New Zealand gonatural naturist magazine September 2015 #234

for health and wellbeing

Anniversary climbing wall at Vantan

234 Sep 2015

ISSN 1177-1887 New Zealand $8.75 Australia $9.75 UK ÂŁ6.99

Is going naked the new black?

Nude golf in Wairau Valley Life drawing at Oranui

Editor’s letter

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s going naked the new black? Michael Moore continues his article by asking another question “What is the single biggest reason why naturism isn’t a growing thriving movement?” I’ll leave you to decide if he has the right answer. Perhaps you would like to respond in the next issue with solutions of your own?

John Mullen was a naturist for 45 years having joined the Otago Sun & Health Club in 1969. He died in June aged 82. The naturist community express their love and condolences to his wife, Joyce, and their family.

Who would have thought it? Almost nine years ago I was asked if I would take on the position of Editor of this magazine. Thank you to Donna Miller who beautifully descibes this chapter in my life.

Combining his passions of photography, life drawing and naturism Jeff Norman brought the West Auckland Life Drawing Group to Oranui. The visit provided a great opportunity for members to see the Club.

Steve Webster describes an idyllic weekend at Waiongana. Who could ask for more?

Sun, sea, long walks on the beach, mussels, paua, a swim in the pool, pizzas and beer. All with good company in Taranaki.

I’ve heard the mid-winter plunge described in many ways, but “just another day?“ John Lowe kicks off the collage of chilly experiences reported from around the country.

Looking for a base to stay while exploring the beautiful Bay of Islands and the Far North, Mike Ward located Waitata Naturist Resort. Situated near the charming little heritage town of Russell, once the Capital of New Zealand, this stunning location has its own naturist beach.

“You can leave your hat on.” Thus the anniversary wall at Vantan was named by Vanessa. Daniel Jackson’s super photo on our front cover complements his article about their 75th celebrations in Canada.

First held in 2001, the Nude Golf International was initially played on the Balmoral golf course near Lake Tekapo. This year at the scenic course in Wairau Valley, Lindsay Parkyns became the first Australian to win the magnificent trophy heading off twenty other competitors.

Peter Jackson was adamant after discovering this remote high country location, that there was no reason to look outside the country for locations for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit as he considered New Zealand “the perfect Middle-earth”.

Michael Moore’s exploration to Erewhon will convince you he was right.

40 minutes from the Gold Coast airport at Coolangatta, and 90 minutes drive from Brisbane and with the beach only ten minutes away, BB at Byron Bay, Australia’s newest naturist accommodation, is aptly described as a “hidden treasure.”

“The Naked Village”, a documentary on Spielplatz - the oldest naturist club in Britain and shown by TV ONE. John Lowe ended his review with the comment; “I find myself forced back to another cliché: all publicity is good publicity - sorry!”

I would like to thank all the individuals and organisations who assisted me in my role as Managing Editor of gonatural; especially the contributors of some amazing articles and stunning photographs (let’s not forget the models) who have helped shape this magazine; the printers, distributors, my proof-reader, rural post, valued advertisers and readers. And finally the one person that allowed me to put it all together; my rock, Brian Williams.

I am excited for the future of the magazine with the confirmation of the new gonatural team: Manager Noel Thomas; and Editor Michael Moore will introduce themselves in the next issue.

I’m off to pack my suitcase.

Kay Hannam Managing Editor Front cover: Vanessa on the climbing wall at Vantan.

Photo by Daniel Jackson. Opposite page: Coline at Sawcut Gorge. Photo by Dave Care.

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Contents Editor’s letter...........................................1 Is going naked the new black?..............3 Life-long naturist farewelled....................4 From the President..................................5 A new chapter.................................................6 Life Drawing at Oranui..............................8 Another sunny day at Waiongana..........12 Just another day....................................15 Holiday at Waitata Bay.........................18 75 years at Vantan.................................20 Nude Golf International..........................22 Pinegladers visit to “nowhere”................24 Naturist retreat in Byron Bay..................26 NZNF Naturist Clubs and Resorts..........28 What’s On..............................................29 gonatural Magazine subscription..........31 International Publications......................32 Reviewed - The naked village.................38 Around & About......................................39 Autum Leaves. Photo by Dave Care

Issue #234 September 2015 gonatural for health and wellbeing. The magazine for freedom lovers and those who embrace the naturist lifestyle. Published quarterly by the New Zealand Naturist Federation Inc. Registered at the Chief Post Office, Wellington, as a magazine.

Managing Editor: Design & Layout: Printer:

Website:

Kay Hannam Kay Hannam Taieri Print Ltd www.gonatural.co.nz

Address all editorial and advertising copy to: gonatural magazine Address: 2704 State Highway 63 Wairau Valley RD1, Blenheim 7271 NEW ZEALAND Phone: +64 3 5722 681 Email: editor@gonatural.co.nz Purchase either the print version or subscribe to the digital edition of gonatural online via: www.gonatural.co.nz 2 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

Contributors: Debbie Conomy Judy Haldane Kay Hannam Daniel & Vanessa Jackson John Lowe Donna Miller

Deadline for next issue:

Michael Moore Jeff Norman Julie Patterson Possum Mike Ward Karen & Steve Webster

#235 December 2015 ~ 17th October 2015 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 nor the policy of the NZNF.

Is going naked the new black?

What do you do to grow your club’s membership?

What is the single biggest reason why naturism isn’t a growing thriving movement?

This is the question Michael Moore has pondered for a long time.

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y journey into naturism probably mirrors many readers: I had a conservative religious upbringing, with strict moral boundaries of what was right, appropriate, good and bad.

I challenged everything and somehow beneath all that dogma, I embraced a free choice to experience a clothesfree life, as much as possible.

Certainly my family would have never entertained such a dastardly thing: a strict Roman Catholic background for three generations, and growing up in 60’s and 70’s Christchurch where everything was pre-ordained.

Maybe that predictability of ‘normality’, made my innerself scream out for something less constraining of someone else’s ‘rules’ and how life was meant to be.

I have always embraced community as a solid foundation of helping others,

sharing skills and connecting socially. However, stripping off was always a secret, if not a naughty pleasure. It felt so good, and right. But there comes a time as we get older and mature, the less I care what people think of me.

Therefore, the older I get, the more I enjoy life. Naturism was and is more than a comfort thing for me; it’s a way of looking at life.

Which brings me to the question: Why aren’t there more people embracing this wonderful pleasure so few of us experience every day?

When I chat with my fellow ‘Pinegladers’, many who have grown up with naturist family values, I think they are a rare breed in today’s conformist ordered society.

Recently I watched the TV1 doco The Naked Village, a story of the struggling Spielplatz naturist

community in the UK. It trumped out old stereotypes, cringing giggling teenage sons, and a grumpy regimented club president that wouldn’t budge an inch.

However nothing was censored, a small redeeming feature. Seeing this on mainstream TV, it’s not difficult to see we have an image problem and some way to go in challenging and working with the media.

Why don’t younger Kiwis participate in naturism? Are they uninterested in joining structured groups? Are clubs simply too expensive? Are they ashamed of public nudity?

Advertising and media have a lot to answer for about shaming the body in its natural state, and this is something that we can all, as naturists, help change.

How does your club engage with your local newspaper and radio? It’s a vital and

important role. If you don’t have a formal public relations person on your committee, then someone should take on that responsibility.

There are many opportunities to embrace and engage your local media, not just your annual open days. Media are the secret partnership to your growth and prosperity. We have a duty, as much as some longerterm members may not like, to bring on new members so the movement can grow and stay relevant.

The society that we live in today is so different from those of Percy Cousins and our founding fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters.

Times have changed.

Think about how you actively promote and seek new members.

Plan to grow membership for young and old alike ‘au naturel’.

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Life-long naturist John Mullen farewelled

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ohn Mullen passed away on 15th June 2015. He was 82. A large contingent of fellow naturists from around New Zealand gathered in Dunedin for his farewell and shared their memories at his service.

