# 134 - September 1990 

First time. When you read that in a nudist publication your expectations are of someone describing their first time at a nudist resort. Not so this time! Most of us next would think the writer was referring to their first sexual encounter. Again you'd be wrong! What I am talking about is the first time I attended an International Naturist Federation (INF) Swim Gala. This was actually an event of many firsts. It not only was the first time I attended, it was the first time an American Federation contingent was represented. There was a coach, competitor, photographer and correspondent. I'm sorry to say that they were all the same person. I am even more sorry to say that the first American Federation competitor did not win any prizes. Just too many years - too many years since I last competed and too many years past the age bracket for the senior competitors. But I've asked for a rematch, just as soon as my competitors get as old as I am! Even though I finished an embarrassing last, I would do it again in a minute. It was one of the most enjoyable things that I have participated in. Even though I was just one individual from my country, the warmth and friendliness shown to a fellow nudist made me feel right at home.

From the moment I arrived at Flevohof, our lodging for the Swim Gala, I was treated like visiting royalty. The officials and organizers of the Netherlands Naturist Federation had thought of everything that would make our stay more pleasant. The Swim Gala, lodging and transportation were organized by the Netherlands Naturists Federation (NIF). Flevohof is in Flevoland. If you're like me, you never heard of it. Flevoland is a special project unique to the Netherlands - the kind of thing you become a world traveller to see and to learn about. Since it encompasses much history and local colour, I would like to quote from a Flevoland brochure.

The Dutch have been doing battle with the sea for centuries. It is a part of our history and an essential element in the country's security and prosperity. The story's crowning glory is the Zuyder Zee project - the draining of over 225,000ha (616,730 acres) of sea. The creation of land in five polders. Three of these - the North East Polder, East Flevoland and South Flavoland - now make up the new province of Flevoland, northeast of Amsterdam.

The provincial capital Lelystad is only some 50km (30 miles) from Amsterdam.

The new province is founded on five main pillars: urban construction, agriculture, nature conservation, forestry and recreation. Creativity and inventiveness have had an important part to play, and the visitor to Flevoland will not find just modern, dynamic towns but also a village which in 1948 won an Italian architecture prize for its experimental structure. Agriculture and horticulture are major industries in Flavoland - the region has been called the (granary) of western Europe. The nature reserves are breeding grounds where fauna and flora alike - including many rare species - have been given a new lease on life. The nature conservation area of the Oostvaarderplassen is an important staging post for birds migrating between Spain and Scandinavia.

Areas of forestry are scattered through the whole region like green lungs. And then there are all the province's recreational facilities, with unrivalled possibilities for windsurfers, yachtsmen, anglers, hikers, cyclists, riders, campers and beach lovers.

A piece of land has been created with its own charm and its own story, with a sea of space for man, animal and plant.

The methods the Dutch use to reclaim land from the sea and to change a salty sea to a fresh water lake are fascinating, but that's another story.

Our lodging at Flevohof was an enjoyable surprise. Flevohof is a convention centre with beautiful grounds and forests where our bungalows were located. The main building had a snack bar, several restaurants, meeting and banquet rooms. In other buildings were auditoriums, an outdoor swimming pool, and a new museum building containing a life science display that seemed miles long. In addition, there were extensive gardens, lakes, boating facilities and equestrian areas. It is quite an impressive complex.

Early Saturday morning we boarded buses for the trip to the swim stadium. The competition was to be held in the quaint and interesting village of Amersfoort Netherlands. Amersfoort is a market town for the surrounding agricultural region and is noted for being one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.

The hosts presented each with an INF medallion and ribbon to which they would later attach medals for events won. At this point they welcomed the visitors with a handshake, hug and or a kiss. I was personally hoping to get a hug and a kiss from one of those beautiful nude Dutch girls, but instead, I received a very firm, but warm, handshake from a robust young Dutchman. Then the officials took their places and the competition began. All competition was arranged by age groups, with the 12 to 13 age bracket first. All events were at a 50 metre distance (that's approximately 164 feet). The contestants were pre-registered for their group and event. The PA announced the events coming up so that as soon as one group touched the end of the pool the next group was ready to mount the starting block. I was fascinated by the organisation and efficiency but most of all by the quality of swimmers. After I had watched several of the teen events, I was convinced that by signing up to compete I had let my alligator mouth overload my humming bird rear. When I finally gained control of my sagging jaw, my first thought was, "Who do I see to withdraw from the competition?" But then, after thinking about it for a while, I convinced myself that I would be less embarrassed by loosing than by withdrawing. Well, it sounded logical at the time.

During the competition, we were honoured by two distinguished visitors. The Honourable Herr Schreuder, Amersfoort Burgemeester, spent several hours with us meeting the competitors and enjoying the event. During lunch I had an opportunity to talk with Herr Schreuder. He has travelled extensively in the U.S. and spoke excellent English. During our conversation he made a comment that I thought was very fascinating as well as encouraging. He stated that Americans' recognition of nudism is similar to what it was in the Netherlands ten years ago. That should make the next ten years in the U.S. interesting.

The other visitor was Her Van de Poll, the President of the Netherlands Swimming Union, Vice President of the European Swimming Union and a board member of the World Swimming Union. During our discussions I asked if there were any plans to hold major swimming events in the nude. He said there was nothing definite being planned but that the swimming organisations were receiving more and more requests to hold meets in the nude. While I had the chance I added my arguments in favour of nude competition.

The town was chartered in the year 1259, but, as we passed through town, it was obvious that its business and residential areas were modern and up to date in every way. Amersfoort is a town of about 80000 to 90000, a small town by any standards, yet they have built one of the largest, most modern swimming facilities that I have seen anywhere. The Dutch seem to challenge the sea gods by taking land that is theirs. Then they build shrines such as this swimming complex to honour the same water gods. I've been in many swimming complexes in the U.S. and few of our large cities have facilities such as this.

At the swim complex, as nudists, we had an obvious advantage in the changing room.

