# 166 - September 1998 

Features

Patuna Chasm - Nude Walk

Young Canadian Naturists →

Nude Go Karting - Holland

Easter Excursion to Kati Kati

Gaslight Music - the Final Nude Day

Te Whare Rua Ra -

The House of Sun →

Impressions of Central Otago

Helios: Naturist Beach in Siberia →

Also Club News and Letters to the Editor

BACK COVER

Lunch was at a tunnel and provided the perfect setting for Andrew and Jenny to produce their trademark wineglasses and bottle of wine. After lunch, a short walk took us to the ladder - the way down into the chasm. It was a bit hairy looking down the ladder, but everyone managed OK until the last step, when eyeballs popped out as the last step was taken into the cold water below.

Now what did Alan say - "Don't walk on the grey rocks, they are slippery, walk on the brown ones." Or was it the other way around - oops-splash! People discovered ballet steps they never thought they could do.

The next two hours were spent walking the chasm looking at the steep limestone cliffs on each side of us, the water falls, caves, stalactites, fossils, huge split rocks with part of shell in each half of the rock. (Match them up and win a prize!)

Cameras clicked busily. Keeping the camera dry was an extra challenge as the slippery rocks tried desperately to make sure everybody got wet in a rather undignified manner. Just as well we weren't wearing clothes.

Finally we came to the end of the chasm and had the choice of walking the track back or wading/swimming the river, with about half the group going each way. Eventually we were back where we left our clothes.

The walk was more strenuous than expected, but nobody really wanted it to end. The general consensus was that we must do it again sometime.

Thanks to all those who made the commitment to go. We needed that so that we could make a firm booking and get the place to ourselves. Thanks to Glen for the idea.

Barry Marten

Photos: John Groombridge

Patuna - Chasm Walk

What a great day! On Sunday 8th March, twenty five of us met at Martinborough. There were members from as far away as Auckland and Gisborne. As soon as the last arrived and we had completed our greetings, we drove in convoy to Patuna farm where we picked up our guide, Alan Wilkinson. From there it was another few kilometres to the start of the walk.

Once away from the road, Alan announced we could go nude if we wanted, and clothes were flying off in all directions, many left hanging in the trees to wait our return some four hours later.

The morning's walk took us through farmland and bush, and up some rather steep little hills with Alan pointing out many items of interest along the way.

It all started around 1980. I had moved from Canada (my birth place) with my family to Germany. I was eight years old at the time, and it was in Germany that I first became aware that people went happily nude together. There on I had the chance to experience naturism casually on a regular basis as well as several resorts in France, Holland and Yugoslavia (now Croatia).

In 1994 I joined a Dutch youth naturist group on a holiday to Euronat, one of the best naturist resorts in my opinion. We were about 100 in total, the average age was about 21 and I was the only non-Dutch person in the entire contingent, I ended up going on numerous holidays with them and had magnificent times. Returning to Canada in 1995 was a bit of a disappointment. Having lived in Europe for all those years I began to take naturism for granted, but upon arriving in Canada I was presented with a very different picture.

Nudity in Canada is still considered obscene by most, and even a pair of harmless female breasts can offend the large quantities of warped purists that populate this land. In Canada there are roughly 40 naturist clubs, which are usually hidden away discreetly, while some are fenced off as prisons. I hate to complain, but for a young person like myself, these Canadian naturist clubs are simply too expensive, too remote (especially if you don't own a car) and there is just no lively atmosphere as one might find in Europe.

The answer was to change that. But change is slow, and it will take many years for naturism to get into the mainstream of Canadian culture and society. The Federation of Canadian Naturists (FCN) is our only hope at present. They have managed to be heard, seen and read through media coverage. The FCN is at last listed in telephone books across Canada under "Nudists" and it has its own 24-hour automated phone line.

YCN - Young

Canadian Naturists

by Thomas Lundy

Through the FCN I managed to create, in March 1996, the YCN, Young Canadian Naturists. It was a brave attempt on my part to attract more people in their teens, twenties and even thirties to discover the healthy and natural aspects of naturism.