John and his wife Joyce, were members of both Orchard Sun Club in Sutton near Dunedin, and Pineglades Naturist Club at Christchurch for 45 years. John became a member of the Otago Sun & Health Club in 1969. He served on Committee at various levels for many years including a term as President. He also enjoyed membership of Southern Naturally at Aparima and South Canterbury Sun Club in Geraldine.

A plumber by trade, and - like many of that era - John had many skills which were utilised over the years, particularly at Green Island and again at Sutton in addition to other clubs he was involved in. John was awarded Life Membership of Orchard Sun Club in 1998.

All their children participated in the naturist life at the clubs, which were an integral part of John’s life. He lived in Dunedin and found the social companionship something special in his life.

A number of years ago John and Joyce purchased a bach at Pineglades which allowed more time to enjoy their favourite retreat. John was very active in the clubs’ sports events, at rallies and contributing around the grounds. He will be sadly missed.

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GO NATURAL IN NEW ZEALAND 35TH WORLD CONGRESS OF NATURISM 16-20 November 2016 Te Marua, Wellington New Zealand Registration will be available in November on the website:

www.congress.nznf.nz or email: congress@nznf.nz

From the President Hello everyone.

It’s now spring and we can start looking forward to summer. Personally, I find this is a time for starting fresh and thinking ahead, as much as New Year’s Day can be.

The New Zealand Naturist Federation is starting to receive international attention, with planning for the 2016 Congress well underway.

This should bring more international visitors to our shores over the next few years, which gives us all the opportunity to show them just how great New Zealand really is.

There are so many opportunities for naturism here, with all our beaches, rivers and wilderness, as can be seen from the many articles in this magazine. Why not get out there and do something different this summer? And don’t forget to take photographs and write a small article, so you can share your experiences.

Life is short and we need to make the most of every day, instead of thinking “I will do that one day”. Just do it.

Regards Wendy Lowe

Introducing the NZNF Treasurer Kathy Earby was appointed as the Federation treasurer at the AGM in December last year following Rodney Beale’s retirement.

Kathy and her husband have been members of Auckland Sun Club, since 1988 and more recently Hawkes Bay Naturist Club where they have a permanent caravan which is put to good and regular use away from the pressures of living and working in Auckland.

Both clubs have benefited from Kathy’s willingness to serve on their committees in the Executive positions of Secretary and Treasurer over the years.

She has also previously served as the Secretary for the Federation.

The Treasurer’s prime role is to ensure accurate accounting records are kept to enable all members of clubs to know that the Federation is best utilising their annual levies. Kathy is committed to providing this information for the benefit of all members and also providing assistance if required by club treasurers.

Kathy is happy to provide help where needed and can be contacted by email at treasurer@nznf.nz. gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 5

A new chapter

By Donna Miller They say every story has an end, but in life every end is just a new beginning.

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his September 2015 issue #234 marks Kay Hannam’s final, as editor of 35 editions.

In January 2007 Kay was appointed as editor of gonatural magazine following on from Conrad Inskip who resigned due to ill health. For more than 8 years, Kay has fitted editing and publishing the magazine around running and growing a successful naturist holiday park with partner Brian Williams, taking extended trips throughout Europe, and promoting the naturist lifestyle in New Zealand and worldwide.

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gonatural magazine began in 1956 as an eight page black and white quarterly publication. The first issue that Kay put together, with help, tips and advice from former editor Les Olsen and his wife Laurel, was a 24 page publication with four colour centre pages. Today the magazine has developed to 44 pages of full colour goodness, including a digital edition, and is almost entirely dedicated to New Zealand naturism with regular contributors submitting interesting articles of their travels and experiences.

Being a contributor to gonatural and other naturist magazines around the world, is what began the transformation of Kay’s writing from hobby to career. Travelling extensively throughout Europe, Kay was keen to see her experiences in print so with her companion and partner Brian, an avid photographer, she began to pen their adventures and submit her articles.

Since late in 2007, Kay has not just edited the magazine, but published, distributed and managed the

Clockwise from left: Kay ‘on the job’ at Le Vallon des Oiseaux in Provence, France; promoting gonatural magazine with Lesley Whalan at an open day at Pineglades, Rolleston; Brian and Kay flying the flags during the INF Congress in El Portus, Spain.

accounts and in 2009 she entered into a formal contract with the NZNF and became the Managing Editor.

Even when not pressured with a camp ground full of visitors, an upcoming trip away or administrative duties pending, editing and publishing the magazine can be a heavy and daunting task thank goodness for her patient and understanding partner.

But Kay, through her disciplined work ethics and excellent time management skills, has continued to grow magazine readership, along with contributions to the magazines, with submissions for her penultimate issue exceeding the page space available.

It is with much sadness that we must bid farewell to Kay as Managing Editor, but with enormous gratitude for her many years of incredible service and contribution to the magazine and wider naturist community.

We have much appreciation also for the healthy state in which the magazine will be handed over to the new team which will manage, edit and publish it going forward.

We hope that Kay enjoys many further trips to Europe with Brian, without working around the magazine, and wish them both safe and happy travels. We look forward to reading more of their travels and experiences in future issues of gonatural‌the next chapter.

Bon voyage and au revoir. gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 7

Life Drawing at Oranui

A member of the West Auckland Life Drawing Group, Jeff Norman, also a keen photographer, invited his drawing group to Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club to draw some of the members

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ver since primitive homo sapiens started drawing on cave walls and making clay sculptures, one of the favourite subjects has been the human figure.

This has continued until the present day with many teachers considering that life drawing and the study of anatomy are essential elements of the training of figurative artists and sculptors. If you know how the naked body works (e.g. how the different muscles operate and interact) your clothed figures will be more realistic.

The naked figure is also a subject on its own with copious examples ranging from cave drawings through such artists as Titian, Rubens, Michelangelo, Renoir, Rodin and Picasso to Lucian Freud and many current artists and sculptors.

I belong to the West Auckland Life Drawing Group. We meet every Thursday evening at Corbans in Henderson.

We spend two and a half hours drawing a nude model starting with one minute poses, then five minutes and so on, finishing with a couple of thirty minute poses.

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Everyone has their own reasons for doing it. Many have been drawing and painting for most of their lives. In my case, I started fairly late in life and am primarily a photographer. I find that drawing helps my photography by slowing me down, making me look more carefully.

I thought it would be interesting to bring some members of the drawing group to Auckland Outdoor Naturist

Club to draw some of our members. It would be an opportunity for the group members to see our club.

They could draw outside, weather permitting, and also draw models that are shapelier than those that we usually draw (young and slim). I also thought the AONC members might enjoy the experience. We charged the artists a small amount which was donated to the club.

gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

This visit happened on Sunday 22 March and we were fortunate to have a warm, dry, sunny day. The artists were Barry, Kim, Mark, Tatiana and me. The visitors were surprised to find such a beautiful place in the middle of a housing estate. They loved the models and setting and enjoyed working outdoors while the models enjoyed the experience.

The models were Darryl, Jan, Colleen, Dave C and Minca. All but one was posing for the first time.

Here are some quotes posted on the drawing group’s Meetup site from a couple of our visitors: “Awesome outing in a real tranquil setting with lovely people and nice models. Enjoyed every bit of it! Thank you for superb organisation Jeff, I’ll be looking forward to having another session in spring!” – Tatiana “What a joy and a privilege to take 10 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

part in this incredible day. Most beautiful scenic surrounds and gorgeous models inside and out. I enjoyed this outing very much.” – Kim Apparently drawings or paintings of male and female genitals and female nipples are OK on Facebook but not photographs (crazy!) so, after the event, I posted on Facebook and was

pleasantly surprised by the degree of positive reaction from other clubs and individual naturists.

