# 157 - June 1996 

Journey to the Antipodes

by Robbert Broekstra   

Photo: Robbert Broekstra

Flying from Amsterdam to Sydney via Bangkok for almost 20 hours, one comes staggering out of the plane, jet-lagged. The temperature was 0°C when I left Amsterdam and here it was 21°C late at night, quite a difference.

I headed straight for my hotel in a light drizzle to catch up on some sleep and that was real necessary I can tell you.

The next morning I picked up my mini camper and headed for the harbour to do some sightseeing. If you want to take a picture of the skyscrapers and the world famous opera house, take a ferry boat trip around the harbour and you will get some nice shots on a clear day.

River Island Nature Retreat is a two hour drive from Sydney. Colin and Katina Sell bought this land 13 years ago. At the retreat you will find a restaurant, plus the usual domestic facilities, a swimming pool and spa, where you always find people to talk to.

I saw my first kangaroos and if you like bush-walking, here is your chance, 4km of unspoiled river frontage with several sandy beaches and ideal for taking pictures. If you like canoeing or trout fishing this is the place for you.

Photos: Robbert Broekstra

This resort is in the early stages of development and Jim and Vicki Punch are working extremely hard to add to the facilities so far in place. The location is at Anna Bay some 250kms north of Sydney.

For several years I had been writing with Bill and Maureen who are living on a farm about 100kms from the city of Brisbane, some eight kilometres from the village of Ashford. When I got close to this village, dark clouds appeared and soon it began to rain. Apparently it had not rained for five years, but now there fell so much rain that the creeks got out of control and I had to stop to see how deep the water was before crossing each dip. Sometimes I waited before crossing and see how a truck would take it, then I would decide to go through it or not.

All of a sudden, a Kangaroo came running out of the forest and luckily a truck from the opposite direction hit the animal, as it would have hit my window and I would have been in the hospital. It was a terrible sight but people told me later it happens quite often.

After this little incident I continued on my way and arrived at the village of Ashford. Not knowing how to find the farm, I made enquiries at a house and the people were so kind as to let me use their telephone. Maureen told me that on account of the floods, Bill could not reach the farm either and was staying a a friend's place. I could find him at the local Presbyterian church.

So I went to the church and there I met Bill. He took me over to the hardware store where he has a part-time job and gave me some information regarding the area. I found myself a quiet spot on the outskirts of town to park my mini van and to get some sleep, returning four days later after calling Bill to see if the water had gone down. Indeed it was almost back to its normal level. This time I crossed the river and without any major problems I reached the farm, where I met Maureen. She was from England and arrived in Australia back in 1971. Bill and Maureen used to work both in the military and civil aircraft industry and in 1987 decided to leave the big city and bought a 74 hectare plot of land.

We did lots of bush-walking on this property and visited a beautiful spot five kilometres from the farm near a river. I even learned how to shoot with a rifle. At first I found it a bit difficult but after 30 minutes I too was shooting right on target.

Colin told me there were about 120 different kinds of birds and when I had one of my daily bush-walks I almost stepped on a poisonous snake sunning on the footpath. Luckily I missed him. I saw a platypus plus all sorts of butterflies, waterfalls, sandy beaches and the river is excellent for swimming. The flies are a pest and some repellent is a must.

It was an enjoyable stay at this lovely resort and I thank Katina and Cohn for their kind hospitality during my stay.

I then travelled north to Bardots Nude Village Resort where I was met by a friendly lady at the reception who organised a place for the mini van at A$22.00 per day.

Nearby is the sandy Samurai Beach. One inhibiting feature of this is that one has to arrange with the management to be let in and out of the locked beach access. Perhaps at some time in the future a better arrangement will be made for this.

Bill and Maureen grow their own vegetables and have their own sheep, goats, chickens and you might also come across kangaroos or a goanna with big claws.

Bill has dug himself a swimming pool and also a pond for water irrigation for his potatoes and vegetables, so they can feed themselves all year round.

It's great to be nude outdoors and indoors as the temperature during the evening hours would be about 25°C, so still warm.

The view, the quietness and being surrounded by nature makes one feel they are living in God's country, away from the hectic pace of life, away from stress.

Photos: Robbert Broekstra

However one has other problems that arise, like flooding. After I left, Bill wrote to me that they had some more flooding and the whole road towards their farm was pretty well swept away. So with the neighbour, they worked on it and now they can drive on it again. Living in the bush doing the things you want gives one a feeling of freedom, but it can also be a burden at times.