I toiled in vain for over a year to no avail. Then very suddenly in May 1997 a tiny group emerged from the shadows. YCN now had real live humans, and we began slowly by attending monthly indoor nude swims and frequent visits to Glen Echo Park, a club less than an hour's drive north of Toronto. In June we participated in a nude volleyball tournament at another club called Ponderosa, about a two hour drive west of Toronto. By the end of July we had 12 members including me.

I regularly receive letters from people all over the world concerning naturism. The best advice I have for anyone attempting to start a nudist or naturist club is, have plenty of patience, be straight forward about what naturism is and emphasise that nudity does play a big part. One cannot lecture a crowd of non-naturists on the many healthy benefits of naturism without clearly stating that people go nude.

Photos: Thomas Lundy

The Sunday started with indoor karting at 10.00am at the city of Veenendaal, which is about 20 kilometres east of the city of Utrecht. One of our new female models knew someone who owned the facilities and indeed it was no problem at all to rent this track. The weather can be cool during May but this Sunday was an exception, as the sky was clear and sunny and the temperature a steady 24°C.

Eighteen people arrived for this first nude go karting event in Holland, and who knows may be the first time in Europe.

The owner of the track had promised to get some extra lights, yet the man responsible for this did not turn up so we had to improvise with a couple of video lamps.

At 10.45 sharp the first race started with eight karts. One of our female models decided that it was a bit too much for her and let someone else take her place. The races were held without incident and of course we had our helmets and shoes on for safety. Oil or dirt from the track would fly around but I found it very exciting to drive these little speedy karts. Everyone was very enthusiastic and we are looking for an outdoor track to repeat this event next year.

We continued on our way to the forest, but one of our group wanted to have some photos taken at the railroad station of the village of Lunteren, a very conservative village indeed. As the trains on Sundays go only once an hour, it was very quiet and with the ticket office closed all day in no time several people were running between the tracks being photographed. Eventually we travelled on to the forest for some leisure time and to sunbathe after our exciting time go karting.

by Robbert Broekstra

Photos: Robbert Broekstra 

Easter Excursion
to Kati Kati

by Alan Harvey

Fellow naturists in the north had extolled the facilities at Kati Kati Naturist Park so it was off on an Easter excursion to Kati Kati in the northern Bay of Plenty, we also had a secret assignment to see if Easter Bunny called on nudist families enjoying Easter at the naturist park. On the way we explored relics of the historic gold mining era in Karangahake Gorge and took time to experience a delightful gastronomic interlude at the Ohinemuri Winery Cafe. Their vinter's platter is scrumptious and with an extra bun, is ample to satisfy at least two famished travellers.

Kati Kati Naturist Park developed and owned by Joan and Kevin Sampson is just three kilometres from Kati Kati, a small town at the northern end of the Tauranga Harbour in New Zealand's beautiful Bay of Plenty. Kati Kati's claim to fame is an outdoor gallery of murals adorning the walls of buildings, in the town. It is set amongst verdant sub-tropical orchards producing kiwifruit, avocados, cut flowers and other delights. Add to this, the warm climate, Kati Kati's proximity to some very fine beaches, with glistening white sand and the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, you could easily start using words like paradise, heavenly or the promised land.

So refreshing to be able to spend a few days naked and relaxed in this quiet, private, natural riverside setting at New Zealand's first North Island clothes free camping park.

At night, after an evening sitting around the camp-fire, we were serenaded to sleep by the mesmerising sounds of the Uretara Stream's running waters, in unison with melodious chirping from the first and second crickets, harmonising with the haunting calls of Moreporks.

If you're not content to lie back and relax au natural there is an inviting swimming pool, a spa and sauna, recreation room, volleyball, petanque, darts and Frisbee golf. For the very brave or foolish a dip in the icy waters of the stream bounding one side of the property, can be very bracing.

Within 15 minutes drive of the Park there are craft shops, stalls with fresh, cheap fruit and vegetables, unique bush walks, tramping, wine tasting and beaches. We couldn't get any photographic evidence of Easter Bunny having visited the naturist park, however two young ladies, in the spa pool, were overheard discussing the extent of their personal caches of Easter eggs that had arrived on Sunday morning.

On our way back north we checked out the ruins of a Cornish pump-house at the old Martha Hill goldmine in Waihi, before driving on up the Pacific Coast Highway to the Seabird Coast on the shores of the Firth of Thames, where the pied oyster-catchers were gathering in large numbers, near Miranda, and the fish 'n' chips at Kaiaua were as tasty as ever.