There was no searching for separate facilities. Everyone just dropped their drawers and rushed out to the swimming area. All of us were anxious for the competition. As soon as the officials had their equipment set up, the opening ceremony was begun. I was impressed by the method of opening the event welcoming the visitors from other lands. The Dutch competitors lined up along the side of the pool opposite the grandstand, and the visitors paraded in to the strains of a stately march. It was an emotional and moving experience to see hundreds of nude athletes parading into the swim stadium. When the visitors were abreast of the hosts, they stopped and faced each other.

Many years ago, in the capacity of coach, I attended many regional and national swim meets. I've even helped with the organizing on occasion. If someone would have told me that the Swim Gala schedule was for 499 competitors to complete 99 events in one day, I would have told them they were crazy, that it couldn't be done. So they did it. If you ever have the opportunity to attend an INF Swim Gala, don't miss the chance. It was one of the most enjoyable nudist events I have ever attended. It made me aware of how wonderful our nudist youth are. Their manners, sportsmanship, and friendliness were exceptional. I can honestly say that this is a group of young people that I can praise, admire and even envy. I envy their years of growing up as naturists. I envy their international contacts and the friendly competition. I have spent a lifetime acquiring the knowledge and ability to find and enjoy naturism. This is the same knowledge that they have acquired at an early age. They will be able to spend the rest of their lives enjoying it.

The 21st INF Swim Gala will take place in Ipswich, Great Britain. The event is scheduled for the 27 and 28 of October, 1990. Ipswich is county borough of East Suffolk, and is located on an inlet of the North Sea, about 65 miles N.E. of London. If you would like to be informed about future Swim Galas and the schedules, subscribe to the INF Bulletin. For information write to:

International Naturist Federation

St. Hubertusstraat, 3

B-2600 Berchem/Antwerpen

Belgium.

My first argument was improved performance as one of the advantages. The other was that all other competitive sports develop and use the proper equipment for their sport. Only swimming is handicapped by inappropriate equipment. The totally nude body is the only proper equipment for all forms of swimming competition. Though he did not commit himself, I feel he would vote in favour of nude competition when the question comes by.

As soon as I could hunker down in my library at home, I compared event times with statistics in my almanac. To be fair to the INF swimmers, I used only the times for the middle teens to mid twenties. There are no mothers, fathers, homemakers or business people competing in the major swimming events, The Swim Gala winning times were comparable to national and college competition times. Most other times were the kind you brag about. It was apparent that the swimmers performed their best for their club and federation.

When I was attending national and intercollegiate swim meets, I did not see the efficiency of motion and organization that I witnessed here. The day's schedule of swim events and the participants were posted on a bulletin board. In addition, a booklet was given to everyone to keep tabs of when their event(s) were to begin and to record the actual times. Moments after each event, the times for the event were listed on the bulletin board. I was greatly surprised when, after the competition, I had dressed and was congratulating the winners (still hoping to get that hug and kiss) when I was paged to the officials' table. When I got there, they gave me a booklet of the day's entire schedule of events and the time of each competitor.

The same booklet was given to each competitor. How they were able to compile the data and prepare that many booklets in so short a time, I'll never know. I was so impressed by this feat that I will mention a few bits of data. That way you will appreciate what was accomplished. The booklet was 20 pages plus fancy cover and back, with each event described in all three official languages: French, German and English. As host federation, the NFN also included a translation in Dutch. The data included 11 different federations, 99 different events and approximately 499 separate competitor times. Not a small feat, but to have it completed and distributed to all competitors in less than an hour (it was probably nearer a half hour) after the last event took some real organising.

Only councillors David Pearse and Colin Shanley opposed it.

When the council's legal officer, Peter Woodroffe, reported to the committee on Monday this week that he had found the council had no jurisdiction over that part of beach, mayor Jeremy Dwyer said the council should support the club's application to DOC. Cr Terry Coxon agreed. But other committee members rejected the suggestion and the matter was to be referred to DOC.

Reprinted from Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune.

FOOTNOTE: Written confirmation has now been received. Ocean Beach is now a legal optional clothing beach area.

OCEAN BEACH:

Hawke's Bay nudists have found they already have a right to nude recreation at Ocean Beach.

Their discovery comes after three months of trying to get the Hastings City Council to change a by-law to allow them nude recreation at a site about 1km north of the surf lifesaving club.

But the Department of Conservation has been found to have jurisdiction over that section of the beach, and there is nothing in its rule book to prevent nude swimming and sunbathing.

A spokesperson for the Hawke's Bay Sun Club, Edna Barnes, said that she was thrilled to hear from DOC officers that there appeared to be no problem with the club's plan to publicise that part of the beach as "clothing optional".

The plan only needed confirmation from the department's head office in Wellington. "We're not 100 per cent there. But we're 99.9 per cent", Mrs Barnes said.

There was nothing in the Harbours Act, which applied to the 20 metres of foreshore above high tide mark, known as the Queen's Chain, to prevent the club using that part of Ocean Beach, Mrs Barnes said.

Club members did not use adjoining private land, which was clearly marked with a sign, she said.

The club would put up its own sign, approved by DOC, at the site. It would show visiting nudists where they could swim and sunbathe legally, and warn anyone embarrassed by nudity that they were approaching a nude recreation area.

Ocean Beach would be advertised both nationally and internationally in nudist publications, which would bring visitors wanting a "free beach", Mrs Barnes said.

PAPAMOA BEACH:

Papamoa Free Beach is now officially acknowledged by the Tauranga District Council. On Friday 6th April council workers erected signs at each end of the free beach: "Nudists Bathing Area Tauranga District Council". No fuss, no fanfare, no publicity.

I queried the council on the bylaw 1902.7 adopted by the three previous councils "No person shall be or remain upon any part of a beach in view of other persons unless properly and sufficiently clad". They replied:

Dear Sir,

NUDE BATHING

I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 8 April 1990 and offer the following comments:

(1) The bylaws at present in force in the City, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa are being consolidated into one Tauranga District Bylaw.

