# 145 - June 1993 

I was polishing my crystal ball the other day when an image appeared that made me smile. There were lots of people working together shoulder to shoulder. Young and old, weak and strong, nude and clothed, all belong. As the image faded I began to wonder if this wasn't just my own imagination drumming up this fanciful pipe dream, or if it really represented a possible future.

I began to think back to my childhood and how society was then. Maybe some trends could be identified that would show whether this crystal image was a good one or just an over enthusiastic dream from the lousy pizza last night. I remember when no body could wear shorts to school and skirts had to be to the knee. Athletic attire was basic baggies. At the beach, the bikini was risque and Speedo suits hadn't been invented. Hot tubs were something done in Japan and the dry sauna hadn't made it to these shores yet either. WE did have steam baths, strictly segregated by sex. Kind of got the picture? Rock and roll was in its infancy and the flower generation wasn't much further along. Then society (or parts of it) began asking questions... like why did black folks have to sit in the back of the bus and why did women always get paid less than men? In the 30 years that followed a lot of changes took place. Slowly at first and then with a more determined cadence. It is still going on and in nude recreation the changes will pace other changes in the society.

The health and ecology movement have done much to lay the foundation for a more receptive public. Thirty years ago it was weird to eat whole wheat bread and a low cholesterol diet. Now it's "in" among the baby boomers. Alternative, more natural means of balancing the physiology, such as chiropractic, massage and other body work techniques have all become common place. All this has opened up body awareness. The rapid growth of the human potential movement has also emphasised tolerance and acceptance of others and ourselves, both mentally and physically, I see a trend here that is heartening. We are beginning to see ourselves as total human beings, instead of tightly defined roles without sexuality. Even some of our toy dolls now come anatomically correct (listen up Ken and Barbie!) An objective honesty is slowly washing around our ankles like a rising tide.

As this body honesty expands, more people will come to see the nude lifestyle as just another alternative in this open society. As the society continues to refine the concepts of freedom, modesty and total health, the inevitable result will be increased awareness of ourselves as natural beings that need to be free.

This is an exciting time for nude recreation. Despite the negative impact of some legislation, legislation gains have been made and the media continues to show a more relaxed attitude towards nudity. The media is a good barometer of general public attitudes, because they will only make money if they give the public what it wants and stays within social boundaries of what is acceptable. Even when commercialised, the media is "exposing" the general population to the nude human form. This is, in effect, a national desensitisation process funded by the marketplace. Nudity sells in advertising because it is what the public wants to see, but is conditioned not to admit. As general attitudes open, so does the prevailing attitude about nudity. More and more the press is neutral or even positive towards the idea of clothing optional recreation. More non-sexual nudity is seen on screen and t.v. (during prime time yet). We are right on the edge of a huge explosion of naturism in this country. Well ... maybe a little explosion.

I remember the times I had been the only one to initiate skinny-dipping at the old swimming hole. Once one person went nude, this legitimised it for the others who were ready to join in the fun as long as someone else went first. Soon, many of us were enjoying the water au naturel. I still love doing this! Now there are more people willing to take the first plunge and I see this beginning to happen on a national level. The first ones in the water are the nudists. There are many out there who would follow if there is a large enough group to join in, to provide that "protection" that large numbers provide. The individual is always less likely to risk when isolated. As more and more nudists openly provide the lead for freedom from clothing and all it represents, nude recreation will mushroom. Once the numbers of nudists reach a critical mass level (enough to swing a local election?) there will be a mass upsurge of participation in nude recreation.

And then it won't be any big deal.

As the economy continues to struggle along, there are inevitable forces that will affect nude recreation, both positive and negative. The recent realization that our economic house must be put in order will put a strain on the spendable income of the general population. This will tend to decrease more expensive vacations (some nude) and unnecessary amenities. As belts tighten, many entrepreneurs will see the opportunity nude recreation presents as an economic asset to be developed.

Current economic trends suggest it will take some time to balance the budget and slowly reverse the massive flywheel of policies and economic behaviour that have got us into this mess. This will tend to focus attention on real problems as they are finally acknowledged. Jobs, crime, environment, education and health care will dominate our attention. Nudity will slowly become a non-issue. All this leads to the conclusion that the public is becoming less concerned about nudity in general and more concerned about issues that really matter. Eventually the public will come to see nudity is No big deal (i.e. there are bigger issues to attend to); Acceptable (I won't die of embarrassment or go to jail if I'm seen nude by others). I foresee more cooperative nude recreation ventures begun out of economic necessity. I also foresee the possibility of more cooperation between nudists and public park authorities, opening up more clothing optional areas to the public. The marketplace will continue to respond to these new demands for nude recreation despite the difficulties in financing and opposition from minority opinion, resulting in a truly mainstream acceptance of nude recreation. This won't be accomplished in the next seven years, but as new generations come to power, maybe in my lifetime. Through all this the economy will be tight and the ecology will suffer. There will be too many people and not enough basic necessities. There are difficult times ahead.

times to challenge us all. But if we work together, and strive to love each other as total human beings, they will be the best of times. I wouldn't miss it for anything!

by Stephen Bosbach

Thursday again dawns fine and clear at the Canterbury Sun Club, and I breathe a sigh of pure pleasure to see the sun shining. Thursday is the day I look forward to all week, a day for leaving aside the gardening, the cleaning, and all the other tasks staring me in the face. With the increasing number of older members, many now retired, we decided several years ago to have a regular Thursday afternoon of miniten, and its popularity has grown steadily. Some people arrive in the morning and have a game or two before lunch, the three courts gradually fill up; other people bring their chairs

and sit and watch the fun, some prefer the concentration of a game of petanque in the shade of the pine trees. On a hot day the games are punctuated by swims in the pool and a cuppa at about 3pm. We have enjoyed several pot-luck meals and barbecues to round off pleasantly tiring days.