Article photos: Alan Harvey 

Here clothes-free recreation is available for those who don't belong to a naturist club but enjoy the freedom of shedding their clothes, along with their attachment to the image that they portray. The freedom to just be exactly as you were when you were born, to feel the warm sun and gentle breeze on your naked body.

We mingled with members of several clubs, first time visitors and tourists from overseas, in a very friendly pleasant atmosphere. Locals from nearby Waihi and Tauranga popped in regularly for an afternoon or day away from it all.

Gaslight Music

- the FINAL nude day

Gaslight Music is a Melbourne institution. For the tenth and final time, Gaslight Music hosted one of the wackiest and out there events - The Final Nude Day on Sunday 28 June 1998.

Once a year, for the past ten years, Gaslight Music, Melbourne's home of recorded music has invited one and all - head-bangers, ravers, be-boppers, rockers, mods, new romantics, country folk, grungers, disco bunnies, brit-poppers, folkies, worldies and all other music fans - to come in, browse, listen, discuss and enquire, while basking in all of nature's glory.

This was the last opportunity to behold Gaslight's vast and diverse array of quality CDs and merchandise for every music buff, in the buff. For extra entertainment pleasure, "Child's Brides" performed live in-store!

Gaslight's chief exhibitionist, Jeff Harrison, says that, "Music can be considered the most natural and basic of human expressions, and similarly nudity is the elementary state of the human form interacting with nature - excuse me, but I need to turn up the heater, I've got goose- bumps all over.

The first 100 shoppers to disrobe won a free CD of their choice, and an official Gaslight memento of this auspicious occasion.

Gaslight Records was born in the early 70s, at a time when main-stream music reigned supreme.

For those interested in imported records, or anything a little left of centre, Gaslight Records was the place to look. Changing its name in 1989, following the redirection of stock to mainly CD material Gaslight records renamed itself Gaslight Music maintaining its leading edge in music for the discerning buyer.

The new Gaslight Calendar will be available in-store from July and for the first time will be available on the world wide web. gaslight@gaslight.com.au

Photos: Jim Lee 

It's not too hard to figure out what is different about the Bay of Plenty Sun Club. The first noticeable attraction is the colourful floral border along the approach to their wide open gateway, yes .

wide open! Waiting to greet us with an equally wide welcome was resident caretaker Grant, wearing nothing but a smile and carrying a cellphone.

A quick round of introductions to meet for the first time Ivan and Leah, our hosts, we were eagerly shown a prime spot on which to park "The Tardis". A guided tour around the lower part of the landscaped grounds revealed a well- appointed clubhouse with excellent facilities for visitors and club members alike, together with ample room for caravans and leisure activities. The swimming pool was the next, most inviting feature and afforded cool respite from the searing temperatures during the ensuing days ahead.

"When the sun crosses the yard arm" as the saying goes . . . something quite unique happens at Bay of Plenty. A small group will pull up their chairs any old place and within mutes a large circle is formed of families and friends, complete with cold drinks and nibbles, providing a very convivial atmosphere to while away the time before the barbecue is lit.

The opportunity to greet and introduce new members and visitors at these gatherings is carried out with genuine sincerity to ensure that everybody feels welcome and gets to know one another on a personal basis. For me personally, it was also a welcome platform from which to give others some insight of the Federation's activities during the past few months and to gain valuable feedback from those present.

An hour or so later the chatter was intermingled with agreeable murmurs of "ooh, this tastes good" and "heavens I'm so

full", as we devoured the splendid array of contributions to the pot-luck table, plus of course our own choice of food cooked On the barbecue. By the time we had coffee and a bit of a sing-along in the clubhouse, we were ready for bed. A photo shoot was planned for the morning and most were keen to be in on the action.

Brian and I had attended the National Campout at Rotota the week prior to our visit and were to greet a number of other "campers" keen to soak up the hospitality for which the Bay of Plenty Sun Club is renowned. Doug and Peggy Ball were the first to roll in with look-a-like Tom Seleck and his lovely wife on tour from California (well, I think he looks like Tom Seleck.) Soon after, Ken and Rae from the Waikato Club also arrived. As a matter of interest, Doug, Peggy, Ken and Rae share my enthusiasm for national rallies and have renewed our acquaintance annually for the past thirteen years.