Good luck to Bill and Maureen as they continue their lives in a different world compared to ours.

My New Zealand adventure will continue next issue.

BARDOTS

NUDE VILLAGE

Samurai Beach and Bardots Nude Village. What do they have in common? Both are located at Anna Bay and both are areas available for nudists. Bardots Nude Village property extends almost to the beach - so that guests have the best of both worlds - a holiday resort of magnificent quality and a legal free beach which has a natural wild beauty, ideal for walking, fishing, snorkelling or just exploring the sand dunes.

Step out of your car and upon entering Bardots reception area, immediately you feel the warmth of welcome of a most relaxed friendly atmosphere. So, a revolutionary new experience in a peaceful relaxing environment is about to unfold, for you the visitor. Naturally all visitors must register and provide acceptable identification. Obviously an INF Passport is ideal, but driver's licence or general passport is acceptable. At all times security, privacy and confidentiality is assured.

This resort has been developed with an eye to the naturist and especially the tourist naturist. As overseas visitors we were made to feel very welcome, such is the hospitality of the hosts. Here one has the opportunity to enjoy the simplistic pleasures of a clothes free life style, but with all the comforts of a high quality holiday complex.

The noise and speed of the outside world contrast sharply with the serenity of this delightfully landscaped environment. Because this is another world, conformity of a clothes wearing society is abandoned and the rules are somewhat changed.

Accommodation is equivalent to any high quality tourist centre, comprising motel style units, ranging from one bedroomed self contained units, to deluxe self contained units, all tastefully furnished with high quality fittings and finished with subtle colours that provide a relaxing holiday mood.

These facilities have been designed to fit unobtrusively into the local environment and with carefully designed landscaping and plantings of native species, supplemented by tropical ferns and palms provide a magnificently peaceful environment, just right for those "lazy days".

For those who enjoy wilderness camping, level bushland areas have been created where you can establish your camp site utilising the shade and shelter of the natural vegetation.

Photos: Robbert Broekstra

Within these areas there appeared to be a wide range of Australian plants and animals altogether an enjoyable spot for walking and camping.

The active visitor can have a great time for there is plenty to do, as the resort provides two full size tennis courts, a volley ball court, frizbee-golf, a large solar heated swimming pool, twin outdoor spas, walking tracks and access to the beach. For those with a preference for more sedate activities, there are darts, videos to view, table tennis and a small library of magazines is available. How about just loafing on the recliners around the swimming pool area with a good book and a long drink? Sheer pleasure. Since all these activities are included with the cost of your visit, there is no worry about how much you are spending.

An outdoor area complete with BBQ is provided for those with a yearn to be "Do-it-yourselfers". But, if you require a leisurely meal, you don't have to cook as there is an excellent cafe available, where you will find the Chef busily preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner at prices which are not over the top. Of course in betweens are always available. Dining is both indoors and outdoors, but best of all you don't have to get dressed up for dinner.

After a sumptuous evening meal, chosen from a menu containing an excellent selection of dishes, what better activity than to forget about the telly but continue to relax in the multi-coloured twin spas under a star-studded sky.

The wild beauty of Samurai Beach, the serenity of Bardots and the freedom of holidaying in this resort is a magnet for visitors, not to be denied. All too soon the pressure of time keeps us moving, this time to the textiled world and hustle and bustle of Sydney.

by Ray Coates

Photo (below): Ray Coates

"Still to come on the programme tonight, people with no clothes on, naked people, nudists. Languid Christchurch people dealing with the heat. I know that you will stay with us."

This was the opening gambit on the TV One "Holmes" Show by no other than Paul Holmes himself. In fact those of you who saw the programme would agree that it was a wonderful opportunity to place our organisation in the homes of more than a million television viewers.

The broadcast did not go without its hitches, however the negative attitude of a few was far outweighed by the positive enthusiasm and cooperation of many club members willing to be interviewed and filmed taking part in their normal nudist activities around the club.

Not only did the programme go some way to dispel some of the myths and preconceptions of the public, but our own members could see that the media can show us in a good light, providing it is well organised, a definite point of interest is maintained and they have an agenda to follow.

Jo Malcolm, a freelance journalist assigned to the "Holmes" programme, first contacted our club early in January. However her initial request to visit the club was somewhat untimely and following further discussions the date was set for 6 February. The annual Waitangi Day clash between the Rolleston Volunteer Fire Service (otherwise known as the Roly Volys) and the Canterbury Sun Club became the focus for the afternoon.