(2) In the proposed draft there is no mention of how persons should be clad while on any beach.

(3) It is generally accepted by this Council that laws relating to the conduct of people in public places is a Police matter.

Thank you for your interest.

Good one, Tauranga District Council.

- Graham Macgregor

They would not arrive in their hundreds, but would definitely swell the numbers of visitors to Hawke's Bay, she said.

Most members of the district council's community and recreation committee favoured the club's application in March for a designated area of Ocean Beach free from a by-law forbidding public nudity.

 I.N.F.       
NEWS      CORNER

By Jean Yves Decrand
      I.N.F. Vice President

SPORTS,

AND LEISURE

ACTIVITIES

Why this titled "Sports and Leisure Activities"?

Because the sports practised in our naturist movement must be considered as sports which are nearer to being leisure activities than of high-level competition. Moreover, the word "leisure" reminds us that we are on our grounds to relax and forget the cares of everyday life.

Before continuing this subject I feel I should recall the keyword of our movement:

"Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature, characterised by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment."

Starting from this sentence, perhaps one will better understand how naturist sport has to be considered in relation to textile sport. In fact, even if the rules of the game are the same, we have changed some procedures so that the entirety of naturists can take part.

Naturists are people who are conscious of their bodies: what is more natural than to practise a sport?

To let everybody express him or herself, the barriers of age and sex are abolished. These days, you can see people of all ages on our grounds, and mixed teams, neither of which exist in the textile world.

Three sports and leisure activities are at present practised at international level:

- swimming

- petanque

- family weekend

What are these activities, and how are they to be distinguished from textile sports?

Swimming is open to both sexes, but above all from the age of 10 upwards. Moreover, each relay team has in it as many men as women.

Petanque is often considered as a leisure activity practised in competition, for the last year in mixed pairs, respecting the rules of the French Petanque Federation and the provencal game.

The family weekend is the leisure activity par excellence, since all the family can take part in the various games offered.

Naturist sports and leisure activities must be the perfect reflection of good living, good humour and respect for others.

This sporting spirit must be accompanied by naturists with the spirit of tolerance.

It is through sport that naturists have been able to exchange their ideas and improve relations between peoples.

Naturist sports and leisure activities are thus characterised by the practice together of a sport or pastime in a friendly family spirit, where the idea of competition must not be considered as an end in itself.

I will thus end this editorial in recalling that nature, the essence itself of our life, must be protected in the same way as the respect that we bear to others and to ourselves.

NATURISME

- INF World Handbook

Reviewed by Ivan de Ia Chaumette

There is every reason to suppose that equal care has been given throughout the book.

This book contains everything the intending overseas naturist traveller needs to know; the name, address and phone number of a club, a clear and concise little map showing its location, every single detail of its facilities and notes on any special hazards, drawbacks or other circumstances that are useful to know.

It is obtainable only from the I.N.F., Sint Hubertusstraat 3, B-2600 Antwerpen, Belgium. And the only thing we can't tell you about it is the price. Our copy is the complementary book sent to the N.Z.N.F., and nowhere in or on the volume is a price shown.

The 1990/91 Edition: Naturisme is out.

This extraordinarily comprehensive guide to naturist organisations, clubs and free beaches throughout the world gets bigger with every issue. The latest offering contains 850 pages of imitation art (semi-gloss) paper and weighs 800 gram - which doesn't sound much, until your realise that's four- fifths of a kilogram, which does!

About twenty full-colour pages scattered through the volume help to brighten it up. Most of them are advertisements, the remainder being some of the 100-odd naturist photos with which the handbook is illustrated. These apart, the pages comprise nothing else but statistical information, telling you everything you could possibly want to know about every naturist activity throughout the world.

Compiling the first edition alone (this is number 20) must have been a gargantuan task in itself. The up-dating of each new issue would be nearly as arduous, as the editor, Dutchman Geert Bovenhuis, has a staff of only three to help him.

"Naturisme" is a reference work of interest to naturists everywhere, and indispensable for anyone contemplating overseas travel. One cannot, however, apply the terms "quick' or "easy' or "ready-reference" to its contents. What you want to know will be there, all right, but it will take some ferreting out.

For a start, everything is printed in three languages; English, French and German. The editor is a Dutchman working from the World Headquarters of the INF in Belgium.

Naturally he has the traditional view of the world held by all continentals; it consists of Europe, and the rest. From a naturist perspective, this attitude is reinforced by the fact that there are more naturist clubs and organisations in Europe alone than in all the countries of the rest of the world lumped together.

So only European languages are chosen. With the sole exception of Great Britain, everybody in Europe Understands either French or German (even if neither is their native tongue) so those two come first. Britain, the only European country where practically nobody knows more than a dozen words of either tongue, but has its own peculiar language called English, is relegated to last on the list.

Difficulties are compounded by the layout. Sometimes sub-headings are printed in the three languages, one under the other, and sometimes following one another with just a diagonal stroke (/) between them. But this trilingual set-up applies only to the preliminaries (the first 68 pages, to be precise).

The remaining 782 pages of club listings are given in the language of the country concerned. Fortunately, this is not quite the handicap it may appear. The reader is likely to be seeking names and addresses more than anything else, and all he has to do is faithfully copy the style and spelling.

There is evidence of considerable care having been devoted to this end. In the New Zealand section, place names, including Maori (and some sticky ones at that, such as Whangapoua and the like) are spelt correctly, to the letter.

New Zealand's First Nudist Film

A camera crew from a national television network (wearing clothes) is filming a group of stark-naked people wandering among the hot water and boiling mud pools. This almost surreal scene was broadcast nationwide in a three minute segment of the 6 pm news! Why? It was all in the cause of publicity. Publicity for David Ball, the maker of New Zealand's first nudist film.