Maybe other clubs will try it. Just approach a local art society and see what happens. We at AONC are already talking about doing another session – maybe in the spring. Watch this space…

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Another cloudless sunny day at Waiongana It is another cloudless sunny Friday as Steve Webster stumbles out of his caravan, billy in hand, heading for the outdoor kitchen sink for a fill up. It is nearly 9am but there are no sleep-ins at Waiongana Park

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eing relatively close to the New Plymouth airport, the first plane drops in around 7am.

Why would you want sleep in on such a beautiful day anyway? But hey the snooze between 7am and 9am was great none-the-less. We are probably the last couple to get up for the day. Coffee now in my hand, I can barely hear the quiet murmur of the pool filter pump chugging away. More about that later.

First on the agenda is a one hour walk along the beach towards New Plymouth with my wife Karen. That is after the brushing of teeth and the application of sunblock. A short stroll along the track from the park allows us to cross the Waiongana river at the mouth and meander around through the rocky point, along the deserted sands and past the vast flattened petrified forest. The fresh, warm sea air is dry and I feel hungry.

With the tide well on its way in I cannot help but notice there is a heap of boats out on the horizon, silently fishing for the day.

The morning shower is had on our return and all of a sudden it is time for the first swim of the day in the newly commissioned club pool. We are not the first swimmers of the day by far. There are 12 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

already members hanging out in the sun on loungers around the pool. The water is 27 degrees and crystal clear.

Lying in the hot sun, naked, dried off after our swim, I remembered how hungry I was, so back on our feet and over to rustle up some lunch on the ‘Kiwi Sizzler’ at our site. Bacon and eggs, spaghetti and garlic pita bread followed by more plunger coffee. Karen is reading a three week old newspaper while I pick up the local tide booklet and happen to notice a 0.0m low tide at 5.30pm. An exceptional Paua tide, not to be missed!

A decision is made to clean up the dishes and go for another dip in the pool, because it is so hot. After a short sunbath we pull our beach cruiser bikes out of our little garden shed, put on our clothes and go for a pedal into neighbouring Waitara to purchase a Lotto ticket and an ice cream.

Away we go, it’s about a 10km round trip but we get side-tracked and end up at the Waitara river mouth. Call it taking the long way home. Karen decides she wants a coffee from ‘The Beachhouse Café’ located at the river mouth. I follow her in like a lamb, smelling their outdoor pizza oven in action. I am not allowed to even consider buying a pizza as the

club have arranged a pizza evening at the clubhouse tonight so I settle for half a brownie with my coffee. It is a neat little café and well worthy of a visit when it is open. And we did get the Lotto ticket and the ice cream.

Mid afternoon and on arrival back at the club it is time for ‘three-zees’ which is a term Karen and I use for our afternoon drinks out at the Waiongana river mouth on our log. Generally any time between 3pm and the 5pm club happy hour. During the summer months we pretty much have the same log to sit on but once the stronger winter currents and tides come along the logs move around a bit so we just find another suitable log to sit on and carry on enjoying the view and chatting in the sun.

The club happy hour starts at 5pm at the club house for all members and visitors alike to enjoy drinks and snacks socially, a great time to catch up with each other, meet new visitors and have a few laughs.

As we vacate our current log we scoop up a couple of bags of driftwood to use on the wood stove at our camp-site later in the evening. Once we are back at the camp-site we dump the wood, gather up our shell fishing gear and head back

out to the river mouth and across to the adjacent reef. There are already several people out shell fishing including Arthur, the club president and vicepresident Jan. Karen gets to work on picking up the mussels and I go further out and make a start on the paua. Karen gets the mussel quota pretty quickly then shimmies out to help me get our joint paua quota. She busts me eating raw paua.

We retreat with 20 in the bag and 6 in my tummy. We cannot muck around too long because I have been selected to make up the pizzas at tonight’s pizza extravaganza.

Back at the club, the 5pm happy hour is well under way with about 25 people having drinks, enjoying the hot afternoon sun, chatting and eagerly waiting for the cooks to front up and make a start on the pizzas. $5.00 ‘all you can eat pizza night’. The pizza oven is a Bakerstone which is designed to sit on a three burner or larger gas BBQ. It was donated to the club by Mal, one of our more colourful members.

Earlier in the day our secretary, Stacey, gathered up all the ingredients for the pizzas and made a heap of dough for the bases ready for the big night. So we get gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 13

to work with Stacey and Tom rolling out the bases, myself making up some great mouth watering combination pizzas. It is pretty intense for quite a while as the team - like a well oiled machine - dishes up a bunch of very tasty delights. Some of the combinations are smoked salmon, capers, red onion and cream cheese, the traditional, chunky, Hawaiian and essential meat lovers along with the likes of pork and spicy apple sauce with blue vein cheese and chopped dill. After two hours we have smashed out 30 pizzas.

Trust me, it is a big value evening so if you are over here in Taranaki, it is surely worth being here for these Friday pizza nights. And if we are not having pizzas we have our famous chippy cooker in action which is also, ‘all you can eat fish and chips’ for $5.00, great value and lots of fun in the sun.

The night winds up around 10.30pm as everyone disappears back to their abodes. But the day is not over for Karen and me as we settle into our classic arm chairs in front of the wood stove in our garden beside the caravan where the day first began. The aroma of the driftwood as it burns on the fire and the distant sound of the sea roaring brings on a 14 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

real feeling of relaxation at last. It has been an epic day with plenty of exercise, swimming, good food, good friends, basking in the sun and a feed of paua sitting in the fridge. Mussel fritters will be on the menu tomorrow too, possibly for lunch.

Here at Waiongana the club has invested $45,000 in the new pool which has had an absolute workout over the 2014-2015 summer. A major draw card for the club, its members and visitors.

Having no power here at the park, the pool is filtered by a petrol powered pump which is started early each morning and the pool is vacuumed at this time as well, normally by Jan. So by mid afternoon the filtering is done and it is quieter around the pool; the sound of the pump running is not that intrusive. Some new poolside loungers with soft squabs and sun umbrellas have been purchased to accommodate the increasing population relaxing by the pool along with a garden shed built by Warwick and Tom. The shed houses these new items to keep them out of the weather. Several members take care of the grounds around the pool to keep it looking nice.

The next big project on the club’s

agenda is the addition of one or possibly two new comfortable chalets so we can encourage visitors to stay more often and for longer periods, to enjoy what we have to offer here at Waiongana. This can only lead to more chalets being built in the future and the likelihood of a new ablutions block as demand dictates. Also on the distant horizon is the possible conversion of our unused miniten court into a full size tennis court for the tennis lovers.

Waiongana Park has always been a very popular recreational naturists retreat. It is a great place for being able to use the available natural resources with a dedicated and motivated bunch of members, keen to continue to improve what we have here for the benefit of everybody.

More sites are opening up as our membership increases so we have more hands to implement these future projects and to maintain our grounds and buildings.

If you have not already come to check us out, consider a visit or two during the 2015-2016 summer to enjoy the new pool and the surroundings. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for information and updates, especially our next project, the construction of a new chalet. We look forward to seeing you.

Just another day...

John Lowe woke up on a recent Sunday morning to a pleasant-looking day.

HARDLY CHILLY ENOUGH for a lie-in, but I did anyway.

As I was idly contemplating whether the struggle to make a cuppa would be worth it, my reverie was interrupted by the noisy arrival of a couple of kids from over the road. “Can we go to the beach?” Gosh it’s the middle of winter, was my first thought. But then, it’s a nice day, not much else to do, “Okay,” I concluded, eventually.

So there we were, half way to Hawkes Bay’s Ocean Beach when it suddenly dawned on me - it’s the Polar Plunge day and I’m off to the beach!

We arrived to discover the local Surf Clubbers having a practice day with their boats, so we headed a couple of hundred metres north, where I started out on a bit of Vitamin D replenishment and the kids decided to decorate the foreshore with a mermaid. But we did all get in, if not for too long! A couple of hours later, on the way back, I decided to take the kids on the short diversion to Maraetotara Falls, which was new to them.

I thought the river was colder than the sea, but one of them jumped in there too!

What about the other proposed plunges around the country?