Earlier this year while Bill and I were staying at Bannockburn we came across a walking track leading to gold diggings dating back to last century. We were struck by the beauty of the landscape and the history it contained, but had other commitments and too little time to explore. We promised ourselves a return trip in the autumn.

True to our word we arranged a weekend in Central Otago as a finale to the April holidays which had been taken up with tree felling and writing papers. We had eaten our veges and now it was time for some pudding!

We loaded tramping boots into the van and headed out of Dunedin mid afternoon. We wanted to travel by day to savour the autumn leaves en-route. The further inland we travelled the more glorious the sight. Each bend in the road unveiled richer hues of pure yellow, bright, bright gold and burnt orange.

We arrived at our motel in Clyde around 6.00pm. Our host greeted us with fresh muffins and directions to the local pub so that we could watch our beloved Highlanders rugby team on Sky. Clyde has a sense of being nestled right into the landscape. Many of the older buildings are made of rough-hewn local stone. Vegetation softens straight lines. The streets are wide and uncluttered. Hills rise steeply around the perimeter of the town.

Next day we set off in pursuit of more autumn glory and history. We left Clyde in brilliant sunshine and drove towards Bannockburn. I grinned, feeling hugely satisfied to see remnants of orchard which had escaped the devastation of the Clyde Dam.

Clusters of gnarled fruit trees grew on headlands along Lake Dunstan as stoic reminders of an earlier era.

At Bannockburn we donned backpacks and walked steadily for about 20 minutes up the track and into an ochre canyon of gold sluicings. Man-made cliffs towered above and around us. We marvelled that entire hillsides had been brought to their knees by miners in their quest for gold. Precious water had been harnessed to sluice the terrain.

As we meandered up through the valley we discovered an old cave with chimney hole and evidence of past fires. Miners and a rabbiter - as recently as the 30s - had made this cave home. No Eftpos machines here. Neither city bustle nor dial-a-pizza. From his hearth the dweller would have seen hawk and fantail; heard skylark, cicada and the rustle of lizard; smelt sweet brier; and endured extremes in temperature.

Finally we were at the top of the canyon looking down over Bannockburn, the Lake, vineyards and russet orchards. What a view. This was pudding to die for!

From our vantage point we walked across country to Stewart Town where miners had lived in rammed earth cottages. Remarkably, the orchard planted in 1906 still stands and bears fruit.

We read with amusement of Stewart and Menzies who; having already sold water to the Carrick Battery miners higher in the hills attempted to resell it to miners further down the slope. Such lateral thinking was roundly pooh-poohed by the locals who protested loudly that they had brought the water itself not just the use of it. So much for recycling!

We followed the contours of the canyon over schist paths laid especially for wheelbarrow access. We passed carefully constructed rock retaining walls, viaducts and water races - all reminders of earlier industry and commitment.

In the middle of the afternoon we stretched out on a bed of thyme and soaked up the warmth and beauty of the place. Teasel, Californian poppy, Aaron's rod, foxglove, sweet brier and viper's bugloss enveloped us. As we drowsed and chatted a startled lizard bathing on warm schist dived for cover.

We were loath to leave, but lengthening shadows reminded us it was time to head back to the van. We had spent five timeless hours exploring a track which can be walked in one hour. We gathered thyme for my daughter so that in some small way she could share our experience. Already we've promised ourselves a return visit with South African friends next autumn.

by Lois Mead

Photos: Lois Mead 

Siberia; the word normally makes one think of snow, wolves, gulag-camps and bitter cold climate. And Novosibirsk in Siberia is normally described as an ugly industrial city in which it might be possible to do business and from where one tries to get out as quickly as possible.

However when I was in Novosibirsk last on business, I had the chance to meet with Vladimir Solntzev, an electronics engineer by profession, but who is also the Chairman of the local Naturist Club Helios. Not quite believing his ,story of a naturist beach in Siberia, I accepted his offer and skipped an afternoon off work to meet Vladimir and his friends.

