New Zealand gonatural naturist magazine March 2015 #232

for health and wellbeing

Sunny days in Hawkes Bay 232 Mar 2015 ISSN 1177-1887 New Zealand $8.75 Australia $9.75 UK ÂŁ6.99

A perfectly naked day in Mount Richmond Forest Park Random Ramblings with Possum

Editor’s letter

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our years ago we published the first full colour edition of gonatural magazine. This March issue again, is almost totally dedicated to New Zealand naturism. The exception being a report from the French Federation of Naturism, announcing the passing of a true naturist icon - Christianne Lecocq.

During the New Year holiday period, the Hawkes Bay Naturist Club hosted the NZNF Festival of Naturism. ‘Rapere Film Festival’ was preceded by the Annual General Meeting , where a number of media prizes and awards were presented.

NZNF Communications Officer, Donna Miller, reports on the activities held during the week-long festival and records also for gonatural, the valuable contribution Stan and Barbara Gartner have brought to naturism.

One of the younger visitors attending the festival, took the opportunity to write of her own experiences of naturism ‘through the eyes of a teenager’.

Meanwhile, back in the Mainland, and on a perfectly naked day in Mount Richmond Forest Park, Lynn Murphy, Dave Candler and a few friends explore this beautiful part of Marlborough.

More sunny days in Hawkes Bay with John Lowe and other free beach enthusiasts, while Possum continues his random ramblings visiting further spectacular scenic areas in this sunny region.

When Donna Miller (pictured at left) finds the time, I have no idea, but ‘health and wellbeing’ is first and foremost in her mind as she ticks off yet another half marathon. Read her thought-provoking article in which she expands on what you can do without clothes that will benefit your body and physical well-being.

Down south in Waitati near Dunedin, Paul Campion hosts clothing optional days and has news of naturist beaches in this region.

Check out the ‘What’s On’ directory, Page 29 and visit gonatural.co.nz for news of other events around the country.

Our final items cover the first nude wedding at Bay of Plenty Sun Club, followed by the celebrations of 40 years in The Orchard. Finally, check out the Around & About column for short reports and further information.

So let’s go and enjoy some more of this beautiful summer!

Kay Hannam Managing Editor Front cover: Valentine at Wai-natur, Photo by Brian Williams; Opposite page: Donna competing in the Mini-marathon at Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club, Photo by Sue Wiggins

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Contents

Lynn and Dave in Mount Richmond Forest - Photo by Dave Care

Issue #232 March 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

Editor’s letter...............................................1 Through a Teenager’s Eyes..........................3 Passing of a naturist icon.............................4 NZNF Media Prizes and Awards...................5 Stan and Barbara Gartner ............................6 From the President NZNF..............................6 A perfectly naked day...................................8 Rapere Film Festival..................................12 Sunny days in Hawkes Bay.........................16 Random ramblings in Hawkes Bay............20 For Health and Wellbeing..........................24 Clothing optional days at Kowhai Heights....26 NZ Listings Naturist Clubs and Resorts.......28 What’s On...................................................29 International Publications............................30 Nude Wedding at BOP...............................37 40 years in The Orchard.............................38 Around & About...........................................39

Contributors: Irene Begg Paul Campion Dave Candler Julie Haldane Kay Hannam John Lowe

Wendy Lowe Donna Miller Lynn Murphy Possum Hayley Williams

Deadline for next issue:

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

#233 June 2015 ~ 17th April 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.

Purchase either the print version or subscribe to the digital edition of gonatural online via: www.gonatural.co.nz

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.

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Through a Teenager’s Eyes Growing up belonging to the Te Marua Naturist Club has been advantageous.

Hayley Williams learnt to swim in their amazing outdoor pool at the age of four.

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t was at Te Marua that I attended my first rally there at the age of eight where I won many of the swimming competitions and have met many interesting characters along the way.

I am now a teenager, and I was slightly resistant to go on my sixth rally, however after I compared my last Christmas holiday I spent with a friend at a clothed camping ground to the camping experience I was about to embark on, I realised this one is somewhat better. Apart from it not being at a beach, attending the rally offers great entertainment every night, good competitive sport matches (miniten being my favourite) there are also the fun ones too, like the water slide. Get to see the familiar faces that I haven’t seen in a year and new faces too. Enjoyable company of many people, the environment is relaxed and comfortable, and it is always a good place to celebrate the New Year with some awesome firework displays.

