, with about ten children, which were sufficient numbers to ensure that the evenings continue, even if the fee is raised to $4 - those who were there would be happy to pay more.

For some, it was their first experience of social nudity, having merely been private nudists at home. For the first-timers, it was immediately obvious that family social nudity is something completely natural and honest; we were nude, but by no means lewd; and, all in all, it is a sheer normal, natural and healthy way of being.

We left the Centre with the feeling that, at last, something is being done in the Wellington area. This is a great initiative by June Campbell-Tong, whom we thank very much indeed. We all look forward to the next swim night, and hope to bring as many friends as possible.

SEMINAR REPORT FROM "PINEGLADES"

We are always appropriately dressed says Joyce Fleming

"The questions people ask about nudism are as idiotic as they were twenty years ago," says Norman Wilkinson, organiser of the NZ Nudist Federation seminar at Canterbury Sun Club grounds, Rolleston.

The first question asked by a Wellington radio station was, "What are you wearing?" Next came an interview by a local media student. "Aren't you rather cold?" she wondered; thus indicating the archaic image still held by many people regarding those whom they have labelled "nudists".

Unless of course, such questions are intended as a friendly, if somewhat predictable joke.

Sun clubs find themselves in a "catch-22" situation. Fear of ridicule or disapproval tends to inhibit people from revealing that they are members of a sun-club. We want the clubs to be known and respected like any other club. Our reticence is self-defeating.

"Radical changes are needed in our own attitude," said Norm Wilkinson, leading the discussion.

"Open communication and acceptance by society at large can't be achieved by locked gates, endless rules and restrictions."

It was unanimously agreed that free beaches and dress-optional holiday resorts such as Mapua be inter-related with the sun clubs. They are a great breakthrough in the acceptance of nudism and a means by which many more people may discover the benefits and enjoyment of such a lifestyle. The clubs are a social organisation providing congenial headquarters for people of like mind.

Recommendations arising from the seminar:

1) To reduce stress and make friendship a number one priority.

2) Common sense and courtesy are the only rules needed most of the time.

3) To arrange social functions outside the club grounds with compatible groups (e.g. sports, Free Beach Group, etc) and likewise to make our grounds and amenities welcoming to others.

Align ourselves with, subscribe to and support other health-conscious and environmental groups.

4) Demonstrate our awareness of the implications of depletion of the ozone layer. Our leaflet entitled 'Good and bad effects of sunshine', to be widely publicised and distributed, stresses care and education of children in this matter.

5) 'Going for goa1s'. Much more use could be made of free beaches and sun clubs as tourist facilities. Nudism is widely accepted in Europe. We are part of the International Naturist Federation, a world network of clubs in which the Canterbury Sun Club is one of the most highly-rated.

However it is likely that those who attended this weekend seminar will remember it, not for the resolutions passed, but for the fun of the Sunday night's Music Hall and the Victorian melodrama; above all, for the special warmth and family atmosphere of communal meals in the clubhouse, and being part of a circle of good friends.

Dear Editor

As an elderly nudism lover I was delighted to see, in the current September issue of 'The Naturist', a lovely photo of some of our older nudist citizens.

I believe it is important that we include one such photo in every issue of our magazine, because we are then demonstrating, as well as mouthing the words, that taking one's clothes off in a social nudist setting is a freedom thing and therefore an emotional and mental health thing - it is not a competition about being more visually perfect than somebody else.

At every stage of life our bodies have their own distinctive beauty - babyhood, childhood, teenage, early adulthood, middle-age, elderly. Every stage is an equally important and lovable stage.

Grandparents often have a great deal of influence on the rising generation.

For elderly people to be seen (via constant inclusion in nudist photos) as an important part of the nudist scene, is surely to help establish an essential visual communication link among grandparents, parents and children, so that each can increasingly visualise the other in a natural three-generation nudist-family role.

Thanks for listening.

To me, the trust, honesty, and glad sharing that are natural ingredients of social nudity, are subtle, soothing, emotional-healing balm.

The very best for the coming warmer weather. Wally Burgess

Dear Editor,

In issue No. 128 of "The Naturist" I read with interest the "Letter to the Editor" by Derek Tollan. It is most interesting to read foreign naturist magazines. You sometimes find that your own small problems are not only Swedish but also pop up in New Zealand. I think of younger members (particularly adolescents) opting out of the naked state.

Someone even said, "If I don't have a white tail, my schoolmates will ask me why." I think this problem is worldwide! It is really up to the parents trying to grow along with their children, even how to behave as a nudist/naturist. If the parents are REAL nudists/naturists and REAL parents, this would never happen.

Naturally yours,

Ulf Mossberg

Dear Editor,

A friend in New Zealand sent us a few old copies of your great magazine. We would like to order what back issues you have.

Please send us current costs for a subscription and back issues.

This is the best family publication we have seen. It is good to see family photos of all ages, this makes it a real family magazine.

Keep up the good work.

J.M.
South Australia

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. 131 December 1989

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

Plates by:

Ello Litho Graphics Ltd, East Tamaki

Printed by:

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

Distributed by:

Gordon and Gotch (NZ) Ltd

(Top)

AUSTRALIAN NUDIST CLUB DIRECTORY

This magazine is protected by copyright, no part of it may be reproduced. stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photographic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the editor.

In our desire to present different points of view we publish articles and letters which do not necessarily represent the opinion of the editor.

All correspondence should be addressed to:

P.O. Box 2925,
AUCKLAND.
NEW ZEALAND

General inquiries concerning nudism in New Zealand, or overseas, should be addressed to the:-

New Zealand
Nudist Federation Incorporated
P.O. Box 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

Les Olsen - FC, IFC, P9, P10, P11, P12, P13, P14, P15, P19, P22, BC.

Doug Cousins - P8.

Freddy Karstensen - P2, P5, P7, P18.

Leif Heilberg - P1, P20.

Doug Ball - P3.

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

132 March 1990 - 30th January 1990

133 June 1990 - 20th April 1990

134 September 1990 - 15th July 1990

135 December 1990 - 1st October 1990