This was held together with a visitors day involving the Rolleston Community.

Flyers were circulated around the neighbourhood and the fire service personnel were observed sharpening up their volleyball skills during their usual Tuesday evening fire drill. A good number of club members indicated their willingness to participate in the filming and two young families also made themselves available to be interviewed on camera.

If it were not for the commitment of these people who were prepared to be "up front", the programme would not have been the success that it was.

All we required now was a lovely sunny day and heaps of people on the grounds to set the scene for (as Holmes put it) "a doozy of a summer, where mums, dads and kids were all stripping off." In the midst of a hot north-westerly season, we were not to be disappointed.

Photos: Robbert Broekstra

Robbert Broekstra from Holland was staying at Pineglades for the weekend prior and extended his stay to include Waitangi Day. His enthusiasm for fire engines was almost as fervent as it was for naturism and this became an amusing aside as he raced around the Canterbury Plains in hot pursuit of "Big Red". The fire danger in the area was extremely high and the Rolleston Fire Service was one of many volunteer fire crews spending long hours battling scrub and forest fires in the district at that time of the year.

Meanwhile back at Pineglades, all was in readiness for our visitors. Seating was arranged under the shade of the trees and prime viewing sports were interspersed by colourful umbrellas atop BBQ tables around the court. Pre-match grooming of the volleyball court encouraged a welcome tinge of green amidst the arid looking grass surround.

Right on the dot of 11am the familiar TVNZ logo was spotted on the blue van pulling up at the gate.

Jo and cameraman Ron were warmly greeted and soon found a shady birch tree outside the bach to have a chat and a cup of coffee. Any on-camera nerves that I may have had were quickly dispelled by Jo's relaxed style of interview. Robbert and our own club photographer Frank Hones were on hand to capture the moment. As you can imagine Jo and Ron were very Impressed with the facilities of the club and the friendliness of club members.

However it wasn't long before Ron's interest wavered. No, not to any nubile young ladies passing by, but to the sight and sound of neighbour Barry up a ladder painting his bach in true nudist fashion, accompanied to the tune of "The Archers" belting out from his favourite old time CD.

On then, to meet Gail and Robin, and their three young boys eagerly awaiting their chance to be on nationwide television.

Some charming shots of other families in and around the pool certainly conveyed the impression that this was indeed what we said it was, a family club.

It was now 1pm and the Roly Volys were due any minute. Next thing, we heard the fire alarm. You could just about hear the groan from the village. On previous occasions the game has been completed and the players would be downing the first can of beer before getting a call out, but beforehand, this was too much! A quick phone call to the station confirmed that they had been summoned to a distressed and very pregnant cow that had the misfortune to fall down a well. However help was forthcoming from the Kirwee district fire service, as the well was in that area.

Before long the familiar faces of the Roly Volys pulled up in the car park, complete with families and well stocked chilli bins in preparation for the after-match barbecue.

Some arrived in the two fire engines and it was noted and filmed by our willing camera-man that the guys (and gals) had everything in readiness right down to the folded jackets and boots lined up alongside the appliances.

Jo quickly put Senior Fire Officer Glenn Cockburn at ease and a few equally jocular remarks from Glenn left the viewers in no doubt that they would keep their dignity and remained clothed. (Who was that fella I saw climbing out of the spa pool later that evening?)

While all the adults were busy watching the game, the children, as usual, showed none of the qualms that many adults have with visiting a nudist club and dived straight into the pool, which seemed about the best place to be that day.

The volleyball game was in full progress by this time and a few backside shots were enough to titillate our television viewers. Even a game of Petanque and a short game of Miniten was filmed with an essence of decorum. The resulting sights and sounds of nudist families happily at play came across really well. Perhaps the biggest scoop of the day was the interview with a couple visiting the grounds for the first time. To hear Anne-Marie say how relaxed she felt as soon as she came in the gate was what we all know and would like the rest of society to experience.

All too soon Jo and Ron had to wind up for the afternoon and move on to their next assignment, feeling pretty good about visiting Pineglades for the first time and extremely satisfied with their day's filming.

And the game of volleyball? After an eight year stranglehold on the trophy by the Roly Volys, Canterbury Sun Club emerged victorious, winning in two straight sets.