A downfall though is that there are really no teens attending the rallies every year now. I am not sure if I will be attending any more because of the lack of others my age, but over the six rallies I can’t say they haven’t been any good.

I have had a couple of encounters where naturism has been brought up into the conversation with friends, one being where a friend came across a nudist beach with her family. They laugh and most think it is the weirdest thing to see anyone naked. For me personally I have learnt to adapt to any situation and nudity isn’t weird to me but normal at a naturist club. Everyone has a naked body underneath their clothes.

Being a 14 going on 15 year old girl my self esteem and confidence is a lot higher compared to others, especially some of my closest friends. Social Media has created a perfect

image, ‘skinny’ that a large percentage of teens want to be like and some go to desperate measures to achieve. But being open and seeing all these different body shapes, short, tall, big, small, saggy, toned, even the personalities, quiet, loud, funny, smart; I am comfortable in my own skin.

I hope this has given an insight of how a teenager perceives the Naturist Club and that it will attract more families in the future, as I think it has been an eye opening experience for me. gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 3

CHRISTIANE LECOCQ PASSING OF A NATURIST ICON

Photo credit: Guy Rusca

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he French naturist federation (Fédération française de Naturisme or FFN) posted the following notice: It is with deep sadness that the Fédération française de Naturisme has learned of the passing of Christiane Lecocq at the retirement home in Chatou (Yvelines), on Wednesday 24th December 2014. The funeral was held on Friday 2nd January 2015 at the Notre-Dame de Chatou church (Yvelines), place Ste Marie, followed by the burial at the Carrières-sur-Seine cemetery where she joins her late husband, Albert Lecocq.

This news sends into mourning the naturist movement not just in France but worldwide. In fact, this venerable resident of Carrières-sur-Seine, native of Tourcoing, 103 years old (she was born 6th April 1911), founded with her husband, Albert Lecocq, the Fédération française de Naturisme on 19th February 1950 and the International Naturist Federation in 1953.

Aside from the creation of these two organizations that impact naturists around the world, Christiane Lecocq and her husband worked on the development of naturist values and their promotion. Notably, they created the “Club de Soleil” of Carrières-sur-Seine, the first sun and sea site in Montalivet, and then there was the first large naturist site at Île-de-France in Saint-Chéron…

It was also Albert and Christiane who created in 1949 the first national, specialized magazine “La Vie au Soleil” which is still published today. After having retaken the management in 1969, Christiane Lecocq continued the work that had been hers since the 1940s. “I remember Christiane very clearly who was my boss at “La Vie au Soleil”. She was a woman who was not afraid to speak up, proud of her convictions”, remembers Yves Leclerc, vice-president of the French federation.

It was with pride that Christiane Lecocq attended every year the annual general meeting of the French federation of which she was honorary president and where she recently celebrated her centennial.

“If France today is the top naturist destination in the world, with 3.5 million followers, 1.5 million from France, it cannot deny that it is largely due to her!” added Armand Jamier, president of the Fédération française de Naturisme.

The development of the naturist movement in relation to the Lecocqs – here the key dates: 4 gonatural Issue 232, March 2015

6th April 1911: Birth of Christiane at Tourcoing.

1932: Christiane discovers naturism through sport at the Club Gymnique du Nord, Fort de Seclin, near Lille. She meets Albert Lecocq.

28th October 1933: Albert and Christiane Lecocq are married.

1944: Christiane and Albert create, in secrecy, the first sun club.

In 1945, they settle in Carrières-sur-Seine and create the sun club of Carrières, which becomes the unavoidable location for national and international meetings.

1949: In order to provide the naturist movement with a method of communication, the Lecocqs create the magazine “La Vie au Soleil”. For 60 years it remained the leading publication of the naturist movement.

19th February 1950: Christiane and Albert create the Fédération Française de Naturisme and establish the concepts of naturism.

23rd July 1950: They create the “Centre Héliomarin” (CHM) in Montalivet.

1953: Christiane and Albert create the International Naturist Federation to bring together all the federations, which have developed in several European countries. [Editor’s note: the founding countries actually included more than Europe. The minutes of the 1st INF congress list the following 9 founding countries: Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, France, UK, Canada and the USA.] 1969: Death of Albert Lecocq.

NZNF Media Prizes and Awards Each year the New Zealand Naturist Federation presents a number of media prizes and awards. Last year’s awards were announced by NZNF President Wendy Lowe, following the Annual General Meeting at Rapere in Hawkes Bay, on 28th December 2014.