For five weeks David and his companion Lene Kjeldgaard toured our country, filming at clubs, beaches and tourist spots; interviewing nudists, and trying to capture the special nature of our naturist community. My wife, Peggy, and I acted as tour guides, helping where we could (and getting in front of the camera from time to time!) The tour started in Auckland, where David and Lene recovered from their very tiring non-stop flight from Britain at the Auckland Outdoor Health Club. Then began a non-stop round of visits to nudists venues in both islands. There was not enough time available to visit every nudist club so we spent the weekends at some of the larger centres, and tried to fit in provincial clubs during the weekdays as we travelled about. I do apologise to those clubs who were omitted from the itinerary. We would have dearly loved to have visited you all, but that was just not possible. As it was, we had to curtail our southward journey at Christchurch. Perhaps there will be another opportunity in the future.

The first Saturday was spent at AOHC, where members assisted enthusiastically with the film-making. Sunday saw us at the Auckland Sun Club in the morning, and St Leonard's beach with the Free Beach Group in the afternoon.

The next two weeks saw us zigzagging down the North Island:

Papamoa Beach, Bay of Plenty Sun Club, Rotorua, Rotota Sun Club, Taupo, Otorohanga Kiwi House, Mokau Beach, Taranaki Naturists Club, Tapuae Beach, Wanganui Sun Club, Palmerston North Sun Club, Wellington Sun Club, and the Wellington Free Beach Group at Breaker Bay. I could write pages about the adventures we had and the sights we saw, but you will have to be patient and wait for the film!

Then over Cook Strait to Mapua Leisure Park where we enjoyed nude yachting on Golden Bay, and nude golf at the Nelson Sun Club. We were delighted by the large number of members who made a special visit to the Sun Club on a week-day afternoon to help with the film.

Four people stand naked on a deserted New Zealand beach. They are a diverse group. A stocky blonde Englishman, a petite young Danish woman, and two sun-tanned, somewhat older New Zealanders. By a strange coincidence, the Englishman and the two New Zealanders share the same surname, but as far as they know, they are unrelated to each other.

Standing with these four nudists are two other people: a Chinese man and a European woman, dressed in city clothes. One of the nude men has a huge video camera on his shoulder, the other has a still camera with a flash gun - so does the Chinese man.

The dressed woman is taking notes, and everybody is either photographing or being photographed.

Sounds like the beginning of one of these brain-teasing riddles, doesn't it? But no, this time it's real life. The place is Papamoa Free Beach, near Tauranga, and the two with clothes are a reporter and photographer from the Bay of Plenty Times. This rather amazing scene was typical of what I call the Heritage Video Mystery Tour.

Another time, another place. It is early morning, and quite nippy. Steam drifts across multi coloured silica terraces, and boiling water spurts from active geysers.

Pineglades, home of the Canterbury Sun Club was our last location, and again many members extended hospitality and co-operation to David's team.

These hectic few weeks provided a feast of experiences and images which will last a lifetime. If David can squeeze half of them into an hour-long film we will have a film to remember, and a wonderful medium to help promote our movement.

However, David is not only a filmmaker. Wherever he goes he enjoys opportunities to expound his opinions on his favourite topic: the promotion of naturism. At a Sun Club he emphasised the need for nudists to stand up and be counted and to promote their rights, as other minority groups do. At a nudist beach he berated a man in swimming togs who complained about his filming. On a Christchurch doorstep he had a long debate about nudism with a pair of Mormon Missionaries, and even invited them to visit the Sun Club, but without success. To the news media be strongly defended the practice of nudism as a basic human right. He has strong convictions, and great enthusiasm for our nudist lifestyle.

When you get to know David you discover hidden depths. He is brilliant, creative, and versatile. He is businessman, film director, producer, cameraman, interviewer, actor, narrator, author, editor, and musician all rolled into one. He composes most of the music for his own films. In sports he is a determined competitor and always plays to win. His dynamic personality gives a special character to his films, and his enthusiasm for our country will most certainly show through in this latest production.

Now I cannot tell you exactly what will be in this film, but I can say that judging from the wide range of exciting material David has collected, and knowing his enthusiasm for our country, we Kiwis can look forward to something extra special in October when "Naked Down Under" appears. And it will put NZ Nudism on the world map.

Article and photos by Doug Ball

FREE BEACH GROUP

GOES BUSH

Having fairly recently joined the Free Beach Group, Peggy and I did not realize that they had, for many years, been holding an annual camp in the Kaimai Ranges. The idea of a beach group camping in the bush seemed strange at first, but the Free Beach Group is much more than its name implies. They are people from all over New Zealand who share the enjoyment of nudism in the outdoors, whether on the beaches or elsewhere.

Their activities are not confined to the promotion of "free beaches' in fact the Group is no longer interested in promoting "legal" nude beaches. Instead they advocate the freedom to be nude anywhere in our wild places, and have made great progress towards gaining general acceptance of social nudity. I think the name "Free Beach Group" may have outlived its usefulness,

and that perhaps, one day, a more suitable name might be adopted. But let's get on with the story.

For those of you who are not very familiar with North Island geography, the Kaimais are the bush-covered ranges you drive over on the road between Matamata and Tauranga. Most of the area is a Forest Park, with limited access for the public, and our party had to travel in a convoy through a locked gate - both going in and coming out. This slight inconvenience becomes a great advantage once you are inside the park because it means that you can explore the roads and tracks for hours without the need for clothes. Your whole holiday can be spent in the nude if you wish, which adds a whole new dimension to the enjoyment of this peaceful and beautiful place.

Now, you might not be a fan for camping out, and "roughing it" in the bush. No matter. Because the Free Beach Group camp" is at the well appointed Ngatuhoa Youth Camp, complete with electric power, hot water, cooking and washing facilities, bunk rooms and a large hall for social gatherings, Of course, you can camp in your tent if you like, but you can choose to stay indoors in the main building if you prefer "home comforts'

The annual Free Beach Camp is always held in January, three weeks after the NZNF Rally, and before the end of the school holidays. It's a great time of year for weather, and an ideal opportunity for a second Xmas holiday but without all the hassles which are normally associated with Xmas festivities. The Free Beach Newsletter does not exaggerate when it says: "Ngatuhoa gives us a week of fun and enjoyment in idyllic surroundings.