It must have been due to all that extra exposure!

by Kay Hannam

Photos: Robbert Broekstra

Go Natural Getaway

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF SOUTH CANTERBURY

If you wake at dawn, you hear the distant song of a skylark, then thrushes, blackbirds and magpies in the trees close by. The strident "chip- chip" of finches finally gets you out of bed. Emerging from the tent, you may be rewarded by a glimpse of naked bods flitting to and fro across the green to the shower block and toilet. The two entrances to the toilet block are labelled "Boys" and "Girls". Inside each is a little row of old-fashioned coat hooks at child level,for these are the original cloakrooms of the old Tripp School which is now the premises of the South Canterbury Sun Club where we gathered for the "Getaway".

Propped up outside the kitchen is a small blackboard and a piece of chalk. If you need any supplies from town, please enter your name, etc. George has requested "One wife". Alongside is written "Sorry, out of stock".

Bad luck, George. Otherwise, this is a great service, free of charge. (And here I might add that the whole holiday is at nominal cost.)

We are camped in a wide circle around a specious grassy area: like King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table, we are all equal here. It is a very friendly arrangement. Watching all that is going on is an entertainment in itself. Joining in, like everything else at the "Getaway", is optional, but soon everyone feels at home. Eating breakfast out of doors, you can watch petanque in progress. A well-judged "bomber" scatters the boules and the jack. Screams of horror, jubilation, cheers and laughter.

Suddenly a bellowing of cattle drowns out our chat. "What's going on?" we ask.

"Well," says Ian, "take a look over the road and you'll see." Sure enough, the paddock is occupied by a herd of prize Hereford bulls - part of the stud which the Orari Gorge Station is noted for. Every time they see a truck come down the road they set up this powerful din which, translated into bull language means "Hey-up youse lot, here comes our tucker!"

At night, muffled shrieks of excitement emanate from the couple in the next tent. "Hey, man, you've got it! Put it in quick." "I can't. Where is it? I can't find it." "Oh, heck!" Suppressed laughter, scrambling about... Finally, "Hooray! That's it then. Done at last."

Turns out they had finally managed to finish the "Times" crossword which a few keen types had been struggling with all week.

Go Natural
Getaway

AT ORARI GORGE

However it's the height of frustration when you can't find a pen. As any crossword addict will tell you, you can't do a crossword without a pen in your hand. In fact I read somewhere that Hell for crossword addicts consists of eternity with an unlimited supply of crosswords but no writing utensil.

Strains of heavenly music from the schoolroom (clubhouse) gradually fade away. After that, silence - or gentle snoring.

Another day dawns. Calm, damp weather with enough sunny spells for outdoor games, petanque, top team, miniten and, in the evening, an outdoor disco whereby hidden talents in dancing come to light. On other nights, quizzes, Boggle and "Back to School".

Within a short distance of the club is the Orari Gorge Walkway. This loop walk goes mostly through Kanuka forest with odd splendid Kahikatea breaking through.

All photos: Joyce Fleming         

There's a grass lookout halfway round the track, called Cabbage Tree Top, and there on a seat we found George in club uniform, sitting eating his lunch. Perhaps because of the damp weather conditions, we had not encountered anyone else on the track, so I was topless, and I must say in passing that I enjoyed not only the proximity and sound of native birds plus the most glorious array and variety of New Zealand ferns and vegetation, but also the gentle feel of wet leaves brushing against my bare skin. As we sat conversing with George, a family of four appeared up the hill. They did not seem at all surprised by our "clothes-optional" mode. In fact they paused to chat for a few minutes before moving on.

The highlight of our week was an outing, led by Ian, to visit the historic Tripp homestead and old thatched farm cottage, then on to the gorge of the Orari River where we all picnicked (in the nick) and spent the rest of the day exploring the gorge, sunbathing and skinny-dipping in the fast-flowing river. A new sport was invented and called Naked White-water Body-surfing (which means going down the rapids on your bare backside!)

Observant bird-watchers among us noticed swallows darting and swooping to and fro across the river and occasionally disappearing under an overhanging rock cave at water level. Inside the cavity was a nest with eggs.

You had to be brave to put your head inside the cavity, it was alive with flying insects.

Back at camp people cooked their leisurely meals round the communal barbecue, in the clubhouse kitchen, in caravans or on little gas stoves outside their tent, all very friendly and informal, in keeping with the clothes-optional philosophy. Meeting old friends and making new ones, from several South Island Sun Clubs and Free Beach Group members was one of the great benefits of the "Go Natural Getaway". Thank you to our hosts and hostesses at the South Canterbury Sun Club. We'll be back!

by Joyce Fleming

Members from Palmerston North and Wellington arrived on Saturday morning.