Best Article

Winner: “The Reluctant Naturist”

by Donna Miller in March Issue #228 Well written, encouraging article from someone who can understand both sides.

Best Non-Naturist Media Article Winner: “At Waitati” by Paul Campion in Otago Daily Times

Best Website

Runner-up: “In defence of the humble Sarong”

by Kenneth Canton in March Issue #228 Short, well thought out, full of common sense.

Winner: Bay of Plenty Sun Club bopsc.gonatural.co.nz Runner-up: Rotota Sun Club

Best Club Newsletter

Best Photo

Winner: “Vanessa in the pool at Wai-natur”

by Daniel Jackson in March Issue #228 Good action shot.

Taranaki Naturist Club Runner-up: Counties Sun Club

Mowlem Achievement Trophy

This award is based on the percentage of Runner-up “June’s 50 naturist years” membership increase between the 1st Oct

by Pam Griffin 2013 and the 30th Sep 2014 in March Issue #228 A happy photo of an important naturist event. Waikato Outdoor Society Nice unselfconcious pose.

Best article and best photo selected from material published in the previous four editions of gonatural magazine; Dec #227 through to Sep #230. Judge Kate Smith.

Pat Trott Memorial Trophy

This award was presented posthumously to Will Fraser for his contribution to Naturist Tourism gonatural Issue 227, December 2013 5

Stan and Barbara Gartner – the end of an era On behalf of the NZNF Donna Miller presents a tribute to a couple of naturists who have been part of the naturist community for over forty years

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hey say attending an NZNF rally is a great time to reconnect with old friends and an awesome time to meet new ones. Therefore, if you’ve been to a naturist rally or festival before, there’s a good chance that you would have met Stan and Barbara Gartner who have been to around 36 of them!

Stan very emotionally announced at the 57th NZNF AGM that the rally at Hawkes Bay Naturist Club would be his and Barbara’s last one they would attend due to the ill health they are both experiencing and also for financial reasons.

We wanted to share some insights into this reserved but amazing couple who have contributed much to the Federation over their 43 year involvement. Perhaps quite appropriately, I interviewed them on January 1st under the verandah outside Norm’s Lodge.

Stan and Barbara, both New Plymouth raised, dated and were engaged for four years before marrying in January 1957. Stan had asked Barbara to a dance after patiently waiting outside her cottage for her to finish work as a trainee maternity nurse.

After marrying they lived in various places around the New Plymouth district including a farm in Opunake before shifting in 1971 to a farm in Cambridge, Waikato.

They raised seven children – six girls and a boy – including a set of twins.

While on the farm in Opunake they visited Taranaki Naturist Club after being interested in the club and making their own enquiries, but didn’t end up joining as it was too far to travel from the farm.

After shifting to Cambridge, they again made their own enquiries to Waikato Outdoor Society and joined the club on 6th June 1971. But joining a naturist club in the winter wasn’t too much of a bother as they attended the winter spa nights in Hamilton and at various members’ homes.

Barbara described herself as being a bit hesitant to begin with but joined due to Stan’s keenness.

In 1972 Stan went onto the WOS committee as their Youth Convener. The club had around 16 youth and Stan, then in his thirties, looked after them in his position for four to five years. In 1974, they took all 16 teens to the Rally in Wellington, Stan and Barbara’s first, where they won the Junior Volleyball.

Stan continued on the WOS committee until 1999, serving as Vice President for six and President for six and a half years as well as other positions.

As well as roles with WOS, Stan was the North Island Vice President for the NZNF from 1990 to 1996.

Those of us who have had the privilege to meet Stan, will know of his passion and expertise playing Indoor Bowls. Stan has been playing

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now for 57 years and officiated as umpire for 55 of those. He first joined a bowling club in Opunake in 1966 and according to Barbara was hardly home at night due to playing commitments.

Perhaps that is why, in the late 1960s, she began playing and joined the club too.

Among Stan’s bowling achievements are winning the national singles in 1967, pairs in 1968 and rinks with the Opunake Team in 1969.

In the late 1980s, Stan took two of his mats to WOS and his involvement with organising indoor

bowls for the club and also at national rallies and games began. At the 1989/90 Rally in Christchurch, they were the first large group into the newly built Rolleston Community Centre where they had 16 mats going. Four years later at the rally again in Christchurch a 16 year old who had never played indoor bowls before beat Stan in one of his few and most memorable defeats.

Stan and Barbara have missed only four, possibly five rallies since their first attendance in 1974 and say the best thing about a

From the President

H rally is the friendship and the sports.