Bush, streams, waterfalls, all in splendid isolation, a special place ... different from anything else you have ever tried. Don't miss it!"

Although Ngatuhoa nestles in a sheltered valley between bush-clad hills, there is no sense of being hemmed in, because the spacious grassed area gives plenty of room for camping and volley ball, and there are plenty of wide open spaces, streams, and channels for the enjoyment of walking, sunbathing, canoeing and swimming.

For the walkers and trampers, Ngatuhoa is an excellent base for excursions by road (no cars) or bush track to the spectacular waterfalls, hydro dams and tunnels which abound in this area. One waterfall, in particular, is most impressive. Te Rere i o Turu, the "place where Turu took flight" is a massive sheet of water falling over forty metres, striking a sloping platform, and making a spectacular display of foam and spray. The falling water produces a permanent wind in the valley below. Turu was a legendary Maori who jumped over the fall to escape capture, but the legend does not tell us whether or not he survived his "flight".

We were very impressed by the friendliness of the people at the camp. Nudists are, on the whole, very pleasant and sociable people, and these free beach nudists were no exception. Activities were organised with a minimum of fuss, but were no less enjoyable for that. A Fancy Undress Ball, held on the Saturday night, had the theme "Buttons and Bows". Sun-tanned bodies of all shapes and sizes, had buttons and bows attached to fairly predictable places, but the ingenuity and complexity of some of the costumes had to be seen to be believed! The whole event was uninhibited and spontaneous, with the dancing interspersed with party games. More like a family party, then anything else. An evening never to be forgotten. In fact, the whole holiday will never be forgotten. Thanks, Free Beach Group. We must come again!

Photos: Doug Ball

One could claim that the world's first nudists were Adam and Eve. This was during the Dispensation of Innocence, before the Fall of Man. GENESIS.2:25 which reads - And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Later, man fell from grace, when he sinned, by disobeying the known Will of God. GEN. 3:1 6.

In the following verses we read that Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons to cover their nakedness - GEN. 3:7. This no doubt would have the effect of staving off temptations. The Bible does not say exactly what was meant by the eating of the forbidden fruit. What we do know is that man disobeyed God after being told a lie by satan. God asked Adam why he disobeyed. His reply was - Eve gave of me and I did eat. GEN. 3:12. Some preachers claim that Adam was a coward for blaming Eve. It is easy to arrive at this conclusion, but that does not necessarily mean that Adam was trying to avoid the truth, since what Adam said was in fact true - i.e. Eve did offer him. Then the Lord challenged Eve, and her reply was, The serpent deceived me, and I did eat. This reply from Eve was also true in substance.

The Lord God then said to the serpent; Because you have done this thing, by lying to Eve, thou art cursed above all the cattle and every beast of the field!" Unto the women, said the Lord, "I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and conception." GEN. 3:17. God then sentenced Adam to hard labour, to till the ground, eat the herb, pay taxes, etc, until the day he died. GEN. 3:19. God drove Adam out of the garden (Paradise) to the east. Man was no longer in a Utopia. Woman would bring forth children in travail. This means suffering labour pains while giving birth. The animals don't suffer pain while giving birth. This is now all a part of the curse. Since man was no longer in Paradise, but was cast out to face the elements, it was now necessary to be clothed to protect oneself from the cold. GEN. 3:21. Adam was from now on longer in the Garden of Eden GEN. 3:23, but working for a living upon the dust from whence he came, and would return.

It is now clear that we are living under the curse. The question we may now ask is:-

What would be the state of mankind today if our original parents (Adam and Eve) had not sinned? Could it be that we would be still in Paradise, in our original state, naked and unashamed? Not having to work for a living? Still created after God's own image, as some claim nature intended?

Many people fail to think of these things. What would have been the alternative?

Another question which may well be asked is:-

If it is sin to be naked; why then did the Lord tell Isaiah to walk naked for three years in front of the people? ISAIAH 20, 1-6. An article on this passage appeared in the New Zealand Naturist" magazine (No.78 March 1976). It explained that the reason why the King of Assyria attacked Egypt and Ethiopia was simply because a naked slave trade was in operation in those two countries at that time. The workers were given sufficient wages with which to buy food to give them strength to do the work for their profit-making masters, but not enough pay so as to enable them to buy clothes.

This form of exploitation, God allowed not to continue, hence the military invasion. Isaiah's naked walk was meant to be a sign of judgement to come upon these two nations. On perusing "Cruden's Concordance" I looked up all the references in both the Old and New Testaments, to the words naked and nakedness. Never once did it say it was a sin. It did say it was shameful. The shame being that the people were so destitute, they could not afford to buy clothes. In another "Naturist" article, a writer tells how the Apostle Peter was a nudist JOHN 21:7. This was always his practice while fishing. Have you noticed the Lord never mentioned the fact to Peter, as He dived into the water nude? He said "Come, Peter, and I will make you a fisher of men."

Jesus Christ was naked when He came into the world. He was virtually naked when He went out of the world. People even cast lots for His clothes before nailing Him to a cross. MATT. 27:35. Jesus didn't complain about that! Could it be that in the Garden of Eden it was not the nakedness that was a sin, but something else in connection with that nakedness?

Saint Paul says that nakedness will not separate Christians from the love of Christ. ROMANS 8:35. As one man once said to me; If nakedness was a sin, then all babies would have been born with clothes on!!!

In reference to the original creation, the Bible says that God was pleased with everything He had made. GEN. 1:31. Surely He must also have been pleased with the creation of man in his natural state? Else, why would He have made him so?