The club grounds are very spacious, and the tent and caravan sites are spread over a large area. We set up our caravan in a sheltered area called "Palm Court" because of a distinctive palm growing there. It is a short walk to the toilets and showers, and a little further to the clubhouse and adjacent swimming pool which occupy a central position in the club grounds.

The clubhouse is newly constructed, and the pride and joy of the members who laboured so hard to build it. It has a large open plan area for indoor bowls, table tennis and darts. There is a television set and plenty of tables and chairs for evening social gatherings when the weather is inclement. The "inner man" (or woman) is well catered for by a well-equipped kitchen, bar and confectionery shop.

Saturday dawned fine. A little windy, but not enough to deter the enthusiastic sports people. Alex did a great job in organising all the games of miniten, volleyball, petanque, tennquoits and indoor bowls. It's a wonder to me his voice did not desert him before the end of the rally.

The weather was perfect for the whole weekend, and the water in the pool was pleasantly warm, ideal for a refreshing dip between games of miniten.

After an energetic day of sports in the sunshine, we were all ready for the three course meal skilfully prepared by Geoff, our professional chef, and his many willing helpers. They had selflessly laboured in the kitchen while the rest of us were enjoying ourselves outside.

One can always rely on the Manawatu Club to turn on a good meal, with plenty of nicely presented food and dishes to suit all tastes. This dinner was no exception. We ate outside in the barbecue area, enjoying the warming rays of the setting sun, and feeling at peace with the world.

After the meal the teenagers held a disco in their own "clubhouse" called "The Corral". This used to be the main clubhouse before the new one was built. Now it is dedicated to the "Youth" of the club, who are in the process of refurbishing it to their own liking.

The new clubhouse was again the focus of activities on Sunday, which began with a Champagne Breakfast - a nice way to prepare for another day of active sports, games, and relaxation. In the evening everyone reassembled in the barbecue area for a "Happy Hour", followed by a Bring- your-own Barbecue. When all appetites were satisfied, Mac and Neil brought out their guitars, and all joined in the singing of old-time popular songs. A fitting way to end a most enjoyable day.

Monday saw the completion of the "serious" sports competitions, and opportunities for more "friendly" games, a round of golf, a relaxing swim or a well-earned rest before heading back to the real world of work.

The Annual Mini-Rally at the Manawatu Outdoor Leisure Club is an excellent example of what our nudist clubs can offer by way of true recreation and friendship. It's a pity more people don't avail themselves of the benefits of our relaxed, friendly, nudist lifestyle. The world would be a better place if they did.

Photo: Doug Ball

When the Manawatu Outdoor Leisure Club holds a Mini-Rally everyone is guaranteed a good time. Doug Ball describes a fun-filled weekend.

Over the years it has become quite a tradition for the Wellington Sun Club to visit the Manawatu Club for a weekend of fun, feasting, and sports over the Wellington Anniversary holiday weekend. Although it is a two hour drive from one club to the other, inter-club sports fixtures are always well attended. Strong friendships have developed between the members of these two clubs, so much so, that it is sometimes easy to forget who belongs to which club.

Peggy and I drove down from New Plymouth on Friday afternoon.

WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY

Are seeing some progress at long last as Ray reports:

I just wanted to let you know that we had an impromptu/informal working bee last Saturday the 13th of April, as we needed to take advantage of the availability of the digger machine and operator and be more prepared for construction of our facilities.

It's almost too good to be true, but, I suppose I could say that the first sods have well and truly been turned as site preparation is now well under way for the establishment of our facilities and although the grounds currently look like a disaster area, naturally much has been achieved. it's now onwards and upwards, but of course we have a long way to go before the light is visible at the tunnel entrance.

What has been achieved would not have been achieved without the appropriate machinery to take the hard out of work. Obviously our thanks and gratitude to Bill Olsen, member of a neighbouring club, who travelled south to put in many hours of toil for our benefit. Thank you Bill for all that you did, your time with us was much appreciated.

MANAWATU OUTDOOR LEISURE CLUB INC.

Formerly the Palmerston North Sun Club Inc, we will be celebrating our

25th Birthday - Labour Weekend
26-28th October 1996.

All past and present members are invited to register for this grand occasion. Please forward name and address to Judy: P.O. Box 980, Palmerston North.

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR
HEALTH CLUB INC.

Members are working steadily toward the NZNF Rally in Dec/Jan 97. A new Petanque pitch has been installed and looks great, the clubhouse has been painted and other projects are under way.