An Auckland trio braved Ladies Bay, much to the amusement of an applauding bunch of giggling kids on the road above.

At North Peka Peka, Linda reports that on “a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and a gentle (yeah right) breeze,” nine people turned up (two from our website promotion). Afterwards they retired to Chris’s place “for a spa and jollification including shared dinner and a roaring fire.”

This year Mike Ward and members of Free Beaches NZ Canterbury region reverted back to their usual Heyders Road Beach.

A FEW HARDY SOULS congregated at the beach car park just before 1 pm. When we made the trek to the beach we noted that there were a few others waiting for us. Surprisingly the beach was quite busy – with warmly clothed people. No doubt they were bemused by the small contingent that made their way apprehensively to the sea…

We expected it to be cold and it didn’t disappoint – it really felt freezing cold. However for the record, Mike took a thermometer and surprisingly it settled on 12 degrees in the water.

It certainly felt a lot colder than that. The air temperature was 15 degrees on the day but fortunately it was calm, with no breeze, so there was little chill factor – from the air anyway.

The sea made up for that.

The best part of the Polar Plunge event is getting your clothes back on and savouring that lovely, invigorating tingling feeling as you warm up again. It is strange how it makes you feel really good! Sometimes, even as a naturist, we have to see the benefit of clothes…. Roll on summer eh?

Julie Patterson and members of Southern Free Beaches headed for the surf with the Warrington Life Saving Club REASONABLY SANE INDIVIDUALS all around the country turned into masochists and had the inclination to run into freezing cold water, just so we could say “we did it”. That’s exactly what happened at 2.00 pm when Southern Free Beaches gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 15

members and friends met at the Warrington Surf Life Saving Clubrooms and headed into the surf.

This was the third year we have joined forces with the local surf life saving club. It is a good example of how a naturist club can work with other groups to provide a win-win scenario promoting both organisations. We would like to thank Peter and the good folk at the Warrington Surf Life Saving Club for all of their support with this wonderful event in this and other years (we have even had fire walking on the beach after our swim!)

Another advantage of being established in the Waitati area north of Dunedin is that for some reason - no matter what time of year - the sun always shines during our scheduled events.

It was therefore with complete confidence that we forged ahead with our plans to hold our mid winter swim on Sunday June 21st, even though the conventional Polar Plunge in Dunedin had been cancelled and the weather forecast was bleak, to say the least. Although it was lightly sleeting on the morning of the event, everybody knew that by lunchtime the clouds would part to reveal a beautiful mid winter’s day. Other years there had been bright blue skies and even our naked bike ride in March had been balmy.

Unfortunately this time the weather gods were not smiling upon us.

When the fifteen adults, eight children and one dog arrived at the beach this year the air temperature was 5 degrees, water temperature 2 degrees with a chilling southerly coming directly from the South Pole. As we ran along the beach trying to catch our “Bare on the Beach” flag which had blown away in the howling gale we thought “Bring It On”.

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After the swim our keen swimmers headed up to the clubrooms for a hot shower.

Who thought hot water could feel sooooo gooood. Due to several cases of mild hypothermia; teeth, knees and tea cups were all chattering during the post match cuppa in the club-rooms.

It was fortunate that we had the beach party indoors the night before when everybody descended on Kowhai Heights.

Paul and Shirley were wonderful hosts as always and everybody enjoyed the evening. This also gave us the opportunity to reflect upon the recent loss of a dear friend.

Further south, Judy Haldane and a bunch of hardy souls converged once again for the annual mid-winter polar plunge at Taieri Mouth Beach, south of Dunedin, on the Otago coastline.

THE WEATHER FORECAST predicted a late afternoon change so we thought a 1.30pm start would be done and dusted before the front hit. How WRONG we were.

A biting wind and torrential rain had arrived by 12.30pm.

An hour later several hardy swimmers arrived in preparation to brave the waves while others just watched. A sea temperature of 9 degrees exceeded the air temperature so it was warmer in the water.

Following a very quick dip there was plenty of “chatter” around the fire with a mulled wine to warm up the body before heading back to the warmth of home. Would we do it again next year? Hell Yes! It was very ‘invigorating’.

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Mike and Elaine’s Holiday at Waitata Bay Naturist Resort

After eight years of being resident in New Zealand, Mike and Elaine Ward still hadn’t visited the Far North, so it was surely well past time to remedy that.

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f only we could find a naturist venue to stay, as a base to plan excursions, it should provide for an ideal vacation, as we could have the best of both worlds. If the weather was good, a haven to sun ourselves and if the weather was not so good, a base to explore the Bay of Islands and the Far North.

Whilst browsing the Free Beaches NZ website’s Northland accommodation page, the link and entry for a place called Waitata Bay Resort caught our attention.

It seemed ideal; a naturist resort just outside Russell, in the heart of the Bay of Islands. Russell is a charming little heritage town – it is hard to believe that it was

once the Capital of New Zealand. That was a huge step-up from its original designation of the “Hell-hole of the Pacific” – so called by the missionaries on account of the number of bordellos in the town in the lawless days of the whalers.

After making contact with the owner Antonio, the booking was made for the ‘Barn’ – a two storey family apartment – and we eagerly anticipated our visit.

Waitata Bay Resort is just a few minutes’ drive from Russell town centre, set in 25Ha of very private hillside bush with a working vineyard, which produces upmarket wine, much of which is exported to overseas wine connoisseurs.

18 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 gonatural Issue 224, March 2013

The resort has access down to a secluded small bay with a golden sand beach. The gorgeous beach is a short walk down a stepped gravel path down to the golden sand, with delightful calm, clear and relatively warm sea. This little bay has something for all ages and was such a contrast to the robust surf, strong currents and cooler temperature of Canterbury’s Pegasus Bay that we are used to.

The rocky side of the bay provides an ideal snorkelling opportunity around the rocks and was the best since arriving in New Zealand.

Vivid rock colours and abundant fish to admire – such a wonderful world and so easy to lose track of time!

As an alternative to the

beach there is a bush walk up to the hilltop – a well signed path through the pristine bush up to the hillside vineyard, with stunning views of the Bay of Islands – wearing just good shoes and nothing else, the climb up was a delightful experience. After our fill of the sheer beauty of the Bay, we took the long perimeter track around and down to civilisation – (well OK, the accommodation area). This bush, also owned

by Antonio, as is the beach, is protected by QE2 Trust covenants. Antonio has even had the naturist beach status written into the covenant.

Of course our visit to the area had to include the tour to Cape Reinga. If you do this trip it is well worth taking

the coach tour (we went with Fullers) which includes a drive up 90 Mile Beach as well as stops at interesting sites on the way.

Mike even boogie-boarded down the giant sand dune.

The steep climb up to the top, plodding through soft sand is not for the infirm and the ride down is fast and furious. Well worth the climb – for adrenalin junkies! Our coach driver Dave was an entertaining, considerate host and raconteur and made the big day very special for us. We also did the Hole in the Rock Tour (with ExploreGroup) which was another amazing half-day experience, with a dolphin escort and lunch on Otehei Bay with a Maori cultural experience included.

Waitata Bay owner Antonio is an easy-going, genial character and was so welcoming, with a talent for quickly making a visitor feel at home. He says that much of his business comes from repeat visitors. Well, we can certainly see why. We would certainly like to join that client list –and are looking forward to our next visit and warm welcome to a wonderful naturist resort. gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 19

75 Years at Vantan The Anniversary Climbing Wall Canada’s oldest Naturist club, Vantan, celebrated its 75th anniversary in August of 2014. Vantan members, Daniel and Vanessa Jackson celebrated their 5th anniversary at the time of writing this article.

T

he club was co-founded by Ray Connett in 1939 on an old shooting range high on the slopes of Mt Fromme, overlooking the city of Vancouver.

Connett was a legendary figure during the early days of naturism in North America, having set up clubs in eastern Canada and California during the formative years of the movement.