Nobody takes it all seriously; laughter and fun is the keynote to a day of relaxation and chat with old friends and a chance to get to know newer members. This summer we have had visitors from Canada, Britain, Portugal, Australia and Holland, as well as from other New Zealand clubs, and most

have tried their hand at miniten and petanque, some have provided us with a real challenge.

The end of summer is not the end of our pleasant Thursdays; as long as it is not raining people turn up for a game, and with Canterbury's frequent crisp, sunny winter days it is a great feeling to strip off the winter woollies and feel the sun warm one right through to the bones. The "Geriatric Giants" hope that if you are planning a visit to Canterbury Sun Club you will join us for a very enjoyable Thursday of some healthy exercise and a lot of fun and laughter.

Some cans of beer from the rescued were distributed back at the BBQ where the chips were still being produced and eaten.

The Rotota engineers studied the design of the Spud Cutter, and after a very flowery praising speech by Pres. John (most unlike him), AOHC Pres Mike felt obliged to donate the cutter to Rotota, to go with their gift of the cooker. Thanks, Mike!

A short period of bingo transferred some money from AOHC to Rotota, as did the raffle earlier. In the fun and laughter I don't think they noticed.

Margie and her guitar led the singing until . . . very late.

Sunday, the children stayed at Rotota while their parents (clothed!) did the tourist trail at Orakei-Karako. We are quite blasé over the sights to be seen there, but always, the visitors return with "oohs and ahs".

And of course, these city types got into hot water. If it wasn't the hot tub at the lake edge, it was the stream. A gentle walk down the hot stream to the lake degenerated into a mud fight at the lake. Why does this happen to me? It's funny to see the kids giving their parents the "Are we allowed to get dirty" look, which is usually answered by a handful of mud in return.

A large pine tree fallen across the stream reminded us that we do use a natural environment with potential and real hazards. Great fun, though!

And then the weekend was over, and most of us had to go home. A group of AOHC families stayed over to Monday.

Have you ever packed up and left as dinner is cooking in the late afternoon, the sun still shines warmly through the glasses of wine on the table, the kids are amusing themselves on the flying fox, and the adults solve the world's problems?

No wonder we keep coming back, and welcome many of our visitors again and again. Thanks, AOHC! See you next time. We will keep the water hot for you.

Graham MacGregor

Photo: Graham MacGregor  

A group of AOHC scended to Rotota on Waitangi Weekend (of course they ascended. Which way does the Waikato River run?)

Naturally, we provided fine weather and good company to go with the natural surroundings while they provided the spud cooker and cutter!

Most went for a bush walk to the fumeroles, and respected the fragility of the area. The ground is so warm that only stunted shrubs and moss can grow. The moss is easily disturbed with careless walking.

The walk looped through some bush that had been recently logged, and this together with seeing across to where the hills have been clear-felled showed our visitors the potential erosion problems.

The last part of the walk was through undisturbed bush back to the club grounds, a pleasant contrast.

The beach was just about worn out, as was the flying fox with continual use. A late afternoon cricket game saw two bats - people versus the rest. Fortunately it wasn't taken seriously, thus saving a number of marriages and parent/child relationships.

The spud cooker was stoked up and producing the best, only to be interrupted by a deep sea rescue. A yuppie fizz boat with cooling problems in a VERY BIG motor was sitting at the end of the lake, while four people were swimming back to Orakei-Karako. Gypsy Bob picked up the swimmers and towed their boat back for them. "Well done lad," he said as he patted his small outboard. "You've just towed in your grandfather!"

Getting dressed and undressed are fraught with particular peril. One woman pulled off one of her socks and it hit her in the eye. Another dislocated her shoulder while putting on a T-shirt. A woman taking off her slacks lost her balance and fell. A man trying to put on his pants fell and broke his arm. A woman trying to take off her nightgown fell and broke her nose. A woman taking her sweater off caught the sweater on her earring and pulled it right through her earlobe. People strained their backs while putting on their socks. And more men that you might think caught their private parts in zippers. (How much of the success of Levis 501 button-fly jeans do you suppose this sort of trauma - or the fear of it - accounts for?)

Tight jeans caused skin irritation. One girl woke up "screaming and crying" with pain from abrasions suffered when she wore tight pants to school without underwear. The fashion for tattered jeans also claimed victims. A 20-year-old lacerated his left thumb while cutting jeans with a pocket knife. A 14-year-old was "cutting blue jeans with scissors and lacerated his left third finger." A 12-year-old "was using scissors to cut a hole in jeans trying to fringe them when she lacerated her knee."