Over the many years, they have met the most wonderful friends and once travelled around the South Island visiting all the clubs and saw people they already knew, having met them at past rallies.

Their most memorable rally was ‘the gumboot rally’ at Wellington Naturist Club nicknamed this due to the heavy rain which fell during the entire rally, flooding the camping area below the creek. With mud up to your knees and tents floating down the creek, Stan and Barbara had been camping in this area with three of their small children and were moved to higher ground but everyone still had lots of fun. They were able to introduce many people to indoor bowls that year because nothing else was able to be played. Despite the odds, this was a wonderful rally almost bringing everyone closer together.

In later years Stan and Barbara have travelled to rallies and around the country in caravans and more recently in their much loved and recognizable motorhome “Holy Moly” – a 1974 Toyota Hiace – so named because it had cubby-holes everywhere to put things.

They say rallies have changed over the years – particularly in numbers.

Until the 1990s between 500 and 600 attended but now there are fewer than 150. Grandparents to 26 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, Stan and Barbara reflected and lamented how sad it was there were now so few children and young people in our clubs.

It certainly is the end of an era with Stan and Barbara not able to attend future rallies and they will be sorely missed. We appreciate and thank them for the massive contribution they have made to naturism through their involvement with WOS, the Federation, and indoor bowls and we offer our best wishes to them both.

appy New Year!

I hope you had a lovely Christmas/New Year and managed to get some much-needed down time in the sun.

This is traditionally a time for people to make all kinds of resolutions, often with little to show at the end of the year. I was asked in late December if I had thought about any resolutions and I was able to answer “Yes”, for the first time in many years.

I have decided that 2015 is going to be the year that I try to put more time into looking after myself - by that I mean making time to do the things I want to do but never seem to have time for. I am tired of reaching the end of the year and wondering where it went, and did I really enjoy it? I hope you all have big plans for 2015, because big plans lead to big things, and I wish you every success in achieving your goals.

I was fortunate to attend the 63rd NZNF rally at Hawkes Bay Club: the Rapere Film Festival.

For a small club they sure know how to put on a big event and this year was no exception (yes, as a member I may be a wee bit biased...).

From an opening ceremony starting with canon and musket fire and ending with a hilarious M*A*S*H* skit, through Blues, Brews & BBQs (Rapere-style), an off-grounds trip to the local hot springs, live band In Like Flynn, Casino and Fireworks on

Wendy Lowe, President NZNF

New Year’s Eve, catered breakfast and fun sports on New Year’s Day, a mystery trip that turned out to be a nude visit to a movie theatre complete with pizza dinner, and ending with the Oscars night - an evening of live theatre and awards - it was a rally to remember.

The fabulous catered dinner was made possible with the assistance of Taranaki Naturist Club, which just goes to show that you don’t have to do a rally on your own. Hawkes Bay had a core team of ten with many other members helping out in the weeks and months leading up to the event and many visitors helping out during the rally.

Why not join forces with other “small” clubs in your region and show the big clubs how it’s really done!

Stay safe, stay sun-smart and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Wendy Lowe President, NZNF

Did you know...?

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he NZNF have a Facebook Page, a Twitter profile, a Pinterest page, a Blog, and a Google+ profile. So follow us or like us, and be kept up to date with naturist happenings around the country - and the world.

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gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 7

A perfectly naked day in the Mount Richmond Forest Park As ‘newbie’ naturists as well as reasonably ‘newbie’ New Zealanders, Lynn Murphy and Dave Candler jumped at the chance to join experienced trampers for a walk to the first hut on Mount Richmond in the Mount Richmond Forest Park.

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e were all staying at Wai-natur – Kay and Brian’s naturist paradise in Wairau Valley – and had been enjoying the leisurely lifestyle; the heated pool, the spa, the sunbathing and the leisurely amble to the local tavern for a beer. Inactivity was great but when talk turned to a day’s tramp we were eager to join in.

The day was perfect – just a few days after New Year – slightly cloudy with a morning mist but warm and with the promise of sunshine and blue skies. The drive to the car park took an hour. If we were birds we could have flown direct over the wide Wairau River but we had to take the longer route, travelling 27 kms to Renwick and then retracing our route the other side of the river to reach the turnoff for the Mount Richmond Forest Park.

We were in a compact 4x4

Grand Vitara with a high ground clearance that could go off-road – not quite a work-horse, all-terrain 4 wheel drive but great for our requirements – we only had one stream to cross. What could go wrong?