In the early days, the Vantan site had been recently logged of its old growth timber and enjoyed spectacular views from Mt. Baker all the way to the Gulf Islands.

These days the trees have regrown to full height and now provide shade and privacy but do curtail some of the lovely views to the west. The mature trees also concealed a wonderful feature that was waiting to be re-discovered…

Just beyond the upper lawn overlooking North Vancouver, was revealed a steep band of cliffs that is 40m high in some places. The long-time club members had known that steep terrain lay just over the edge and had placed signs to warn people not to get too close.

On closer inspection the previous summer, several of the club’s more adventurous types found the wall to be very well featured with cracks, holds and ledges that would allow for the creation of the first routes the following year.

The summer of 2014 was sunny and dry, making the job of scrubbing the moss and

vegetation off the rock much easier than expected. After two days of cleaning and preparation, Daniel emerged from over the edge, covered in sweat and grit, proclaiming that the first climbs were ready for a go.

Daniel decided that Vanessa should have the honour of the very first ascent on this new wall, and after some encouragement, she agreed and donned her harness and boots and set off upwards.

As is customary, the first ascender gives the new route its name. In her enthusiasm at the start of the climb, Vanessa forgot to take off her big sun hat and thus she named the route ‘You can leave your hat on’. The route next to it was duly ascended and has been called ‘Bear Fingers’ in refer-

20 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

ence to an evening visit from a local black bear to the club grounds the week before.

With continued cleaning efforts, there is great potential for more routes on this new crag. Having high hopes of fine summer weather on the West Coast, there will undoubtedly be some new

additions to this unique climbing area.

So, to commemorate the Vantan club’s 75th Anniversary, we named the crag ‘The Anniversary Wall’. To the best of our knowledge, the Anniversary Wall may well be the only exclusively nude climbing area in North America.

gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 21

Nude Golf International at Wairau Valley

Due to the outstanding success of previous nude golf tournaments, twenty intrepid golfers competed in the annual Nude Golf International organised by Kay Hannam and Brian Williams at the scenic Wairau Valley golf course in February.

A

ttending the event were two British couples back in New Zealand for the second time and combining their passions for golf and naturism.

One of these kindly made themselves available for an interview with Angela Crompton, of Marlborough’s The Saturday Express and gave several reasons for their return; wonderful wine, the glorious New Zealand sun and described their visit as “it’s heaven here.”

With the exception of a few, all had joined us for the weekend at Wai-natur Naturist Park in order to compete in the golf tournament and to enjoy a Saturday afternoon naked cruise on the River Queen, a classic paddle steamer located in Blenheim. We were all in fine fettle having enjoyed a wonderful naked cruise, winetasting and a superb buffet meal on board.

However it was now down to some more serious business at 9:00am the following day.

A few newcomers arrived, including a young couple from up the ‘valley’ who quickly joined forces with another couple of ‘youngsters’ from Nelson who emptied their 4WD of two impressive looking sets of golf clubs after having read about the tournament on our website.

The Aussies – having met the previous day – also formed a ‘formidable foursome’. And I’m sure they had the most fun.

The regulars advised “it

wasn’t as bad as last year” and so the dress code was set for everyone much of the day.

A few came in for morning tea while others were still scrambling around the creek looking for that elusive little white ball.

Brian had prepared a substantial buffet lunch for the hungry golfers, aided by helpers Andrew and Beatrice, first time visitors to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, who have already booked ‘their’ caravan for a return visit next year with a request for a loan of two sets

22 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

of golf clubs.

For an hour or so, the clubhouse was buzzing with ‘golfspeak’; wedge, iron, backswing, bogey, birdie, chip, pitch and dogleg to name a few. A whole new language!

Of course Madeleine was her usual entertaining self in her role as official photographer, cycling around the course during the day taking photos. Viewing the results screened at a social function held at Wai-natur later in the evening, it was difficult to judge which foursome was having the most fun.

Not only did the Aussies have each other (and everyone else) in stitches, but they played quite well also, with Lindsay Parkyns of Brisbane winning the Stableford competition and accepting the magnificent trophy, first competed for at Lake Tekapo’s Balmoral course in 2001.

‘Shep’ the young Nelsonian, won the mystery prize created and presented by our friends and neighbours, Cliff and Kate Smith.

Look closely at the group photo and you may figure out why the label read “adults

only - batteries included.”

Brian and I extended our thanks to the many business and individuals who donated prizes for the event, and announced at the prize-giving we raised $150.00 which was donated to the Wairau Valley School landscaping project.

It is an absolute privilege to be able to have exclusive use of the facilties at the Wairau Valley Golf Club and we are very grateful to Steve McKenzie, a farmer from Wairau Valley, for his invaluable help in organising the draw and being on hand to run the bar.

The ‘bag-boy’ aka Dave Care - in his usual smiling manner - cleaned up after everyone had gone.

The date has been set for the next annual tournament in Wairau Valley on Sunday 21st February 2016. gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 23

Pinegladers wintery visit to “nowhere”

Just a few days before the winter solstice, a hardy bunch of Pinegladers led by Michael Moore packed their thermos and a hearty winter’s lunch, for a journey to Erewhon, in the Ashburton Lakes high country.

H

akatere Conservation Park, is in mid-Canterbury, Ashburton Lakes District. It covers nearly 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, tussocklands, beech forest and sparkling clear rivers and lakes between two mighty rivers, the Rakaia and Rangitata.

Just days earlier, the South Island received another substantial snow fall, so it was a perfect time to take in the majestic whitecapped Southern Alps in all their glory.

Andrea, Pete, Wendy, Colin and Mike, all wrapped up like eskimos on a fishing expedition for the two hour drive inland.

As we departed Pineglades the cloud of the North West arch shrouded the Canterbury plains, like a stage curtain framing the Southern Alps. However as we turned inland at Rakaia towards Mt Somers, the sky opened up disclosing a magnificent snowy backdrop, as far as the eye could see, South to North.

The quaint village at Mt Somers was an opportunity to stretch our legs, play in the snow, and snap some photos of the icicles frozen on the shop’s balcony.

The journey took us meandering inland to the mountain lakes of Camp and Clearwater.

Both were frozen over and we were greeted with ice skaters taking advantage of a natural outdoor playground. We walked across the lake, just before setting up lunch lakeside.

Lake Clearwater is an idyllic and quaint village, home to 50 or so bachs and holiday retreats.

24 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

This area is now famous after becoming the spectacular mountain-top location for Edoras, where Rohan’s castle was constructed in Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers. It now attracts a regular following from hardy film buffs from around the world. In January I took our English members Sarah and Keith for a naturist trek here, to the excitement of a busload of tourists. However, the landscape in the middle of winter offers a dramatically different view of this quiet wilderness paradise.

The first visitors to the area are believed to been the moa-hunters, 800 years ago. There are early drawings in rock shelters on Mount Somers, or Te Kiekie in Māori.

From here, the road is unsealed and there was metre-high snow either side of the road, making turning around impossible.

However, the grader had cleared the road earlier in the morning. The road was rough and rugged as we climbed up the valley to get our first magnificent view of Rakaia and Rangitata river valleys, with Mt Sunday protruding 600 metres from the river valley floor, a perfect vantage point for a ruling king in Middle Earth to site his castle.

Crystal rivers and streams envelope the unusual terrain of “Edoras”. We walked the trails covered in ice, with the tussocks buried below. The swing bridge at the foot of Mt Sunday was a perfect spot to change in to club uniform, albeit for just a few minutes in minus 5 degree temperatures,

while Wendy took photos for the record.

You feel a sense of awe and wonder, standing in the valley surrounded by majestic mountains and rugged landscapes.

A further 15 minute drive took us to the end of the beaten track, arriving at Erewhon’s high country station, “home of the working horse.” The farm has 60 beautiful Clydesdales that plough and work the property, and also offer visitors horsedrawn buggy rides around the surrounding mountain trails.