Pockets can lead to grief, mainly because of what's in them. One boy was setting off fireworks when the rockets in his back pocket caught fire. A man with a utility knife in his shirt pocket bent over and lacerated his elbow. Another man reached into his back pocket and cut himself on a partly open pocket-knife. A girl smacked her boyfriend on the backside and cut her hand on the knife in his pocket. A woman swinging in parallel bars was stabbed by a key in her pocket; another woman reached into a pocket and was stabbed by tweezers; a mother reached into one of her son's jeans pockets and impaled her hand on a fishhook.

Know the one about the guy who got his necktie caught in one of the machines at the eyeglass factory and ended up making a spectacle of himself?

You think of fashion victims as people who'll wear what they construe to be the latest, hottest thing, even if they can't afford it and it looks awful on them. But clothes can do worse things than put you in debt and make you look ridiculous.

According to the latest data available more than three times as many people suffered clothing related inquiries than chainsaw-related injuries.

These numbers do not prove that clothes are more dangerous than chain saws. For one thing, there are a lot more clothes around than chain saws, so the chances that any given sweater or pair of socks will turn on you in the course of its lifetime are probably much, much, much less than the chances that a given chain saw will hurt somebody.

Besides, clothing-related injuries tend to be less severe.

Experts say it's like comparing people with paper cuts to people who are decapitated by high-tension wires. There are a lot more paper cuts - but that doesn't mean paper is more dangerous.

One more problem: some of the injuries involve both clothing and chain saw - for instance the man whose chain saw caught in his shirt and flipped up, lacerating his neck. Do you blame the shirt or the chain saw?

Even admitting that the comparison is meaningless, frivolous and statistically invalid, it brings you up short, like finding a scorpion in your sock drawer. Because anybody who goes to bad movies knows chain saws can make mincemeat of a person - but clothes? Clothes seem so safe and soft and warm and cozy, so inert and unthreatening.

Nonetheless, every day innocent victims are tripped up by trousers, bitten by zippers, pulled off-balance by hand-bag straps, chafed by too-tight jeans, temporarily blinded by hats that fall over their eyes with the result that they run into hot oven doors - badly hurt enough to wind up in hospital.

People caught their finger in belt loops, socks, shirts, pockets, zippers, sleeves and pocketbooks, and sprained, fractured or dislocated them. One man who was caught driving a snowmobile caught his finger in the coat pocket of a passing pedestrian. People caught shirts on drawers, gates, barbed wire fences, tractor engines and circular saws. They caught coats in car doors. They got hit in the eye by snapped suspenders, jacket zippers, sweat shirt draw cords, trouser cuffs, price tags and belt buckles. They lacerated their hands while trying to pull price tags off, or cut themselves trying to cut them off. They leaned over candles or backed into space heaters or got too close to campfires and set their clothes on fire. People slipped on waxed floors while running around in stockings, or stubbed their toes. They went out on the deck in socks and got splinters.

Taking care of clothes proved dangerous. People hurt their backs lifting heavy loads of wet wash, or moving big loads from the washer to the dryer. They tripped on the stairs while carrying laundry baskets. People who still have ringer washers got their hands caught in them. People who still hang wash out on lines slipped, tripped, turned their ankles, strained their necks and wrenched their backs while doing it.

But not taking care of clothes proved dangerous, too: people tripped over clothes left on the floor.

What do we learn from all this sartorial mayhem? Well, for starters, we should probably all pay more attention to the mechanics of getting dressed and undressed - and only the athletically gifted should try to put on a pair of pants or pantyhose while standing up.

Keep extraneous body parts out of zippers and washing machine wringers. If you must cut holes in your jeans, at least take them off first. Don't walk around barefoot.

Always wear underwear. Keep your wits about you. Bend your knees and use your leg muscles when you're lifting big loads of wet laundry. And, like your mother said, pick up those clothes on the floor right now.

- With thanks to "Bare In Mind"

NUDE FUN IN THE FOREST by Graham Hall

For some months, on entering our club grounds, it had been my desire to gather together a group of the club members and photograph them amongst the pine trees at the club. Such an opportunity presented itself during the Easter weekend with beautiful fine weather and a large crowd gathered for the sports weekend activities. With a little pre-planning and gaining the services of some of the 'beautiful' people I advanced on the speaker system. "Good afternoon folks" I said nervously, "I would like about 20 or 30 people to take part in a fun photo amongst the pine trees at the club entranceway'

Wondering just what the response would be, I gathered my camera gear and started on my way to the gate and was surprised to see some 40 or so members eager to participate in the event. An assortment of young and old made the two hundred metre jaunt in brilliant sunshine and in jovial mood.

Getting everyone to hug a tree in suitable manner was an exercise in utter futility even after demonstrating the prescribed method of same. However sufficient soles were equal to the challenge whilst others are perhaps still wondering what the hell it was all about.

Getting everyone to hug a tree at the same time was indeed tricky because the bark not only presented a sticky situation but was very rough on one's exposed delicate parts. I had hoped to achieve the effect of arms and legs sticking out on either side of the trees; a feat which could be achieved by two people standing together and each exposing an arm and a leg to the camera gaze.

