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
I
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.
M
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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