We have been unfortunate in losing our P.O. Box in Auckland which we have had for some thirty six years and known to all worldwide.

Would all clubs etc. please note that henceforth our Post Office Box is relocated to Swanson. Thus:

Auckland Outdoor Health Club Inc. P.O. Box 95235, Swanson.

FREE BEACH GROUP (Inc.)
South Island Report.

A couple of news items in the Christchurch "Star" related accounts of the intense indignation felt by someone who had seen a naked person at the beach. Apparently some people are under the impression that outdoor nudity is illegal.

However, several Christchurch Free Beach members wrote to (and phoned) the Editor to present a different point of view, and, it seems, won the day, as a subsequent editorial headed "Skinny-dipping" advocated a "live-and-let-live" attitude. "The real issue for those keen to bathe nude," he said, "is one of maintaining reasonable taste and keeping the problem of offensiveness to a minimum."

It has been a good summer for skinny-dippers. One of the highlights was our outing to Camp Bay on 17 February when we saw the "ENDEAVOUR" replica in full sail rounding Godley Heads and sailing past, accompanied by hundreds of yachts and small boats. An outdoor pot luck and barbecue at Nigel's place rounded off a lovely day.

Joyce.

ROTOTA SUN CLUB Inc.

Easter festivities at Rotota Sun Club Inc provided a great social occasion for all.

It was really great to see such a crowd at Rotota over the Easter weekend. Our "pig on a spit" meal was enjoyed by over 100 people an everyone is keen for us to repeat it at some later date. A very special thanks to Steve, Mike and Pam for their day long effort in cooking the meal. Also thanks to the ladies who prepared the coleslaw. To Gipsy who procured the 60kg pig at an exceptionally good price and to everyone else who helped in so many ways. Fortunately the rain held off until the last person had been served with their meal.

On Easter Saturday some fun games were held for the children and the "young at heart". Games like bedrock bowls (ten pin bowling using round rocks as bowls and coke bottles as skittles) and golf using sticks as clubs and teeing off from a large pool of mud. As you can imagine spectators and contestants alike ended up covered in mud in varying degrees. We are told that in the young adults section the girls beat the boys!

MANAWATU OUTDOOR
LEISURE CLUB Inc.

Report that Wellington Sun Club had a great win at their annual inter- club sports weekend.

Ken recruited a good crew to visit us this year. At the beginning of the weekend Wellington members outnumbered Palmerston. By mid afternoon games were well underway, and by the end of the weekend 51 games had been played including Human Noughts & Crosses, Miniten, Tenniquoits, Pentaque, Bowls, Darts, Table Tennis.

(Wellington even claimed a point for dish washing). Unfortunately the Volleyball could not be played due to a strong wind arriving from Wellington.

The weekend was enjoyed by old and young alike with everyone joining in to almost all games.

For those of you who have never participated, this is an annual event for sports and socialising (with the emphasis on the latter).

Thanks to Madalyn and Geoff for a splendid meal on the Saturday night.

If you missed this one, never mind just make sure you come to the next one in Wellington so we can bring the trophy back home to Palmerston North.

"Thanks Wellington for a tremendous weekend."

SOUTHERN SUN AND HEALTH CLUB

Have had a unique win at the annual Southern Inter-club Sports weekend. This was a great success with good support from all four southern clubs. The weather could have been better, but the programme took consideration of this and there were plenty of "sporting" activities for everyone to join in - even the very youngest. Sarah, who is just 3 certainly taught the adults how to play bagatelle; posting a very creditable score in the high 20s; better than the writer who could only manage 9. The list of events included darts, Sutton pool, carpet bowls and quoits. They looked simple but it's amazing how many fell by the wayside. A trivia quiz filled much of a wet Saturday afternoon, followed by a substantial pot-luck tea and social evening. Our sympathies went out to Mark who was chef de jour at the BBQ in the pouring rain, and to his umbrella holders.

Our visitors included Kay Hannam, SIVP, and others from as far afield as Nelson and Wellington. Oh yes! I guess you are all waiting with bated breath for notification of the winners of the trophy. Well this year, the Orchard broke from tradition and it didn't go to the host club. With a representation of only four members, Southern Sun & Health took the shield, Well done, Southern! Kay did the honours in presenting the trophy, and also presented a photo album to the club. Thank you Kay. The next sports weekend is to be held at South Canterbury Sun Club in 1997. See you all there.