We drove to track end and, in four-wheel drive, drove slowly across the pebble and boulder bank to the narrow stream. It looked deep and fast, no rocks showing above the water level. We stopped for a recce. I discovered a little about what was possible, and not possible, in a Grand Vitara. Firstly, it is important to know where the air-intake is. No, don’t anticipate! We didn’t get stuck in a stream.

All the men got out and a great walking to and fro, great arm wavings and discussions and mild dissension ensued. It was obviously important not to just drive straight through the stream even though the continuation track was just a few tantalising feet away. The

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stream could be easily forded on foot – a pleasant cold wetting to the knees at most.

Entry and exit points and angles were assessed and discussed and depth of water was checked. Three days previously there had been a day of heavy rain and the stream was still higher than usual. The importance of angles on entry and exit was soon made clear. We entered, angling diagonally upstream in the shallower, less fast flowing edge water. Slowly and carefully the vehicle was manoeuvred in the deepening

water putting the nose into the stream current. Coming down with the water flow we safely exited the other side to ‘newbie’ relief and much praise for the driver.

At this point I will mention that on our return some members decided to wade across to take photos of this momentous fording of the stream. The stream and current had not altered but the weight of our vehicle had, and we had not thought about or considered this.

So inadvertently I had the dubious thrill of a lifetime as,

half way across, the vehicle floated and my stomach lurched. Luckily – or by a skilful manoeuvre – within a second the wheels touched rock-bottom, gripped and we were safely across. A timely reminder of how quickly a casual jaunt can turn into something quite different.

Continuing on the track to the car park we were delighted to see a hare run out and race ahead of us before diving into the safety of the bush. For us it was a first – I hadn’t seen a hare since I left England, and wasn’t aware they had been

brought to New Zealand.

The car park was high up and there were no other cars; we knew we wouldn’t meet anyone on the way up. We had discussed naked tramping on the way and had agreed we would like to try it.

Before we left the car park our first naked tramper appeared, and within the first strenuous 15 minutes another stripped off and then finally the rest of us.

All clad in essential tramping gear – boots, socks and hats – with optional extras such as backpacks, neck-kerchief

and watch – we continued towards the Richmond Saddle Hut (1220 metres).

Walking through the dappled sunlight of native bush, feeling the breeze and the sun on our bodies, was a wonderful experience – a first for most of us. The lower slopes were covered extensively in beech, many with black sooty trunks.

Those with large amounts of honeydew were covered with wasps darting from droplet to droplet. Their pervasive hum warning us of their presence before we saw them. Here we

were followed by fantails and south island robins – both species bold and unafraid as they dived in behind us to find what tasty morsels our boots had kicked up.

Higher up the beech and other trees were stunted, low growing and draped with long strand of pale green-grey lichen. Other lichens grew on their bark and on the forest floor at their roots. Here bellbirds and tuis enchanted us with their song. Was it a bellbird or a tui? With the tui’s mimicry it was hard to tell sometimes. Easier when they

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showed themselves, which they often did – perching on low branches beside the track to amaze us with their flashing colours. They never stayed still long enough to be photographed although there were attempts to quietly retrieve a camera.

One bold bellbird clung to the sooty bark of a beech tree, just showing his head occasionally as he checked our progress. We stopped and he obliged by hopping round the trunk into full view – head bobbing back and forth obviously feeding on the honeydew as he hopped up the trunk before flying off.

Estimated time to the hut, according to the board at the car park, was four hours.

Two and a half hours in we found a sunny rocky area and ate lunch while admiring the wonderful views across the forest and over the Wairau Valley and the impressive view of Mt Richmond peak

looming; it appeared, quite close at hand.

After lunch we split up – the women choosing a lazy amble back to the car and the guys taking off at a fast dog-trot to reach the Saddle Hut in just 40 minutes. The terrain, which had been a gentle ascent on a clearly marked track, became rockier with a less clearly defined track and with steeper ascents. The guys assured us that the extra distance was worth it for the views. The peak, never an option on this tramp, was eyed-up for a future event and, after taking photos to prove they made it, the guys started their descent.

They strode down the track at a fast rate and met up with us just before the car park, where clothes were again donned before the drive back to Wainatur.

We all agreed it was a perfect day; perfect weather, perfect company and perfectly naked. gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 11

The 63rd Annual Festival of the New Zealand Naturist Federation was held in wonderfully balmy weather conditions that the Hawkes Bay is renowned for. Donna Miller attended the week long festival hosted by Hawkes Bay Naturist Club at their grounds in Rissington, northwest of Napier - also known as Rapere.