The Scriptures claim that all things are indeed pure! ROMANS 14:20. There is nothing unclean of itself. ROMANS 14:14. (But to him who esteemeth it to be unclean, to him it is unclean).

Therefore, I suggest there is some truth in the saying that it is all in the mind.

The Rev. Kingsley Bond once wrote an article in the pictorial magazine "PEOPLE" entitled "Topless Dresses & Morals." He was an ex-missionary, and an Australian Methodist Minister. He wanted to know what was the difference between accepting brown-skinned people, bare from the waist up, in a warm climate, and the same with pink skins in our warm climate. He says that it cannot be right in one situation, and wrong in another. Having preached in churches at least half-full of topless women. Were he and others to bury their heads in the sand? Even the children swam naked in the sea.

In the New Zealand Naturist Magazine No.44, Sept. 1967; and No.48, Sept. 1968, articles appeared which were contributed by the Rev Raymond Fussell of Napier, who, it seems, aspired to the naturist way of life, saying that one would have thought that nudist clubs would have been teeming with fornication, which he says does not appear to the case. He mentioned how the servicemen swam nude in the Solomon Islands during World War II.

In referring back to the article on Isaiah, a woman reader mistakenly claimed it was wrong to uncover the nakedness of members of one's family, as stated in the 18th chapter of the Book of Leviticus. On reading this chapter which was written by Moses, a careful analysis will show the reader that the subject, or theme, was really incest.

"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother, sister, aunt, uncle, mother, father, etc., because they are thy kinship." What Moses appears to have said in a modest sort of way was - Thou shalt not have sexual intercourse with members of your own family or relations. You do not marry your own sister for instance. The reason is obvious. The offspring at times have been physically or mentally retarded from birth.

The word nakedness here used in Leviticus 18 is a euphemism for human reproduction. I feel that there is a parallel here, in the context of the use of the word nakedness, as also used in the Book of Genesis.

Many of the sex taboos relating to nudity date back to the "Victorian Era" of the last century. I have a book titled "Seaside England" where pictures are shown of swimsuits from the shoulders to the ankles, which applied in those days. Think what would happen when caught in a severe tidal rip? You would be lucky not to drown. In this modern era, people wear swim costumes of the bikini type. These are much safer, and enable you to move faster. Whatever the views are that are held by various people in these matters, it must surely come down to the individual conscience, in the light of individual knowledge of national culture and conscience.

May these considerations throw some light on our dealing with these important questions, for our own moral benefit, as well as that of others. The true freedom of speech as well as actions must be able to express themselves openly if present day democracy is really to survive.

The final decision must be yours.

EDITORIAL

How important are you to the New Zealand Sunbathing Association? Just as any club or organisation is as strong as its members make it, so the N.Z.S.A. will be weak or strong in the exact proportion that all interested in naturism are firmly behind it, fully realising and appreciating what it means to everyone of us. You may think - "We have our own club which gives us all the work and pleasure we need and we are big enough to look after ourselves anyway." If you think that way, please read on.

Do you realise that if it had not been for national representation, the naturist magazines you enjoy today would not be available in this country? They had been as good as banned until we saw the Minister of Justice and departmental heads. The successful outcome of that interview should be familiar to you and needs not repetition.

The film "Garden of Eden" was brought into the country and screening made possible by our representations. Members of that time will remember how memberships soared everywhere and the educational value to the general public cannot be underestimated.

On your behalf, successful representations have been made to a number of other bodies as the occasion arose and as a result, you are enjoying a degree of freedom and tolerance that would not have been yours otherwise. The N.Z.S.A. stands ready and prepared to work, and fight if necessary for the rights which we feel are justifiably ours and you will be the one to benefit.

What can you do as an individual, when the time comes to press for nude bathing? Or if some Mrs Grundy-group decides we are not nice and seeks to ban our movement, can you as an individual stop it? Can you as an individual fight a case, where our ideals are involved, in a court of law? Can you do anything should any of the misfortunes beset us that have worried national associations overseas? You know you would be comparatively helpless and yet when you and she and he get together we cease to be individuals and become a body. Still a minority movement, we admit, but big enough to make a fair claim to our rights in a democratic country.

Union is strength and the greater the number of active supporters there are behind the N.Z.S.A. the greater will be our effectiveness in the community. Through the medium of our National Rallies you can learn of past happenings, plans for the future and elect our officers, bearing in mind continually that if we don't band together and speak with one voice any of the many major catastrophes, experienced overseas, could well close our camps and fold up our clubs. We are able to keep you informed of events within the N.Z.S.A. as well as with news from all over the world through the medium of our magazine, the National Naturist Review. It is the hope of many of us to eventually produce this review as an illustrated, printed magazine and see it take its rightful place with other magazines in the bookshops. It needs a little imagination to appreciate the tremendous assistance this would give to the whole New Zealand movement and the sooner that day comes the better.

Printing costs money and in order to make this a sound financial proposition, the circulation must be doubled, trebled and doubled again before we even dare to think of it. If every member of every club becomes a subscriber that would be a start, but even then, it would only be a start. We know there are many people who would be willing to read out magazine and we all - everyone of us - should become active agents to build up the circulation. You may get new members by doing it and will certainly be encouraging the few of us who work far into the night preparing it.

The move to form the N.Z.S.A. was a good one and an important step in the movement in this country. Are you helping it to help yourself? It is the voice to speak on your behalf and to protect you and your interest. You don't have to be one of the workers, just a supporter will do. The New Zealand Sunbathing Association can be strong force to accomplish these things only when every single one of us is staunchly behind it.

Perc.

*   *   *   *

CLUB NOTES

Waikato Health Club

We now have a number of interested families with more children than adults. Now a site is needed and we will be pleased to receive any ideas on how to go about attacking this problem. In fact, anything regarding starting a new club would help. As we have a large garden in the country, members travelling by road to the National Rally in Auckland are welcome to stay overnight on the way through, up or down. Milk and eggs are available. Space in the house is available for members with large families.