The resulting photographs will testify to the earth shattering feat that was achieved, with arms and legs and some heads in all directions. It was an enjoyable experience with lots of laughs which resulted in some rather unusual photos.

Photo: Graham MacGregor

For several years the members of the Wellington Sun Club have not let winter blues send them into hibernation. Once a month they have hired a local aquatic centre for their own swim nights. Black polythene sheeting has been put up on the windows for privacy and as members cleaned up at the end of each evening the cost has been minimal.

The air in the centre is kept at 29°C so that the main pool has a temperature about the same as the clubs swimming pool would be mid-summer. This pool is close to olympic size. Then there is a small warm water pool for the softies. By the look of some of the members they have seemed to be in training to swim the English Channel - they just swim length after length, with the need to avoid clashing with the ever present funsters.

For the energetic there are plenty of play balls of varying sizes, a hanging rope for swinging, a slide, canoes and two large round air filled cylinders. It is extremely difficult to stay on these cylinders, one added problem being people who hold one steady until you are on it, then they turn it over!

One evening time was spent having relay races with four teams of up to six people in each all vying to get to the finishing line first. There were also children's races, but they had to swim the width of the pool only.

Half way through the evenings when most members have had enough of the pools, they head for the barbecues. There are two gas burning units with both grill and hot plates on top. Sitting round the tables eating tea is a good way to keep up with the news and enjoy the latest jokes.

It rounds off the evenings very nicely.

From the start Wellington invited the local Free Beach members along to share these evenings and this has worked very well. In fact, they helped a lot, especially on the last night last year. The first member to arrive with the screens found the centre all locked up before the usual closing time! It was a Free Beach member who came to the rescue and contacted the manager to open up for us.

Unfortunately the support from Wellington members for these evenings has fallen to such an extent that the club no longer organizes them. But the Free Beach will continue to carry on what has been an excellent way of keeping in touch when the weather rules out "club uniform" at the club grounds.

Friday evening 22 January saw the first visitors arrive at Five Acres in dull weather with rain forecast. But only one light shower fell during the night and for the rest of the weekend the weather was kind enough to omit any rain - a sharp contrast to the terrible "summer" throughout most of the country. The visitors came from Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay and Canada.

That evening was a home brew competition with two host club members acting as judges. They really got into the swing of the evening so that by the time the last brew passed their lips they didn't have a clue nor a care what they were drinking! The winner was a Palmerston North member.

Saturday morning dawned clear and fine although at times the wind was a trifle cool. Sports draws were prepared ready for the fun to start. For all sports the names of partners for doubles were drawn from two hats - one for top seeds and the other for the rest. This resulted in fairer competition with quite a few teams being evenly matched. There were plenty of keen play in all sports - miniten, Teniquoit and petanque outdoors, with bowls, table tennis and darts indoors. Some of the semi-final and final games took a long time with the contestants at the end feeling absolutely b......d!

Throughout the afternoon everyone was able to keep a watch on how the spit roast was progressing. With a good fire in calm weather a whole sheep was beautifully cooked all the way through. The crowd for dinner spread out over the main lawn in an ideal atmosphere. A count showed 78 adults with numerous children. Lots of goodies including desert went down the hatch with gusto. There was a lot of humorous banter with one visiting lady claiming there was not enough food (there were several bowls of coleslaw etc. still on the serving tables). This led to an exchange of ribald comments resulting in two of the women, including the complainant, being thrown into the swimming pool.

The rest of the evening was a disco in the clubhouse with one of the teenagers as the DJ. Included in the festivities was some impromptu karaoke style singing.

Perhaps the reason why this ended was a solo by one of the men giving his own rendition of "Total Eclipse of the Heart". 'Tis said it was something to be seen and not heard! It was late that night when the last people finally hit the sack. That was well evidenced the next morning - a champagne breakfast was supposed to start at 8.30 but it didn't get underway until nearer 9.30!

The club's gas barbecue unit was placed in the sun on the main lawn for all to prepare their breakfast and that spread out for longer than the next hour.

The Sports Officer was many times pressing members to get on to the courts due to so much of the programme running late. But who cared, it was a fun weekend and everyone was having plenty of fun.

The finals of all outdoor sports except petanque were completed before the weekend was over.

Sunday evening was a communal barbecue and this time both of the club's wood fired units were in use. Again an excellent atmosphere with lots of banter. Members lingered but the Sports Office put the pressure on again.

It was indoor sports that evening and very much a series of fun games. The Sports Officer was worried that they might not finish that evening. But with a few short cuts and splendid help from other members he achieved his objective by midnight. One short cut was in bowls. All the initial games were of one end only, so that several seasoned players were downed by fluke shots from inexperienced players. But it all ended with everyone feeling happy. That meant another late night for many.

The children were not forgotten for evening attractions. They had videos to keep them occupied. And both children and adults had the opportunity in between all the fun of sampling the club's new sauna and spa complex.