Well, after a 30 minute drive the dirty city was left behind and pine forests mixed with birch trees lined the route. Right in the middle of this forest is a made-made lake (a power storage reservoir) called Ob-Sea. A beach- front of 1.5km with sand and scattered bushes and grass stretched itself along the shores. It was 5.00pm and still the temperature was + 28°C with the water being approximately 20-22°C. The naturist beach section was to the left of the main strand and covered a ½ mile of beach front. The border line between textiles and nudists was actually some kind of clothing optional zone: children and couples were swimming naked, others had swimming togs and even some were sitting in their shorts.

Vladimir introduced me to about 20 of his club members and whilst language was a problem at times, several younger Helios members spoke English and/or German.

Vladimir explained, that they founded their club five years ago and in view of the possible persecution before Perestroika (i.e. before 1988-89).

The Club did not constitute itself formally and even now does not collect any membership fees nor keep membership records.

During midsummer night celebrations the club members practise body painting and to judge from some of the photos shown to me, with quite artistic flair. In wintertime meetings take place in saunas or sports centres. Naturally the Siberian winter brings minus temperatures below 30-35°C, but in summer during July-August the temperature stays in the 30°C during the day and in the lower 20°C at night.

Before pressures of work required me to leave this excellent location, Vladimir discussed with me the possibility of other naturists spending a vacation here in Novosibirsk, Siberia.

by Winfried Scheidges

OB-SEA, NOVOSIBIRSK, SIBERIA

Dear Editor

Tasman Shield

A few years ago, four members of Sunseekers Perth, travelled to New Zealand to attend a "Medievil" Convention, and they played and won a challenge petanque match, hence the above shield. We have finally tracked down where this shield is hiding, and therefore, we issue this challenge.

The ANF and Sunseekers as hosts of the 30th ANF Convention and Sports Rally hereby issue a challenge to any member of the NZNF for the above shield.

The game of petanque will be played during the Convention between the dates as follows: 30 December '98 and 8 January '99. If anybody is interested in taking up this challenge please contact Convention Co-ordinator.

Further details of accommodation and programme if required, can be obtained from the Convention Coordinator / Secretary, PO Box 516, Byford, West Australia 6122.

Yours in Nudism

Colin Heap

Sunseekers Convention Co-ordinator

Dear Editor,

Strange indeed, are the way our memories work!

Seldom has this been demonstrated to me more vividly than on one recent occasion. I had gone into Wanganui for my regular fortnightly shopping trip - which, for once, did not include any frozen foods - and as it was such a glorious day, decided to take a drive as far as either Patea or Hawera. As it turned out, I went as far as Hawera where I stopped for an ice-cream before turning round to head homewards in time for a stroll along the beach (Turakina).

On the way out of Hawera I spotted two hitch-hikers headed eastwards.

As I have no qualms about picking up hikers, and my van has plenty of room, I stopped and offered the pair a ride. They were heading for Wellington, and had four days to get there to catch the ferry to the mainland.

Their packs into the back, and they climbed into the front with me. By their accents, I picked them as German and asked what part they were from. Both lived in Detmold.

Their faces were vaguely familiar to me, and I said as much.

Photo: Doug Cousins   

(I had, not long before, spent several weeks based in that general area - at Bad Lippespringe.)

Finally, recognition dawned in respect to one of them. I had been for a walk one morning around a small lake surrounded by modern houses. From one of them, a girl came out with a dog on a leash. As she was trying to shut the gate, the dog tugged the leash out of her hand and, as it came past me, I was able to grab the leash, The girl duly thanked me and after a brief conversation, we each went our separate ways.

But the other's face did not trigger anything other than a vague idea of having seen her - somewhere. Well, not at first.

As I had business in Levin the following day, I suggested to them that, if they wanted, they could stay at my place overnight and I could take them to Levin the next day. That offer was accepted with thanks.

We got back to my place about 3.00pm and, after showing them the sleep-out with its two beds, and having a late light lunch (cold meat, salad, coffee and fruit), we went to the beach - only a matter of 400 metres to the river (less than knee-deep) and another 200 metres to the sea. And, as the school holidays had finished, there was no-one else in sight as far as the eye could see.

We agreed that a dip was called for and were soon "in uniform", enjoying the freedom, the sunshine, and the gentle waves in the pleasantly invigorating water.