Wellington Sun & Health Society

Despite the chilly weather new members continue to come along and work is proceeding at Fiveacres. The kiddies ares is being enlarged and additional flower beds, tracks and a bridge are all part of the scheme. Hundreds of trees have been planted and removal of dead wood, gorse, etc. has resulted in a mountain of rubbish in readiness for Guy Fawkes night. In a few days time, two tons of steel will be delivered to the site in readiness for the pool, a filtration and solar heating system. Panelling and painting of the clubhouse are proceeding and an energetic social committee has all manner of functions arranged right up to the end of the year. We are now purchasing and distributing 122 copies of the Review and expect to increase this number with the next issue.

SOUTHERN SUN AND HEALTH CLUB

Greetings from New Zealand's southern most club. Yes there is still life past the proverbial Orchard. And we hope to be able to bring more regular reports in the future.

We have had a busy time and those who haven't visited us lately will notice a big change around the club's grounds.

Our swimming pool is now solar heated and those using the pool have remarked that it helps melt the ice, no seriously, the water is very pleasantly warm. Work is also progressing on the new mini golf course and the lower sports ground has been irrigated and levelled now awaiting seed sowing.

Even the Club house hasn't escaped our attention with a new set of double glass doors built onto the main building. This now opens the area and allows one to view the "goings on" on the sports fields while still inside.

Socially our year has been great. Members have taken part in a Medieval dinner, an old time dance, a Bare Bunny Weekend at Easter and a shipwreck evening, not including the famed Sports weekend with Orchard of Otago. We may have trouble in this area next year, but I am assured that the cup is firmly fixed in place.

We are in process of compiling items for the history of the Southern Sun Club in Southland. Anybody who is able to assist with any of the following club sites: Omaui, Dolamore Park, Oreti Beach, Aparima, feel free to contact us.

THE AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

The start of another year. The A.G.M. has come and gone once again. A good attendance was registered. The previous committee agreed to take office for another term and some fresh faces accepted nomination for the social committee. The treasurer pointed out that although the income was fairly static the expenditure was soaring. So, regretfully, it was proposed that an increase was necessary. This was unanimously accepted by all at the meeting. But even now, the fees work out to just over one and a half cigarettes per day for the whole family. Not bad when you come to think of it, for what the club has to offer.

It was decided to replace the gib board ceiling with ceiling tiles. To this effect a separate fund raising campaign was started. A "Tile Barometer" was made and pinned in a prominent place. It was pleasing to note that nearly one seventh of the total was raised at the meeting.

The social committee were keen to take up the functions already mooted. The first was a spa and bring-a-plate evening at a member's house. This is always welcome on a cool winter's evening. This evening was particularly enhanced by a the gentle background music.

A greater testing of the social committee's organisational capabilities will be the Annual Mid-Year Christmas Dinner. No details of this yet as this is due to take place when this copy of the "Naturist" goes to print. But with a professional caterer on the committee and a preview of the menu, this certainly looks like a belt loosening feast.

It is understood that the social committee already has a different monthly club function planned right up to November at least.

The following conversation was heard on the club grounds between two members in late summer. First member to second member who was digging a hole, "I should give you a hand here". Second member, "I came here to relax my way. You relax your way". The moral of this short story is that above all, sun clubs are a place for relaxation. Although the method may be a lot different to each individual. No one should feel guilty. As long as one method of using leisure time does not interfere with another. Transistor radios for instance. An exemption may be given to the noisy lawn mower. But even this may be someone's form of relaxation.

A path is being laid from the clubhouse to the caravan park. Progress is being slowed down a bit by the weather as a large dip has to be filled in first. This being a notoriously wet area of the club grounds makes it a little difficult for members to bring their trailer loads of fill across. However, when the path is complete it will be great to get across the lawn with dry feet and clean shoes to enjoy the use of the clubhouse during the winter.

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB

The last three months have seen some major changes and developments in our club. We greatly regret the loss of the father-figure of our club, Jim Gudsell, and his son Bob. Jim died recently after the sudden death of Bob in a transporter accident. Both of them with their brothers created the park-like grounds that we enjoy from a wilderness of fallen trees, stumps and sand dunes covered with lupins and box thorn. The playing fields were levelled, the banks created and the pool dug with machinery provided by Bob and invariably driven by a Gudsell. We send our deepest sympathy to their families whose work and fund raising have given us the grounds we have today.

We also send best wishes to Alan and Lorraine Morrison who have been transferred to the Waikato. They were instrumental in maintaining the club and consolidating its assets. Thanks to their organisational skills, we raised sufficient funds at our 1988 National Rally to give our building fund a substantial boost. Our loss is the NZNF's gain of a new Treasurer.

The foundations for the new clubhouse are in and we hope to have the shell completed before the summer season begins. Our two retired builders, Tom and George, have been working steadily over the winter months. The generosity of our members in providing funds and assistance is most appreciated. The younger members are keen to have some room in the old clubhouse for their activities in the evenings and during inclement weather.

Our annual Polar Bare Swim was well attended by members and visitors from other clubs. Many certificates were given out for the brave who managed a length, and for the not-so-brave who at least got wet. Too bad the pump was not working, for there were distraught red faces and cold blue other parts which arrived to find no hot showers! The evening was well organised. There was plenty of food for seconds, followed by Xmas Pudding, custard and cream. After dinner, young members huddled together for warmth while watching videos under a caravan awning. Sunday morning was fine enough for a Miniten Knockout competition, with about a dozen people partaking. There were some close games played.

After the games it was a mad dash to Palmerston North for the sauna where all were very grateful for the warmth. A great fun-filled weekend with swimming, sports, wine, food, and sauna.

WELLINGTON SUN CLUB

With a successful Rally now well behind us thanks must go to all those members who took part in the running of the Rally. It was a great time for all involved with many visitors coming to the Rally and enjoying themselves.

At the end of March a barbecue was arranged by Barbara to mark the end of summer. The weather was gloomy but did not stop people from having an enjoyable time. After a meal outside everyone moved inside to take part in indoor activities.