Monday dawned heavy overcast that made the strong wind feel really cool. Games finals were played and despite the cold, several braved the club's swimming pool for precisely three races - one adults, one juniors and one fun juniors. That was over in five minutes, but nobody worried after such a happy weekend. Due to the cool some members and visitors left for home early, but with the promise of coming back another time. Wellington will not forget to prepare for future mini-rallies as they are such an excellent way of meeting members of other clubs and broadening the outlook of all members. Wellington has already put in an order for super weather like they had a few years ago.

by Doug Cousins

This was the headline of an article in the "Christchurch Press" of 5-8-92, sent to me by one of the Supporter Group members recently. It was written by Stephane Bentura of Agence France-Presse. In part, it reads:-

"It was not long ago that nudists basking along the banks of the Moskova River had to post sentinels to watch for police or militant communists safeguarding public morals.

"At a warning signal, the bathers would scamper into their clothes to avoid harassment or prosecution. Things are different now."

"For years we played hide-and-seek with the militia," says Vladimir, a pillar of Russia's newly liberated militant nudist movement. "We, finally, have peace."

Today, card-carrying members of the Naturist Society of Moscow sprawl with impunity on the tree-shaded sands of Serebrany Bor, the beach the organisation maintains in western Moscow.

"Last year, they still shouted insults at us," says Vladimir, "but this year, that's over."

Well, almost over.

Julia, 25-year-old vice-president of the nudist society, says that Moscow authorities are still refusing to register the group as a bona fide association. Volleyball players energetically bashing the ball over a net set up in the centre of the nudist beach on a sunny afternoon appear unconcerned.

There is a tolerance between the nudists and authorities in the surrounding neighbourhood, where most Western embassies happen to have their summer homes.

The nude beach is discreetly set apart from the "normal" beach by a stand of pine trees. Most nude bathers are men.

"Women are prudes," explains Viktor, "and yet, in Russia, they're the ones who do the work."

Natasha, aged 16, and Lena, aged 21, are wearing bathing suits as they watch a nude volleyball game. "We'll go nude next time," says one. "Today we are just looking."

Homosexuals have their own nude beach. It is called Serebrany Bor No.1, on the opposite side of the river.

The atmosphere on the beach is usually easy. There is no pressure to take it all off. On weekends, however, when the place is packed there is sometimes tension between nudists and lookers!

With due consideration, we in New Zealand must look inwards at our "sex-sick" society and wonder how much our public morals are showing, to other countries. A good, honest, large dose of non-stimulating nakedness, could well improve our own standards and understanding of others, at the same time improving public morals here also.

Photo: Freddy Karstensen 

I.N.F.

NEWS

23rd I.N.F. WORLD

CONGRESS IN

FLORIDA

The 23rd INF World Congress took place from 28th to 30th August 1992 at the Paradise Lakes site in Florida. It was attended by delegates from 20 federations. For the first time, the Federaçao Brasileira de Naturismo (FBdN) was represented at this Congress in the person of its young President, Celso Rossi.

As at the 22nd World Congress, following a major speech on the subject of "Policy with regard to government affairs and long-term planning", this subject and the future outlook for naturism were discussed in separate working groups in the three INF languages of English, French and German. The leaders of the working groups then gave a report on the work and discussions within the working groups before the plenary session of the Congress.

Philippe Cardin summarised the results of the French-speaking group. To be granted recognition, rules must be kept. The image of naturism must be clearly defined worldwide for the environment, before any financial resources are used. Naturism is a family movement with educational tasks. The INF must clearly outline limits and turn against exhibitionism. If specific rules are not strictly adhered to, the work of the past 30 years will have been in vain and money invested in vain.

Detlef Schrader summarised the discussions of the German-speaking working group.

Some aspects of the speech were discussed.

The course followed for a long time already is good, naturism must be presented clearly, which is particularly important in dealings with the authorities. Clubs should open up for sports and games and join the federations. The federations should work out objectives and rules together with the clubs and then also ensure that they are kept. Internationally, there are two currents to be seen: 1. federations which have already been established for a long time and have experience in dealings with the authorities. 2. other federations, including the ASA amongst others, are still at the beginning and should heed a few important rules of action. It is the task of the INF to keep old and new federations together through information, documents and talks so that no drifting apart occurs.

David Gorin summarised the discussions of the English-speaking group, referring to the fact that 12 federations were represented in this group and so the time for discussions was therefore rather short. The group drew up three recommendations to the INF:

1. Financial support of the federations should be greater.

2. The INF should set up a committee for cooperation with the authorities.

3. The exchange of Information must be improved. Educational information should be disseminated by the INF. A basic cooperation must first be found between the different countries.

At the beginning of the meeting, President Bart Wijnberg thought of those who had died in the past few years, especially of our Honorary President Michel Caillaud, of the congress participant for many years Sore Sörensen and of the former ASA President and host of the 18th World Congress in Cypress Cove, Jim Hadley.

After dealing with the usual business of a General Meeting of this kind, the reports of the members of the Central Committee and the activity reports of the federations were discussed.