English author Samuel Butler famously referred to the area as a perfect utopia. His novel ‘Erewhon ‘ published anonymously in 1872, doesn’t reveal where Erewhon is, but it was in part based on Butler’s experiences in New Zealand where he worked as a sheep farmer in the early 1860s. He meant the title to be read as “nowhere” backwards, even though the letters “h” and “w” are transposed.

You can easily see why Kiwi filmmaker Peter Jackson was adamant after discovering this remote high country location, that there was no reason to look outside the country for locations for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as he considered New Zealand “the perfect Middle-earth”. A day’s exploration to Erewhon will convince you he was right.

NB: While you’re visiting Pineglades for the National Rally, there will be a 4WD day trip to Mt Sunday for those adventureseeking naturists.

gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 25

A beautiful naturist retreat over-looking Byron Bay

A

s if you needed another reason to escape the cooler months in New Zealand, to visit the perpetual summer that Queensland, Australia has to offer, then Byron Bay might be the answer.

Debbie and Michael have recently opened a beautiful naturist bed and breakfast, over-looking the popular Byron Bay. “It’s Australia’s newest naturist accommodation and we like to call it a hidden treasure,” says owner Debbie, who created the stunning place with partner Michael. “We built the home in a Mediterranean Pavilion style, and it is a perfect naturist escape with views, privacy and location.”

Byron Bay is 40 minutes from the Gold Coast airport at Coolangatta, and 90 minutes drive from Brisbane.

The retreat is set on 6.5 acres amongst rolling hills and lush landscape and

26 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

boasts 360 degree views to the Byron Bay hinterland and Julian Rocks.

BB at Byron provides a peaceful atmosphere with the sound of native

birds to enjoy.

“You may even see the wallabies grazing or catch sight of a koala feeding high in the tree tops,” says Debbie.

“The wildlife and natural beauty around Byron is magical.”

The beach is only 10 minutes drive away with two naturist beaches at Belongil and Tyagarah.

“If you’re lucky, you may even see

whales migrating south between June and November, just off the point of Cape Byron,” Debbie says.

Michael and Debbie provide a continental breakfast as part of your stay.

Byron Bay is renowned for its eateries with plenty of choice for a delicious lunch or evening meal.

The retreat provides a gourmet kitchen and large outdoor areas with separate dining areas. There’s also a BBQ for alfresco dining, and an outdoor hot tub and swimming pool to enjoy.

“North Tyagarah and Belongil are naturist beaches that are a very short 10 minutes drive from us,” says Debbie. “We can enjoy swimming all year round.”

Most months during the year local nudist groups organise beach picnic get togethers with activities like beach cricket and volleyball.

Visitors and tourists are welcomed anytime to the beautiful pristine golden sands and sparkling blue ocean of Byron Bay which is renowned for its relaxed, chill out life style.

gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 27

New Zealand Naturist Clubs and Resorts North Island: Waitata Bay Bay of Islands Tel: 09 403 8586 Email: waitatabay@waitatabay.co.nz www.waitatabay.co.nz Auckland Naturist Orewa aka Hibiscus Coast Sun Club Inc. PO Box 128 Orewa, 0946.

Tel: 09 427 6484 Mob: 027 1357545 Email: hibiscus-coast@gonatural.co.nz www.aucklandnaturist.co.nz Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club Inc. PO Box 95235, Swanson Waitakere 0653.

Tel: 09 833 9209 Email: aonc.sec@gonatural.co.nz www.aonc.org.nz Auckland Sun Club Inc PO Box 20257 Glen Eden, 0641 Auckland Tel: 09 814 9973 Email: asc@gonatural.co.nz asc.gonatural.co.nz Counties Sun Club Inc. 112 Ramarama Road, Ramarama Drury RD3, Auckland 2579 Tel: 027 296 2795 (grounds) Email: counties@gonatural.co.nz www.countiessunclub.com Waikato Outdoor Society Inc. PO Box 619 Hamilton 3240 Mob: 027 631 6883 Email: waikato.outdoor@gonatural.co.nz waikato.gonatural.co.nz Katikati Naturist Park 149 Wharawhara Road RD2, Katikati, 3178.

Tel: 0800 4 567 567 Email: info@katikati-naturist-park.co.nz www.katikati-naturist-park.co.nz Bay of Plenty Sun Club Inc. PO Box 476 Whakatane, 3158.

Tel: 027 440 5157 Email: bopsc@gonatural.co.nz bopsun.gonatural.co.nz Rotota Sun Club Inc. PO Box 1164 Taupo 3351.

Grounds: 07 333 7105 Email: rototasunclub@gonatural.co.nz rotota.gonatural.co.nz Taranaki Naturists Club Inc.

297 Brown Rd, RD42, Waitara, 4382 Tel: 06 752 3879, 06 754 4658 Mob. 027 444 2941 Email: taranaki.naturists.club@gonatural.co.nz www.taranakinaturistsnz.com

28 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

Hawkes Bay Naturist Club Inc. PO Box 551 Napier, 4140.

Mob: 027 450 0557 Email: hawkesbaynaturally@gonatural.co.nz hawkesbay.gonatural.co.nz Manawatu Naturist Club Inc. PO Box 980 Palmerston North, 4440.

Mob: 027 390 4428 Email: pro@mannatclub.com www.manawatunaturistclub.co.nz Wellington Naturist Club Inc. PO Box 2854, Wellington 6140.

Tel: 04 526 7853, Mob: 027 3306 212 Email: secretary@wellingtonnaturists.co.nz www.wellingtonnaturists.co.nz

New Zealand wide: Free Beaches NZ Inc PO Box 20-295 Bishopdale, Christchurch 8543 Tel: 06 879 9262 or 03 310 6447 Email: fredbear@freebeaches.org.nz www.freebeaches.org.nz

New Zealand Naturists PO Box 619 Waikato Mail Centre Hamilton 3240 Mob: 021 043 8218 Email: nznaturists@gonatural.co.nz www.gonatural.co.nz/nznaturists.html NZ NUDVAN Club Inc. PO Box 619, Hamilton 3240 Email: nudvan@gonatural.co.nz nudvan.gonatural.co.nz Leisure Theme NZ Tour Planning Tel: +61 3 98998676 david@leisuretheme.com www.leisuretheme.co.nz

South Island: Nelson Sun Club Inc. PO Box 33, Upper Moutere, Nelson 7144 Mob: 027 710 8025 Email: sunrise@nelsonnaturally.co.nz www.nelsonnaturally.co.nz

Wai-natur Naturist Park 2704 State Highway 63 Wairau Valley, RD1 Blenheim 7271 Tel: 03 5722 681 Mob: 021 326 199 Email: info@naturist.co.nz www.naturist.nz Pineglades Naturist Club Inc. PO Box 1823 Christchurch, 8140.

Mob: 021 052-2528 Email: pineglades@gonatural.co.nz pineglades.gonatural.co.nz South Canterbury Sun Club Inc. PO Box 13 Geraldine, 7956.

Tel: 021 123 5904 Email: scsc@gonatural.co.nz scsc.gonatural.co.nz The Orchard Sun Club Inc. PO Box 5460, Dunedin 9058 Tel: 03 476 3875 Email: orchard@gonatural.co.nz orchard.gonatural.co.nz Alpine Lakes Naturist Club Inc. PO Box 18 Clyde, Central Otago, 9341 Tel: 0266031439 Email: alpinelakes@gonatural.co.nz alpinelakes.gonatural.co.nz Southern Naturally Inc. Postal address: 1821 Tuatapere Orepuki Highway, Tuatapere 9620 Mob: 027 6717520 Email: southernnaturally@gonatural.co.nz southernsun.gonatural.co.nz

New Zealand Naturist Federation President: Wendy Lowe Mob: 027 363 0407 Email: nznf.pres@gonatural.co.nz Secretary: June Campbell-Tong Tel: 04 2347 918 Email: nznf.sec@gonatural.co.nz Communications: Donna Miller Mob: 021 0694014 Email: info@gonatural.co.nz Registered Office PO Box 15065 New Lynn, Auckland 0640 New Zealand www. gonatural.co.nz

What’s On For further contact details, check the listing of NZNF affiliated clubs and resorts on the opposite page, or the website: www.gonatural.co.nz Saturday 19 September 2015 Reverse Fashion Show Pineglades Naturist Club

Waitangi Week 6-14 Feb 2016 “Puketi Forest to the Ocean” Northland Naturists

Sunday 27 September 2015 Working bee/Sausage sizzle lunch Rotota Sun Club

Saturday 20 February 2016 Nude Adventure on the luxury yacht MV Galileo in the Marlborough Sounds Wai-natur Naturist Park

Saturday 24 October 2015 1920’s Dress-up Pineglades Naturist Club Labour Weekend October 2015 Working bee/Sausage sizzle lunch Sunday night soup and bingo Rotota Sun Club Sunday 25 October 2015 Yet another Big Splash!