HAWKES BAY SUN CLUB INC

I do hope you have had a good summer, as we have had in Hawkes Bay. Lovely warm sunny days and pleasant evenings with the good company of visitors and members. One could imagine likening this to being in paradise.

Our Hawaiian Night was a great success. The Club House was decorated absolutely fabulously in true Polynesian style, everyone dressed in traditional island garb also. Mike and Irene from Rotota Club took home the prize for the best costume. A great time was had by all.

Autumn is nearly upon us and we are busy improving our grounds and doing our winter maintenance.

Our social calendar is in the planning stage at the moment, but keep reading our newsletters for more information.

We have plenty of accommodation in "Norm's Lodge" at Rapere. It sleeps 16 people and you are very welcome any time.

Patrick.

Conjure up in your minds eye majestic snow-capped mountains, a perpetual invitation to relaxation and enjoyment. The scene could be almost anywhere noted for peaks and frosted caps.

The trip on which I wish you to accompany me is to New Zealand, renowned for its vigorous and youthful nudist enthusiasts. Nudism is flourishing here, on orthodox and traditional lines... clubs with excellent facilities, frequent expeditions to the beaches and sincere endeavours to encourage the movement's growth.

It branches off into the novel with its mountaineering treks, excursions of this nature being private in character. Informal groups of nudists have been taking part in ski trips to the mountains, a popular resort for these being Mount Ruapehu. Nude skiing is possible in the less frequented localities, and I am told that it is very popular.

My correspondence tells me that elaborate precautions must be taken to ensure that nothing is done to offend the susceptibilities of other skiers, particularly as the Taupo Ski Club uses these heights. He fully believes that they are successfully carrying out their nudist activities without causing offence to the slightest degree.

Among the advantages of naturism are the facilities for physical exercise and the highly attractive conditions in which these are encouraged.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The world is full of nomads who roll up their sleeping bags, pack their tents and hit the trail whenever the fancy takes them. And these restless people are informal nudists who strip off and swim wherever there's a river or lake handy, cooling themselves in water chilled by mountain streams.

But they're not writing folk and however exciting their lives may be, they don't tell much about them.

So it's nice to bring to your notice one who is so shy that he hopes I won't print his name, but you'll find him in a tent at Mount Isa, not far from Auckland, New Zealand.

In the locality is a sun club and, being a sincere nudist, he has joined it.

(Geography lessons anyone - last time I looked at the map, Mt Isa was in North West Queensland, Australia) Ed.

PHOENIX SUN FAMILIES

Midway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane at Yatala and set in 10 acres of pristine bushland lies Phoenix Sun Families Naturist Resort.

Of all the clubs I have been to in Australia, the welcome I received at Phoenix from the proprietors Derek and Sheryl would be hard to beat. They have run Phoenix for four years now and in that time have established a very friendly atmosphere in which newcomers to naturism feel at ease.

There is a well equipped club room with pool table, table tennis, dart board and video games to keep you occupied if you wish to do so. They have a well stocked canteen with cold drinks and food available and on weekends you must try Sheryl and Sue's hamburgers as they are delightful.

Just outside the club house is a large freshwater pool and in the confines of the pool area are a spa and a sauna. If you so desire and wish to be active, there are two miniten courts and a volleyball court. The younger generation are also looked after with a trampoline, swings and well built cubby house to play in.

Once or twice a month on Saturday nights there are social functions which can be theme nights or dance nights with a DJ.

Give them a ring beforehand to find out when the next social is on as they are worth going to and are always well attended.

There are two units available for rent plus on-site caravans and plenty of camp-sites. With Movie World, Dream World and Wet & Wild Water Park just down the highway, Phoenix is a good place to stay while visiting the area.

If you are in the Beenleigh area and are looking for a relaxing place to get away from it all, you could pick no better place than Phoenix Sun Families.

Give Derek and Sheryl a ring on 61 7 3807 5348 from outside Australia or 07 3807 5348 within Australia and you will be made most welcome.

by Tony Hodskiss

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor

Since the spring of 1994 the Irish Naturist Association has intensified its campaign for the provision of officially approved clothing optional beaches in Ireland. Ireland is the only European country which does not have any approved outdoor naturist facilities. It is still illegal to be nude on any Irish beach. The Irish Naturist Association feels that this discriminates not only against Irish naturists but also against naturist visitors, most of whom are free to enjoy naturist activities perfectly legally in their own country.