After that, we strolled the kilometre or so down to the mouth of the river and it was during that stroll that I noticed a small floral tattoo on one buttock of the girl I had not previously identified.

Recognition dawned, and we both said, almost with one voice, "I know where I've seen you before!"

It was on one of the many FKK beaches on the island of Sylt, where I had stayed for a few days.

Photo: Doug Cousins

On one of those days I had taken the bus from Keitum (where I was staying) to Westerland and made my way south for the 1500m to Süderende and over the dunes to the beach - an FKK one. It had been while letting the sun dry me off after a bathe that this girl had come along and we exchanged the usual pleasantries.

And so, thanks to the relaxed attitude of Germans to nudity (when appropriate), I was able to have an all-too-brief but friendly chat with another naturist; to be renewed over here in New Zealand.

How I wish that there were many more beaches in this country being officially recognised as "dress- optional" ones!

But perhaps we are coming to the stage when, with increasing public acceptance of nude bathing, we will find all of our beaches and outdoor bathing spots will be, in fact, "dress-optional"? Might it not be that, when that time comes, we will see more and more landless sun clubs? I wonder when?

Yours Garvan Laing

HIBISCUS COAST SUN CLUB

Hello to all from the Hibiscus Coast Sun Club.

The last few months have been very busy. The hot pool and spa nights have been the most successful in recent years and these nights run right through to November.

Our monthly socials have been well attended and the support has been most pleasing. Most important however is the ongoing improvement in the Club grounds and facilities. External power points have been installed and will have power on in spring whilst the driveway into the club grounds has been improved.

With our AGM coming up on August 9, I wish to thank the committee for their efforts and also those who helped with the swim nights and socials over the past year.

A special thank you to John for the donation of power points and cable and to Ross for planting trees and plants on our grounds.

We are looking forward to summer and meeting old friends and making new ones.

Jim Peddieson

Photo: Les Olsen

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB INC.

Well, our extra long summer has finally came to an end just before the shortest day! Our mate "El Nino" has been nominated for full year round membership as he/she has provided New Zealand with the long hot summers that some of us long tooth members remember how it used to be.

Our pool has been used to the maximum and it was great to see couples with their children coming up in the long evenings after work to relax and cool down, free of the drudgery of having to wear clothes.

Auckland Outdoor members relaxing between games at the Miniten Sports Day.

Lately, as the rains have come and the ducks have taken over the pool, the regular winter crowd had fun with a very successful Mid-Winter Xmas Dinner, enjoyed by 80 + members and friends. Our bar/barbecue area has been upgraded with a brick base with more plans to turn this into an upmarket social gathering centre.

The long awaited sewer line has been completed paving the way for possible semi permanent residency on the grounds and moves are afoot to get our proposed sauna/spa complex off the ground before the anticipated rush of visitors in the 1999-2000 summer.

With the Youth World Cup Soccer; the America's Cup, the first sighting of the sun in the Year 2000 and a host of other events planned, we expect our 26 acres to be filled to capacity.

Fellow nudists from around the world are invited to apply for space or accommodation for that period and any other period by writing to PO Box 95-235 Swanson, Auckland.

There's so much to see and do in our "land down under" and with our low cost accommodation and nudist lifestyle you can have the ultimate inexpensive holiday.

Ron Blair

PINEGLADES NATURIST CLUB (Formerly Canterbury Sun Club)

As our new heading announces, the name Canterbury Sun Club has now been replaced with Pineglades Naturist Club. This change to the name of our Club was proposed several years ago, but the members decided to wait for a directive from the NZNF. It was taken that the intent and information given in the promotional material circulated by the NZNF and adopted by this Club in 1994 was as good as a directive and as such the majority of members present at our AGM held last May agreed that we now require a name which is truthful, but attractive, pleasant and non-threatening to the average person. Whilst most accepted there is not a great deal of difference between 'nudist" and "naturist", the latter has enjoyed more global understanding and we will achieve far more credibility on a marketing basis.

Newer members impressed us with their opinions, in particular the parents of school age children. The messages schools are instilling in today's children is: the word 'sun' has too many negative connotations.

Whilst we acknowledge that the sun is a life-giver and our clubs would be the poorer without the sun, it is no longer acceptable to be associated with products or lifestyles that promote its use.