Wai-natur Naturist Park

Sunday 21 February 2016 Nude Golf International at Wairau Valley Golf Club Hosts: Wai-natur Naturist Park Saturday 12 March 2016 K-Cup Yankee Miniten Tournament Orchard Sun Club TBC

28 December 2015 NZNF Annual General Meeting Pineglades Naturist Club 28 Dec 2015 - 3 Jan 2016 Pineglades Rocks Rally Annual NZNF Naturist Festival Pineglades Naturist Club 28 Dec 2015 - 8 Jan 2016 ANF Annual Sports Convention Helios Club, Victoria, Australia

Wed 16 - Sun 20 November 2016 35th World Congress of Naturism Wellington Naturist Club 28 Dec 2016 - 3 Jan 2017 NUDE ORLEANS NZNF Naturist Festival Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club

Parakai Springs Naturist Days 1st and 3rd Friday of each month 10am-10pm. Please book limited to 30 persons.Tel: 021 202 6512 or email: rickdowling@ihug.co.nz Auckland Sun Club Sunday Saunas and Potluck meal Contact: (09) 814 9973 Waikato Outdoor Society Wednesday night barbecues 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month Wellington Naturists Spa, Sauna and massage second Sunday of the month 2-5pm Wellington Naturists Catered dinner last Saturday of the month Free Beaches NZ Wellington Region hold a spa night on the first and third Sunday of each month at Kilbernie Spa. Summer events mainly occur on the first Sunday at Breaker Bay; and third Sunday at Peka Peka Beach. But if the weather’s right - don’t wait!

Email: linda.geeves@slingshot.co.nz

Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club Nude Bingo in the club house Every second Wednesday night Pineglades Naturist Club Chow and Chatter Last Thursday of each month Taranaki Naturist Club Fish and chip night Every Friday at the club Waitangi Day Sat 6 Feb 2016 Annual volleyball tournament Pineglades vs Rolleston Fire Service Pineglades Naturist Club

The Orchard Sun Club Warm swim nights at the local Physio Pool 2nd and 4th Sundays 5-6pm. Contact Joyce 03 476-3875

Free Beaches NZ Canterbury Region Swim nights: Burwood Physio Pool First night 21st March 2015. Then every first and third Saturday of each month till November.

Email: Corey@myhome.kiwi.nz gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 29

30 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

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Back Issues New Zealand Naturist Out they go! 3 for $5 + p&h Email editor@gonatural.co.nz 2704 SH63 Wairau Valley RD1 Blenheim 7271 NZ Ph +64 3 5722681 Pay by cheque, direct credit or via PayPal

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Kay Hannam’s memoir relates the nude adventures of one of New Zealand’s best known naturists.

Order online: www.naturist.nz NZD40.00, NZD 45.00 Aus, NZD55.00 O/S incl p&h

Tel: +64 3 5722681 Email: info@naturist.nz Write: 2704 SH63 Wairau Valley RD1, Blenheim 7271 NZ

gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 31

international naturis

32 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

t publications

gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 33

Valley View Naturist Bush Retreat The only naturist resort in Far North Queensland

40 minutes from Cairns

Powered sites Unpowered sites On-site accommodation

www.valleyviewnaturist.com valleyviewretreat@bigpond.com 0061740937007 or 0061428982999

34 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

• Family friendly environment featuring heated large pool and children’s pool, sauna and spa, miniten and volleyball courts, petanque, pitch & putt golf, children’s playground, large hall, bush walk, barbecue • Cabins, powered and nonpowered campsites • Day visitors welcome

Wellington Naturist Club Close to the city - but a world away

Email wnc.reservations@gonatural.co.nz Mob 027 330 6212 www.wellingtonnaturists.co.nz gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 35

Put yourself in the picture

Wai-natur Naturist Park 2704 SH 63, Wairau Valley, Marlborough Ph +64 3 5722681 ~ Mob 021 326 199 Email: info@naturist.nz ~ www.naturist.nz

NEW ZEALAND NATURISTS Supporters of naturism in New Zealand For naturists who wish to enjoy the benefits of belonging to the social naturist community throughout New Zealand.

MANAWATU NATURIST CLUB

A congenial naturist environment on spacious private grounds, in a delightful rural setting. We offer: • Full camping facilities with powered sites and kitchen facilities.

• A large, modern clubhouse with indoor games facilities and social area.

• BBQ area, swimming pools, children’s play area, petanque, miniten courts.

Our little patch of Paradise has to be experienced -

Now is the time.

Mobile: 027 390 4428 Write to: PO Box 980, Palmerston North 4440 Email: Colin & Trish - pro@mannatclub.com Web: www.gonatural.co.nz/Manawatu

36 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

Members receive the gonatural magazine, newsletters and NZNF membership cards.

To find out more contact the Secretary: PO Box 619 Waikato Mail Centre Hamilton 3240 Mob: 021 0438218 Email: nznaturists@gonatural.co.nz

Pineglades ROCKS Next summer - in their Diamond Jubilee Year rock on down to

Pineglades Naturist Club

for the NZNF Festival of Naturism 28th Dec 2015 - 3rd Jan 2016 • Registration fee $170 • Includes camping • Daily sports program • Burlesque night • Catered dinner • New Year’s Eve party

Rolleston Canterbury

For further information email: pineglades@gonatural.co.nz

www.pineglades.gonatural.co.nz

SINCERE GENTLEMAN SEEKING GENUINE LADY FOR COMPANIONSHIP/LOVE

Retired, easy going, social drinker, non smoking fit and healthy active man would like to meet an honest and fun loving female companion aged 50-69 with interests including, but not limited to, dining out, romantic walks, music, all things outdoors and naturism.

Please phone free call 0800 315311 and ask for Bill

gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 37

Reviewed - The Naked Village

By John Lowe

T

his documentary on Spielplatz - the oldest naturist club in Britain - was shown by TV ONE at 9.30pm on Wednesday 6th May (following due warning: “contains nudity”).

There was no genital blurring or pixelation. Having said that though, I don’t think the appearance of the usual ad explaining how to complain to the Broadcasting Standards Authority in the first ad break, was coincidental...

The programme, made by Daisybeck Studios for Channel 4, was narrated by Prunella Scales, who has appeared in countless British TV programmes. (She has also appeared naked in some of the early films in which she featured, 50 or more years ago.)

I felt this programme was marred a little by curiously erratic continuity. This could have been caused by the film crew, the editor, or both - but it would ultimately be the fault of the Producer/Director; Dan Gooding. I accept that ad hoc shooting like this is quite difficult to edit, especially if shot in a hurry without time to adequately cover each ‘set piece’ with ‘noddies’ and cut-aways; but in this case it is clear that the shooting occurred over several summer months (probably June, July and August) in 2014.

An aspect I thought was overdone were close-ups of genitalia (in slow vertical pans), suggesting a possibly immature cameraman ‘making hay while the sun shone’ (rather than supporting the naturist ethos).

The broad order of the programme was reasonable, beginning with some archive footage (an early 60s interview) of the founder Charles MacCaskie explaining how he bought the land in 1929 for £500. Then his bed-ridden (?) daughter is introduced. Iseult, now 84, managed the club for 57 years.