This campaign has received enormous attention from the media. Almost all of this publicity has been favourable. However our applications to local authorities for clothing optional beaches have not, to date, met with the same positive response. It is most likely that we will have to seek a change in the law in order to achieve our aims. This will involve putting pressure on government departments and seeking to influence public and political opinion.

One of the main points of our campaign is that Ireland is economically dependent on tourism and that anything that would bring more visitors to the country should be welcomed. If the government could be persuaded that the availability of naturist facilities in Ireland would be an important added attraction for many potential visitors, it would be a major boost for our efforts.

The easiest way for us to make our case that naturist facilities would attract visitors is for the Irish Tourist Board to receive as many inquiries as possible from potential holiday makers.

We are therefore appealing to our fellow naturists in other federations to help us in a practical way by highlighting our campaign and encouraging your members to write to the Irish Tourist Board inquiring about the location of naturist facilities in Ireland. The address to write is: Bord Failte Eireann, Baggot Bridge House, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Stephen Matthews

President, Irish Naturist Assn.

Dear Sir,

Our family have been nudists for the past ten years and enjoy the lifestyle very much.

We are interested in exchanging naturist photos and videos and seek correspondence with others like minded.

We operate the OZ Naturist Network with two hundred members worldwide and would be pleased to hear from those interested in our exchanges.

Please write to: J. Glascott, I.V.P.E.N., P.O. Box 337, Fairfield, Victoria 3078 Australia.

Dear Sir,

I disagree with Gary Gwynne's comments (Issue 155) regarding nudity on the cover of NZ Naturist. Although not a club member, I am a frequent buyer of the magazine and always know where to find it in the shops - next to Playboy! If that's where the shopkeepers want to put it, that's fine. If the "textile" public want to buy the Naturist, I am sure the picture on the cover makes little odds. The only suggestion for change I have is perhaps to put a naked family group (Mum, Dad and kids) on the cover.

The eye-catching cover for Issue 154 has me puzzled though - what is that brown object up the tree underneath the "naturist" wording? I first thought it was a monkey, then perhaps even a man? Can you enlighten me, please?

Now a little gripe; I am sure I'm not the only reader to discover the same material in your mag as well as the Australian Sun & health. For example, the article by Doug Cousins called Turf Sports - Wellington Style. S&H featuring it in the centre pages of their Issue No. 52, and what's more, they printed the photos in colour! Ouch! Likewise the Manawatu club article in Issue 153, also repeated in Sun & health.

And I'm sure I've seen the photos on pages 8 & 9 Issue 154 before, (in an issue of H&E?) accompanying the article about the I.N.F. What can I say?

Unfortunately, my family aren't into naturism so I can't supply any photos myself!

Finally, a little tip for naturists visiting Whakatane. The Kohi Point Walkway between the town and Ohope Beach is well worth the effort. It takes about two and a half hours, but you are rewarded with some stunning views, and it's possible to do the whole trip in "club uniform" as I did in January!

Yours naturally

Roger Watkin

(In our desire to bring you a family group cover photo, our banner obscured the gent in the tree which was unfortunate, however we are always on the lookout for family photos and will be happy to print same.

Yes - other magazines do publish our material in some cases. Exclusive articles are hard to come by). Editor.

Dear Sir,

Over the years I have accumulated a large number of Health and Efficiency magazines.

These range from the 1950s to the present time.

I would like to sell these to anyone interested for $1 each plus postage and would be happy to supply specific issues on request if I have them available.

I would ask that inquiries for these be made to NZ Naturist who I have asked to sell on my behalf, please send a S.A.E. for a listing that is available.

Regards J. Creek.

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. 157 June 1996

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:

Les Olsen (09) 444 5015

Business Manager:

Laurel Olsen

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 Secretary NZNF
P.O. Box 74-257
Market Rd PO
Auckland 1005

President: Brent Thomson
Tel/Fax (09) 279 3771

Secretary: Peter Moosberger
tel/fax: (09) 520-0796

National Nudist Information Freephone
0800 574 932

Applications for membership of Clubs should be made direct to the Club Secretary (see Club Directory).

PHOTO CREDITS

Robbert Broekstra:
IFC, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6a,
P7, P8, P9, P10, IBC, BC

Ray Coates: P6b

Joyce Fleming: P11, Centre, P14

Doug Ball: FC, P15, P16

Tony Hodskiss: P20, P21

DEADLINES FOR COPY

158 September 1996 - 25 July 1996

159 December 1996 - 1 October 1996

160 March 1997 - 30 January 1997

161 June 1997 - 20 April 1997