After the elections the members of the INF Central Committee are as follows:

President: Bart Wijnberg (NFN); 1st Vice-President: Karl Dreßen (DFK); 2nd Vice-President: Walter Gils (FLN); Further Vice-Presidents: Karin Bae Pedersen (NNF), Jim Christopherson (CCBN), Jean-Yves Decrand (FFN), Petra Scheller (Union FQN-FCN), Josef Stribrny (ÖNV).

The Congress was prepared by the Executive Director of the ASA, Arne Eriksen, with his team of Pam and Dan Speelman, Debra Peterson and Julie Bagby, in cooperation with the undersigned who, as at the last Congresses, held the reins of the organisation and, together with our General Secretary Mireille Choin and the ASA team, ensured the smooth running of the Congress.

by Karl Dressen

ROTOTA SUN CLUB INC.

On Monday 29 March 1993, Margaret Ashworth was killed in a road smash, on her way to work.

Margie and John were among the original members of the Rotota Sun Club, when the Rotorua Sun Club moved from Paradise Valley.

Over the years, Margie has been in the middle of club activities in, mostly, a supportive role. Social evenings, and Margie was a leader. With her guitar and numerous songs, we had an instant party.

These parties "just happened ..' with Margie's musical skill and good humour leading the way. "Barman, this corner is dry!"

A side of Margie not so well known was her love of children, and her concern and caring for other people.

A number of times in my earlier years at the club I arrived at the grounds very depressed, Margie sensed this and enveloped me in a hug. If you've been hugged by Margie, you know you have been hugged!

I'm aware of others Margie has helped in a similar way.

Margie was one of the world's beautiful people: giving and sharing of herself while asking for nothing in return.

John, Dawn and Geoffrey - we share your sorrow. Thank you for sharing Margie with us.

The Rotota whanau thank those who attended Margie's funeral, and the messages of support and sympathy offered to John and his family.

Graham

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB

Preparations are well underway for the National Rally in December. A donation from the sale of a caravan resulted in a boost to completing the kitchen. It was great to see the older young members helping our works manager mix and pour concrete for the access ramp to the clubhouse.

We were overjoyed at finding the leak which for months had eluded our water witches and which had been depleting our pool.

It was repaired in less than two hours, so we now have full facilities ready for our Polar Bare swim this month.

We were pleased to have visitors from other clubs join us for a relaxing carefree Eastern carnival. A sumptuous Saturday dinner, a Sunday Easter egg hunt, champagne breakfast, informal sports and socials provided a well-rounded weekend.

HIBISCUS COAST SUN CLUB

Club members, together with friends from AOHC and Free Beach, recently enjoyed a great weekend at Thngihua Lodge in Northland. The weather was fine, the venue outstanding, and the tramping and bush walks were thoroughly enjoyed by all ages. On the way home most stopped at Uretiti Beach for a swim. A pity that more were unable to get away for the weekend to enjoy this first class facility set in a beautiful conservation area.

Club members were also guests at another of the sumptuous Chinese banquets that our friends at Auckland Sun Club do so well. Many thanks to our hosts for another memorable meal!

Our members have had a good time at the Inter-club days hosted by each of the other three Auckland clubs - again our thanks to our hosts. We hosted a Chicken Spit Roast Lunch on our Inter-club day, and we were delighted that so many visitors from other clubs came to enjoy the chooks that our chefs Murray and Bryan cooked to perfection. One small comment - one tends to see the same people at each Inter-club day, which poses the inevitable question; where are all the other nudists in Auckland?

We hope we will see you again. Best wishes from "Kirikau".

NEW ZEALAND NUDIST FEDERATION INC.

The NZNF Press Awards were again presented at the Rally held at Hawkes Bay Sun Club Inc during the New Year holiday.

The recipients are as follows:

Best Photograph published in the N.Z. Naturist during 1992 was the bottom photo on page 11 of Issue 141 (June 1992) by Doug Cousins of Wellington.

Best Article featured was 'Coming out of the Closet' by Jill Day of South Auckland in Issue 140 (March 1992). This story is of a high interest level portraying the idea that all people are equal and made excellent use of a personal experience to produce a sincere well written article which is easy to read. A non nudist reading this article could be given confidence in joining the movement.

Best Club Newsletter was that of the Palmerston North Sun Club Inc. 'Lake Downs News

This newsletter is very informative and contains a high level of local club information plus news of happenings at other clubs throughout the country. It has an excellent personal approach with personal comments about members, is consistent with news and its presentation.

The recipients of the above awards are to be congratulated for their fine effort. 

OBITUARY:

Albert Jock' Schoolbread
1923 - 1993

Sadly we report the death of another of the stalwarts of nudism, 'Jock Shoolbread who passed away after suffering another stroke recently.

Jock was born in Scotland some sixty-nine years ago. During the 2nd World War he served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force attaining the rank of Warrant Officer.

He emigrated to New Zealand in 1951 and worked for a time for NZ Forest Service in the Rotorua area before moving to Auckland in 1954.

Soon after arrival in Auckland he and his family joined the Auckland Outdoor Health Club which at the time was about to relocate to its new property at Ranui.

Jock took an active interest in the development of the property from the outset and joined the committee as Vice President - a position he held until 1962.