Much of the film follows several members of the board: Chairman, George, Financial Director, Victor and Site Managers, Mark and Tina. It also highlights a fundamental conflict between George and Mark: do you encourage new people by making the club essentially clothes optional or, as Mark 38 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

demands, simply evict anyone remaining dressed (after allowing a reasonable time for them to ‘adjust’)? As we know, ‘that’s a toughie’, so unsurprisingly, not resolved here.

There were other unanswered questions too, such as: given their stretched finances, how come they were able to employ a 19 year old medical student to make their meals?

Another curiosity was the inclusion of a monologue from one of George’s non-naturist sons, as he drives into the club to deliver some furniture for his father’s house. Visibly perking up as he passes the club entrance, Ali offers the following driving seat observations: “There’s one ... it begins ... it’s the weird human urge, you have to look - but you’re not necessarily wanting to look- but you just - oh, there’s one ... it’s ... oh dear - absolutely, it is great ... it’s ... umm ... it’s a lot of bodies - a lot of genitals...” This seems to me to reflect the attitude of the film makers just a little too accurately!

The main issue canvassed though, is well recognised in this country: how do we get more members, especially younger ones? Spielplatz has dwindled to just over 50 resident members, with an average age over 60, living on grounds worth £12 million “several years ago.” (Being handy to town and two motorways doesn’t exactly thwart hovering developers.)

The film covers two events designed to get outsiders into their grounds: a yoga group and a body painting session. (The latter is advertised with a visit to the local radio station). The yoga session was covered in passable fashion, but the continuity in the body painting event was a bit more erratic than the rest of the programme.

I noticed in the credits mention of the nearby Diogenes club which Joyce Fleming originally joined in the 50s, before emigrating to Pineglades, but if it appeared anywhere in the film, it must have been just an archive shot.

How might this programme have helped (or hindered) the naturist cause in New Zealand? Well in the end, I find myself forced back to another cliché: all publicity is good publicity - sorry!

Around & About...

Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club On 3 May we had a special tea to thank Mel Wilmott from the Weedfree Trust for all her help with our Bush over the last few years. We intend to build on the good work that she has done with help from some of our members.

Our Bad Taste Ball hosted by MC Jeff N on 16 May was a great success. About 30 contestants were voted on by everyone present. Ernie won the men’s prize by 1 point from Andrew (Steve) M while Donna, Our Mother (Very) Superior, won the Women’s prize by a heavenly 35 points from Runner-up, Minca Newton-John. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a fun time.

Our monthly meal on 6 June was a veritable feast of delicious, flavourful Mexican food created by Andrew M and his team with Margueritas by El Presidente.

On 14 June we had a good turnout for a soup lunch followed by our AGM. We now have a new constitution and will have a form of Postal Voting available for elections of Officers and Committee members. Congratulations to Dave C who won the Olsen Cup and Don and Minca who won the President’s Cup for their work over the past year. We now have a new committee with a good balance of experience and new blood.

To celebrate 4 July, our monthly meal was Hot Dogs and Apple Pie. Thanks to Andrew M, Minca and Don for the food. Congratulations to Beth who was judged to be the Best Dressed Female and Darryl who was the Best Dressed Male.

On Sunday 5 July our new committee met for the first time. This was followed by a meeting to start planning our social events for the next 12 months.

In addition to the above we have had some productive working and weeding bees and are continuing to improve our facilities.

There is no doubt that we can look forward to an exciting year. Not only that but we are also looking forward to hosting the NZNF Rally for 2016/17.

Jeff Norman

Wellington Naturist Club

By the time this article goes to print New Zealand will be focused on the Rugby World Cup and the All Blacks.

At Wellington Naturist Club we have many ardent rugby supporters and whenever one of our regular winter dinners coincides with the rugby, our comfortable warm lounge and big screen television are very popular.

So what has this got to do with naturism? Whilst our focus will be on what is happening on the rugby field in the northern hemisphere, there will be naturists in that part of the world thinking of coming down under to our slice of paradise. They will have seen the fantastic presentation that resulted in New Zealand securing the INF Congress in 2016.

They may have seen the annual nude rugby international that takes place before a Dunedin test match!

They may also have seen the video on our website showing our club - which is hosting the conference - our great natural environment, and all the facilities we have on offer. During their visit here they are likely to be spending some time touring around this great country of ours, enjoying the scenery and looking to visit other naturist clubs.

We are busy making sure that our club is presented in the best possible light to those that will visit us from the other side of the world. The power project that involves putting our power underground together with new meter boards is progressing well. The refurbishment of the hall and furniture is underway and other projects include a facelift to the entrance to the club.

With spring upon us we will be preparing the pool for the summer season, tidying up caravan sites and ensure our grounds are looking pristine. We will also be planning ways to promote our club over the summer months.

Perhaps we could convert our golf course to a rugby field and challenge other naturist clubs to a game of touch rugby?

Malcolm Scott gonatural Issue 234, September 2015 39

Around & About...

Exciting times at Rotota. New logo and club branding, new format newsletter, revamped website and membership growing fast. We are trying to work out how best to encourage new naturist members without compromising the special ethos and environment at Rotota. Our application process has changed and is under review to try and ensure that new members are truly naturist and not expecting a clothes optional environment.

The growing membership means the club is working hard to secure sites for new members in a way that doesn’t detract from our unique environment.

The current cold winter has made us bring forward our maintenance schedule.

The frost has managed to blow three califonts in the last week so it looks like by the summer we’ll have really modern hot water systems – all a good excuse to bring things up to date.

Our environment and conservation work continues apace. In the last year we have eradicated over 100 possums around the grounds, rats and stoats are not too far behind. Our native nursery is used to propagate the plants we need to regenerate bush once invasive weeds have been cleared. Planting to increase screening and soften the grounds is planned and an annual arbor day sees much of the work done by an enthusiastic group of green fingered naturists (they assure me they are careful with the blackberry removal!)

The glow worms are still magnificent and on a quiet night they look like a blue dotted Milky Way overhead and what could be more special when viewed from chest deep in a hot stream.

Why not pop online and see what we’re up to. Join us from the Spring onwards and see the changes we’re making. But be reassured, all the changes leave the place just as it has always been; “our natural secret”.

Keith Allenby, President One of the first projects Brian got stuck into during the Autumn months was resurfacing the floor of the communal rec’room. I think he did a great job - don’t you? The photo shows the first half done and dusted with $70 worth of vinyl offcuts.

He’s also been having some fun around the park with the help of one of the locals, removing several overgrown trees, and a considerable number that just didn’t fit in. As a result the park seems a great deal lighter and brighter. It will be interesting to see some of the lovely established specimen trees develop, now they have a bit more room to extend.

Of course afterwards, Brian was in his element making good use of the neighbour’s wood-splitter. As you can see the mass of split wood is now next year’s firewood.

Everyone is talking about the weather and we are no exception here in Wairau Valley. After writing in the last issue about the warmest summer ever, we are now experiencing a really cold winter. Thankfully we have not endured heavy snowstorms like many other parts of the country - and we’ve plenty of firewood. lol.

Planning ahead for the summer at Wai-natur includes ‘Yet Another Big Splash’ over Labour Weekend and our regular events in February: Nude Adventure on and the Nude Golf International. We’ve even received an enquiry from a couple in Spain and have planned to meet up with them while we are in Europe. It’s really exciting to receive such attention from naturists all around the world.

I enjoyed a brief trip down memory lane recently during the 60th anniversary celebration at Pineglades, one of New Zealand’s oldest and largest naturist clubs and of which I became a member in 1984.

Here at Wai-natur we extend the same warm welcome I experienced at Pineglades all those years ago.

Kay Hannam 40 gonatural Issue 234, September 2015

Above: Daredevil Jason, Photo by Possum.

Back cover: Bill and Rick at Ladies Bay, Photo by Daniel Palenski.

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