The A.G.M. on 20th May was well attended despite the bad weather. The new committee has Albert Wayers as President.

There is a lot of interest in a sauna complex which the committee hopes will be an extra addition to the club within the the next few years.

A large number of people continue to attend the once monthly swim evenings which are very popular with members from the club and the Free Beach Group.

Jeff is re-sowing the main lawn, to bring it up to a good standard so we can continue to use it for Petanque which has become a popular game in the club this season.

With winter upon us there will be plenty of opportunities for members to get together and hopefully there will be lots of support for the working bees.

FREE BEACH GROUP

Saturday, June 23, began as an average Wellington day - the air was still and the sky clear. Alas, as the day progressed, it deteriorated, culminating in a gathering of dubious purpose, otherwise known as Wellington Free Beach's Mid Winter Swim.

As the late afternoon splash-off approached, the sun averted its face and hid behind clouds. Hot air from Auckland met with cold air from the Southern Alps, creating brisk air movement, and as the temperature declined, so too did the numbers of those willing to bare all in the briny just south of Eastbourne.

Spectators, supporters, and coaches out numbered the foolhardy and now famous three by many. Those who took the quick dip fully merited the special certificates that one of our members had printed.

The afternoon's events were capped off by a potluck dinner at the home of our local organiser.

The lounge was appropriately decorated with a beach table and sun umbrella, Fred Bear towels, flashing Christmas lights and Sunny Funny (you will have to meet him for yourself - I can't describe him except to say that everyone enjoyed his company and dancing technique). Dinner was followed by games and a baubles, bangles and beads fashion show.

The entire evening proved to be most enjoyable for the fifteen or so adults and children present, and promises to be a regular event on the winter calendar for the Wellington Free Beach Group.

CANTERBURY SUN CLUB

Those of us who arrived early for the AGM were able to try out the new chairs by the fireplace and admire the new carpet and decor. Late arrivals had to settle for a seat on the steps (remember that for next year). It was also very evident that the crowd actually enjoyed the AGM. We even finished before afternoon tea this year! The good news is that the AGM voted to have the NZ Naturist added as an optional extra to their yearly subscriptions.

Our new clubhouse extension has been well and truly "wetted" with a potluck tea prior to the AGM and a mid-winter Christmas Dinner the following month. It was great fun. Home-made soup, roast turkey, baked potatoes, carrots and peas - and then real Christmas pudding with fruit salad and ice cream. Delicious! And Santa's little elf was there to give presents to us all as we gathered around the fire after dinner. A Christmas tree, real holly with berries, fairy lights and decorations - wonderful. In fact we were so full and it was way past our Elf's bedtime, the mulled wine and Christmas cake had to wait until the next day after the "Mid-Winter Madness Plunge". Boy, I'll bet the sauna was welcome after that heart-stopper! Our Pinecones Editor reports that the David Niven syndrome was in evidence ("little blue acorns") for those of you not familiar with this affliction.

The wood burner will be lit again this weekend with another pot-luck tea and we're hosting a group of families for tea the following weekend. The Free Beach Group have invited us to join them for their skinny-dip night followed by dinner, natter 'n 'noggin. So it's all go here in Canterbury.

Obviously with all this revelry there has to be somebody behind the wheel. Our new President Russell is finding out just how many hands you need to steer that wheel. He's not only Captain of the ship, he's a deckhand as well (and he thought he was retired)!

In the latest missive from Dr Who'n we are told of early signals from several aliens beaming down including an invasion from several androids from the Northern Hemisphere. This is Pineglades Mission Control ... over and out

GISBORNE COUNTRY CLUB

The mid winter chill is now behind us and we are looking forward to spring. Over the past three months the only facilities getting their fair share of use are the hot tub, sauna and clubhouse fireplace. The mid winter dinner was a great success with a good turnout of members and we hope to duplicate the attendance at our A.G.M.!!

The grounds are looking a little bleak in mid winter but with pruning and other maintenance up to date we have little to do but wait for the summer sun to take the chill out of the wind. With the warmth we expect to see more members and visitors making use of the outdoor facilities.

ROTOTA SUN CLUB

What an exciting summer, with lots happening and lots of visitors, including David Ball of Heritage Videos. Why didn't he come the week earlier when we had the "Touch of Irish" weekend and about 70 people on site?

On Saturday afternoon we filmed at "the bath-tub" upstream, with bubbling hot water next to a cold stream. That evening we showed them real N.Z., lying in the hot stream and watching the glow worms.

7 am. Sunday morning the Orakei Korako tourist launch arrived for us, to tour the thermal area au-natural. This was a special occasion, before it was open to the public, not a regular feature. T.V.N.Z. camera crew were there and the reporter met us at the shop later, having come from Auckland. The morning was cool but most of us kept goose-bumps to a minimum. David should have some interesting footage. We took the T.V.N.Z. crew to our hot stream for the interview that appeared on the Sunday News at 6.30 pm. After lunch club members, David Ball and the T.V.N.Z. camera crew walked down the hot stream to the lake - nude.

We didn't have time to film in this area so I guess David will have to return. Most of our people had to leave for home late Sunday, so many other areas and activities were not filmed either. We must thank Terry of Orakei Korako who ran their boats for us and provided access to their tourist area at no charge. Also to Robin for the use of his fizz boat. Good advertising for Orakei Korako, Rotota and the nudist movement in New Zealand.

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. 134 September 1990

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:

Ellar 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

Doug Ball - F.C, P10, P11, P12, P13, P14, B.C.

Hap Hathaway - I.F.C., P1, P2, P3

Leif Heilberg - P4, P7, P15, P19

Robert Broekstra - P9, P21

Les Olsen - P17

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

135 December 1990 - 1st October 1990

136 March 1990 - 30th January 1991

137 June 1991 - 20th April 1991

138 September 1991 - 15th July 1991