He became the President in 1963-64 and during that time the club swimming pool was built and opened on 13th December 1964. The 12th NZSA Rally having been held on the grounds in early 1964.

It was at this time that Jock took an active interest in the development of nudism nationwide being the club delegate and North Island Vice President of the New Zealand Sunbathing Association (as the NZ Nudist Federation was then known) for the period 1964 to 1973.

This was a formidable role because at that time there was a lot to be done in assisting the development of the many emerging clubs that sprang up throughout the country following the formation of the NZSA in 1968. Much of the ground work for this development having been carried out by the late Mr Perc Cousins of Wellington.

At the same time as fulfilling this role as North Island Vice President, he again took on the role as President of Auckland Outdoor Health Club Inc for a second term - 1968 to 1972.

During this period the club held the 18th National Rally on its grounds and celebrated its twenty-first birthday function at the Romaleigh Lounge in Northcote, North Shore City during September 1970. The children's pool was built and the 21st National Rally held 72/73.

Throughout his membership Jock was a keen sportsman and held various miniten and Teniquoit titles at both clubs and national level. He also led the A.O.H.C. winning volleyball team on many occasions.

Whilst his active participation in club activities was restricted in recent years due to his illness, he was very keen to learn of the recent club developments and attended his last Rally at Auckland Outdoor in 1991. He will be sadly missed by those of us who were fortunate to know them.

- Les Olsen
President NZNF

Death of ALAN McCOMBE

Both the INF and the worldwide naturist community have suffered a grievous loss: following heart surgery Alan McCombe, Honorary President of the INF and President of Britain's CCBN federation, died unexpectedly on 16 December 1992. It is with deep sadness and consternation that we have learnt this news.

Alan McCombe and his wife Betty joined the naturist movement early. He occupied several important honorary positions in the national and international federations. At the 1972 Congress in Koversada he was elected Vice-President of the INF Central Committee, in 1976 he became First Vice-President of the South Hants Club, in 1980 came the crowning achievement of his career when the Flevo Natuur Congress made him INF President.

During his term as INF President from 1980 to 1988 he set out new emphases for the international naturist organisation, attaining substantial results. The Sport and Youth Commissions came into being, while the "Future Options Commission" developed new ideas for INF initiatives.

A new beginning was made with family weekends. All these things brought a lot of activity to the international movement.

Both of us had the honour and the pleasure of working with Alan McCombe at the Central Committee; in those days we learnt very much from his rich experience. At the 1988 Monsena Congress, Alan no longer put forward his name as a candidate for the INF presidency. In view of his merits the INF Congress appointed him Honorary President of the INF.

However, for Alan McCombe, age was no reason for abandoning his active life, which he led until his death. He was editor of the magazine "British Naturism", was elected CCBN President on 9 September 1990 and he became editor of the INF World Guide. Alan had great plans for improving his guide. We owe him a lot. Only a few weeks before his death he had started preparatory work for the next issue of this World Guide, the 1994/95 one.

We will always remember Alan as an obstinate and frank President who had the power to get things moving forward. It was always a great pleasure to see him lead a meeting, or to listen to him when he talked to journalists. He was very eloquent and very witty too.

We wish his family and especially his wife Betty, who meant so much to Alan and the INF, courage and strength. The CCBN and the INF have lost a stirring personality as well as one of their best friends.

- Bart Wijnberg - Karl Dressen

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

In the last issue of the "Naturist" we gave a good write up boosting "Riverlands". Only in the same issue, to find that the proprietors now regard unrestricted nudity as no longer the norm. But, nonetheless, the property is so large, that on the whole, this should be no handicap.

Mr Editor is up to his tricks again. We did say "Bruce and Pauline". Not "Bryce". Also the last sentence in the newsletter. Although true, maybe. We are not quite so immodest as to actually say so.

The summer, a bit late in starting, proved, in the end to be quite good, weather wise and every other wise. We had quite some crowds at some of our functions. The weather was a bit damp for the "Opera In The Park". But the next day, being our annual Chinese BBQ was blessed with brilliant warm sunshine. A change really as nudist club functions are often the sure attraction for precipitation. The meal was, if anything, more tasty than usual. Thanks to a gargantuan effort by a mere handful of the most dedicated club members.

The interclub fun days continued. Our own modest effort was well patronised. Some of us, with not enough energy to go chasing after a ball, were content to sit around the BBQ tables and play board games for a while. A change at least. The highlight of the afternoon was a demonstration flight of a model helicopter. No toy this! However, our member, not wanting to be too pushy, did not bring it out until most of our guests had gone. If we had known earlier, it would have made an attractive feature in the middle of the afternoon. Still, some other time, maybe.

Regretfully, not many of our club members visited S.A.S.C. on their fun day. But we were well represented at H.C.S.C. where we feasted on an excellent chicken spit roast. This must be one of the most succulent ways to cook chicken as it does not seem so dry as other methods.

In between whiles we have had lots of visitors from other clubs and from people from outside New Zealand. One night saw some fifteen people from B.O.P. sleeping in the Clubhouse.

The sauna room, next to the spa is nearly complete. That will be an added incentive to visit the club on the colder winter days. We now boast a set of rustic steps at the back of the pool control room. When the path is complete this will provide access to the necessary offices under the clubhouse from the sunning area. People will then have to go through the pool area, slamming two noisy gates on the way.