A very amicable and informative AGM was held at Pineglades with Phil Sutherland being re-elected as President for a further term, as were many of last year's committee. Good social conveners are hard to find, however the most successful event our last year's "stand-in" carried out would have to be the Bavarian night. He even made sure the new committee set off to a good start with a Rock 'n' Roll night this year.

The Club has enjoyed a significant increase in membership during the past year due to various PR initiatives supported by the Club such as "An Invitation to Women" and two Invitation Days held in November and March, bolstered by an inventive "Every Member Get a Member" - EMGAM membership drive with good incentives for existing members.

More good news is that there will not be any increase in fees for the coming year, even though major expenditure has been approved to upgrade our existing accommodation for visitors with the purchase of existing caravans or baches available at the present time.

The Long-Term Planning Committee reported on the Grounds Management Plan with the prospect of further planting and maintenance advisable on the East boundary. The Arboretum avenue is still growing in spite of the dry conditions. Options regarding the appointment of a Caretaker and a revised fee structure are to be put to a forum of members for further discussion and consideration.

LTP have been given the green light to engage a consulting engineer to investigate the various mains pressure water supply and sewerage options for the grounds and prepare proposals and drawings, specifications, and tendering documents. Negotiations with the various authorities and Councils, dealing with the many regulations, obtaining the necessary consents and achieving the quality control procedures now required, demand professional services.

With the existence of a large number of members permanent baches on the grounds and the sprawl of urban growth all round, the Club is firm in continuing to establish its presence (some would have it discreetly) in the neighbourhood of Rolleston. Having said that, we need to be firmly in control of our own future.

We look forward to another positive year at Pineglades.

Kay Hannam

Photo: Steve Patrick

TARANAKI NATURIST CLUB

The Taranaki Naturists Club is looking forward to the new summer season with excitement. Over the past winter there have been monthly shared meals, with members each contributing a dish for the evening's theme meal. We have had an Italian evening, an Indian evening, a puddings only evening and a mid winter Xmas meal. The Xmas meal involved a roast and steamed pudding with a gift game where each member provided a $2.00 gift.

The Club has had its Annual General Meeting and we now have a lady President. All the members have been promised -an interesting social programme over the next year. The Projex team has created the right environment for this with a large BBQ area of crazy pavement in front of the clubhouse; this enclosed by a fence and latticework to provide shelter from the prevailing winds. It was great on the day of the AGM with everyone seated around the enclosure enjoying the leftovers from the Midwinter Xmas meal, such was life on a lovely 14 degree sunny day in mid July, out of the wind and with no clouds in the sky, the members basking in the sunlight.

This summer the Club will have its pool operating and there will be camping and recreation for all the families.

Photo: Les Olsen

ROTOTA SUN CLUB INC.

A well-attended AGM on 31 May saw all committee positions, except President, contested. This and a large postal vote confirmed that the Club is in good heart and prepared for future progression. Life membership was bestowed on Ken (The Phantom); a modest, unassuming, hard working behind the scenes "A-grade" handyman. Ken is the type of member every Club cherishes.

Because of rapidly increasing visitor numbers, additional accommodation has become a priority and we are pleased to report that a bach and another caravan, providing basic comfortable housing, has been installed. These will enable us to provide further, traditional Rotota hospitality.

Our first summer event, to be held at Labour Weekend, is the '98 Mini Campout. Based on the inaugural National Campout staged last Christmas, features will again be a sheep on the spit, a hangi, PJ's famous disco, and a BYO champagne breakfast. A voluntary fun sport afternoon and float plane rides are planned. Those who registered for the National Campout have already received personal invitations. Club Secretaries have registration forms for those who did not, but who are also very welcome.

Christine

NEW ZEALAND NUDIST FEDERATION INC.

What's the Federation been doing? Good question. So far this year we have had three telephone conferences. What a great way to have a meeting. We are lucky as we live in three cities, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, so we are able to use three way calling. For the cost of $10 we can talk all night. This must be saving money for the Federation and I bet that keeps Ian happy.

There will be two major promotions this year. The first being An Invitation to Women to be held on 10 October 1998. I asked in my Secretary's newsletter for all clubs to contact me back with the name of your promotion's officer and so far have had only one reply. If we want more women to join the movement to offset the single men, then we all need to work on this. I will be formulating a letter to go out to all clubs with more details.