NELSON SUN CLUB

By the time you read this, our AGM will be over and another year underway. New members on the Committee always bring fresh ideas and energy - a good thing for any organisation. But before we say goodbye to the last 12 months, let us remember all the great things the Club accomplished over that time.

The Clubhouse has been plastered and painted and the storage shed at the rear of the property has been considerably enlarged and painted. The golf course has been upgraded and we've been told our greens are as good as any in the country! The shower block is much improved with having new lining put on, and the rubbish disposal system is vastly improved. The entrance-way into the grounds have been spruced up and make a welcome sight for visitors and members alike.

Our social calendar was fuller this past year with many a social occasion enjoyed by a large crowd. Our membership is steadily growing with more families from the "top-of-the-south". This makes it much easier to arrange social get-togethers.

We are always happy to hear from folk wanting information regarding our Club, which is situated in a rural setting with a stream and native bush. At "Sunrise" we offer the three sss - SECURITY, SECLUSION and SERENITY, and welcome phone enquiries to any of the three telephone numbers in the directory section at the back of this magazine. As these families live on the grounds you can usually find one of them at home - especially in the evenings.

FREE BEACH GROUP

Well. How's your winter been so far? No idea how mine's been yet - one of the disadvantages of having to write these articles a few months ahead in April. It'll soon be time for all the "Polar Bares" to indulge in their mid-winter celebrations.

As one who has great difficulty with the unnatural practice of full immersion in the club pool, I can but wonder at the fortitude of those prepared to weather the waves, especially in the deep south. Come to think of it though, I do have a picture of myself braving the waters many years ago on Gisborne's Midway Beach - mid-June from memory! Must have been love, or something keeping the cockles warm.

Given my sparing indulgence in the practice, I have to rely on recall, but isn't there a lack of genuine "Bares" in most media reporting of these triumphant events? I know several clubs have an event after mid-June, but do any Free Beachers know of a regular occasion for freezing their fuzzies in the wider community? No. Well think creatively! How about a 'Polar Bares' competition between the Oriental Bay Dragon Dancers, St Leonards Look-outs, Hernia Bay Suspenders, Papamoa Hunters, Waimari Walnuts ... even Smaills Snails possibly.

Perhaps the new Wellington Free Beach committee could organise an inaugural event? Good to see the energy there! The WFBG have taken over the running of swim nights from the Wellington Sun Club! (W.S.C. now has its own sauna / spa complex tucked in the prominent corner of their enormous club house.)

Now that we have co-ordinating committees centred in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, how about a June 20th challenge? Let's see if Auckland can get more Uretiti-ites to Uretiti than Wellington can count Peka Peka Poncers, or Christchurch's Mistaken Taylorites skinnydipping in these colder southern climates. We'll want to see the photos to prove it - in the local paper on Monday 21st June for best impact and get released copies of the photos to the Naturist Editor by July 15th and we can all see them collected on these pages in September.

Dear Friends,

Thank you very much for a copy of "NZ Naturist" magazine which we received from you at the end of the last year.

We would like to know about your country and development of naturism in it as much as possible. So we would like to start a friendly correspondence with a young intelligent family of naturists from New Zealand.

Now a brief information about ourselves:

We, Vadim & Liudmila Litovchenko, are husband and wife. I am 38, my wife is 31. I am a philologist and work at the Odessa University, my wife is a doctor (internist). Because naturism we like fine arts, music (modern), reading. We have a little daughter, Olga, she is 5 years old.

So if a family would like to correspond with us, our address is:

Flat 37,

Cherniahovski Street 13,

Odessa 270009,

Ukraine

We shall be waiting for your answer and news from New Zealand impatiently.

Faithfully yours,
Vadim & Liudmila Litovchenko

DOES THE EARTH CARE?

(A Natural Roundelay)

The Sun, a life enhancing joy

Warms up the earth beneath

But excess heat will sear the ground

With fire on bush and heath.

The wind that once was cool and fresh

Will spread the flames about

Destroying all the crops and trees

With waste and fear of drought.

It's at this time we pray for rain

Pure water from the skies

To once again baptise the ground

And pacify our cries.

But too much rain will turn to flood

A hazard to us all

We strive to understand this Earth

As on the Sun we call.

And so this pattern will repeat

Each season has its say

The cycle going round and round

For ever and a day.

- William Budd

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. 145 June 1993

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

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.

(Top)

AUSTRALIAN NUDIST CLUB DIRECTORY

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: Les Olsen
Auckland (09) 444-5015

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

PHOTO CREDITS

Doug Cousins - I.F.C., P10, P11, P12, P13,

P14, B.C.

Les Olsen - P2, P15, P18.

Graham McGregor - P4, P5, P6, P8, I.B.C.

Graham Hall - P9

Freddy Karstensen - P16

Wally Shepherd - P3

DEADLINES FOR COPY

146 September 1993 - 15 July 1993

147 December 1993 - 1 October 1993

148 March 1994 - 30 January 1994

149 June 1994 - 20 April 1994