The second promotion will be Chester's baby. This is a National Naturist Week to be run in conjunction with the Australian Nudist Federation. The date for this will be 6-14 February 1999. There will be plenty of information coming your way.

The survey is coming along and our thanks go to Peter Holt who is busy collating all the information for us. Some very interesting items are becoming evident. Once this is completed, a copy will be available to all clubs.

Mike would like some feedback about the article that was in my newsletter entitled "Thoughts on Rallies". Should we continue to have rallies as they have always been or do you think that there should be a Camp Out type rally as was done at Rotota last year. Food for thought.

Ken is busy working on the sports handbook and has nearly completed it. A draft copy should be available by the end of August and it will go forward for ratification at the rally in Palmerston North.

Kay Hannam and Peter Moosberger will be off to the World Congress very shortly. I'm sure we can rely on them to make sure everyone knows about the naturist scene here in New Zealand. Hope you have a good trip guys.

Murray has been working away quietly behind the scenes, maintaining the Internet sites on behalf of clubs and the Federation. He has registered a domain name for us. This will be nznaturally.org.nz and should make it easier for people to remember our site when it is up and running.

Roll on summer.

Pam - NZNF Secretary

Photo: Bill McEwan

COUNTIES SUN CLUB INC.

This season will be our 25th. As we look back over the years we can see how far we have come. The grounds have had the most change with the swamp becoming the Outback. Trees are giving us the privacy and shade we need, tents are a welcome site giving it the lived-in look. The children enjoy the playground while still being in view of their parents.

Our members can be relaxed or as energetic as they like by playing boules, miniten, volleyball or relaxing by our two pools.

The Club BBQ is shared by all allowing us to stay for tea and putting off getting back to the city.

As this is our 25th season we look forward to you coming out for a visit or to our 25th PARTY (details in Club News to follow).

Till then let's hope this summer will be a long, hot, dry one.

Bye for now.

Guff and other stuff

Photo: Peter MMoosberger

LITLE PALM BEACH - WAIHEKE ISLAND

 

WINTER ON THE SUNNY ISLES

Twenty-five is definitely better than six. Bodies that is. Bare bodies, at "nudie bay" - Little Palm Beach, Waiheke Island on the shortest day, June 21, 1998.

Actually the water wasn't that cold, although by the startled, oohs! and aahs! you might not have thought so.

A little word on public displays of the natural form, as practised on this, my wonderful island. It is all unorganised and it's great! People do it because they want to relax naturally. And public prejudice against public nudity? You can say it really doesn't exist (apart from a few hard-line Christians . . . I'm a soft-line one). You can discuss it openly at any of the stores on the island.

And why is twenty-five better than six, only six turned up for the dip on June 21, last year.

Blessings from Waiheke.

John Calerbmo

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. 166 September 1998

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 Tel/Fax (09) 444 5015

Business Manager:

Laurel Olsen Tel/Fax (09) 444 5015

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 101014,

NORTH SHORE MAIL CENTRE,

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

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

The Secretary NZNF: Pamla Kelly
PO Box 20498
Glen Eden, Auckland 8
Tel 09-836 3610, Fax 09-836 3657
Email: nznf.sec@xtra.co.nz

President: Kay Hannam
PO Box 76, Lake Tekapo
Tel/Fax 03-680 6549
Email: naturally@xtra.co.nz

North Island VP: Mike Kelley
Tel: 09-836 3610, Fax 09-836 3657

South Island VP: Christine Turner
Tel: 03-337 3464

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

PHOTO CREDITS

John Groombridge: P2, P3

Thomas Lundy P4, P5

Robbert Broekstra P6, P7, BC

Alan Harvey P8, P9

Jim Lee P10, P11

Lois Mead P16A, P17

Bill McEwan P16B, IBC, P25

Vladimir Solinteer P18, P19

Doug Cousins P20, P21

Les Olsen IFC, P22, P24

Steve Patrick P23

Peter Moosberger P26

DEADLINES FOR COPY

167 December 1998 - 1 October 1998

168 March 1999 - 20 January 1999

169 June 1999 - 20 April 1999

170 September 1999 - 20 July 1999