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he theme for the festival this year was “Rapere Film Festival” and HBNC went to great lengths with a fairly small organising team to provide a wonderful and entertaining event with every part of the programme aligning to their film/movie concept.

Prior to the flag being raised at the opening ceremony, the NZNF held its 57th Annual General Meeting in the clubhouse. NZNF Executive and Delegates representing almost all the affiliated clubs and organisations from around the country attended the AGM. Past Executives and Appointees were farewelled and thanked for their contributions and their replacements were introduced and welcomed.

Rodney Beals who had been the Treasurer for 7 years stepped down and was replaced

by Kathy Earby and Christine Bowers was appointed as NZN Secretary replacing Colin Basire. Robust discussion was held around the remits and other general business and the meeting was completed ahead of schedule, right on lunchtime. A team at HBNC provided a wonderful hot lunch for the Delegates and Executive.

HBNC kicked off the opening ceremony with their team performing scenes from M*A*S*H - complete with costumes, muskets and a cannon from the New Zealand movie Utu. It was very entertaining and much consideration was given to the safety of those watching.

The Festival included a full sports programme with medals in pétanque, miniten, tenniquoits, indoor bowls, darts, volleyball, and swimming heartily competed for and with great sportsmanship shown.

36 people in 8 vehicles undertook a daytime 4WD trip to hot-tubs at the end of nearby Makahu Road on Day 3 of the Festival with some hiking on to the tubs at the Mangatainoka Stream. They all enjoyed a picnic lunch before making the return trip to HBNC. Evening entertainment included awesome bands with names along the movie theme that got everyone to their feet and dancing the night away.

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Blues band “Men in Black” performed to festival-goers sitting on the lawn on the first evening and Irish band “In Like Flynn” played to a packed marquee on December 30th.

For New Year’s Eve, a wonderful casino evening was organised. Called ‘Casino Royale’, a pottle of chips cost $5 - with proceeds going to the Percy Cousins Trust – and with this you could play a variety of tables including Roulette, Crown & Anchor, Black Jack plus others. Everyone had a great time and then

around 9:30pm went into the marquee where, after exchanging chips for funny money, a fun auction was held for a number of items. At midnight, the cannon from the movie Utu was again fired before a fireworks display that went on for ages.

On the evening of Day 5 of the Rapere Film Festival, the team at HBNC organised a Mystery Tour. 45 people hopped aboard a bus (clothed) and were taken on a sightseeing trip along

Napier’s Marine Parade to see the beautiful garden flowerbeds, the Pania of the Reef statue and others sights, before heading to The Globe Theatrette. Here they were allowed to remove their clothing and watch the movie “What We Did on Our Holiday” after drinks and pizza for dinner. To our knowledge, this is the first nude viewing of a movie at a cinema in New Zealand.

Those who didn’t go on the Mystery Tour were treated to an entertaining and brain teasing movie themed quiz created by the Team.

The catered dinner was on the final evening of the Festival and was catered for by Taranaki Naturists Club that meant the HBNC organising team could also relax and enjoy the evening.

TNC provided an exceptional dinner of chicken, beef and hot ham as well as salads, potatoes and vegetables. Desert was also incredible with gateaux, pavlova and mousse.

A theatre group called “3 in a Row” provided entertainment before, during and after the dinner.

The group performed numbers from the likes of Annie, My Fair Lady and other musicals, often changing the words to reflect the lifestyle of their naturist audience, and also told jokes. One of the songs they re-arranged was “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from Annie which they re-named “You’re Always Fully Dressed in Just a Smile”.

The Rapere Film Festival certainly lived up to HBNC’s usual high standard of hosting a wonderful Rally and in the spirit of festivals past provided a fantastic event for old friends to be reunited and new friendships to be forged. Their small organisation team are to be heartily congratulated for their hard work and efforts in ensuring a successful event.

You’re Always Fully Dressed In Just a Smile

Reworked “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from the musical Annie, re-arranged by the theatre group “3 In A Row” consisting of Dave Richardson, Tess May Brown and Robyn O’Hagan Hey Hobo Man, hey Dapper Dan So long for a while And brother you’re always fully dressed In just a smile Your clothes may be Beau Brumley You stand out a mile But brother you’re always fully dressed In just a smile Bridge: Who cares what they’re wearing On Main Street or Saville Row It’s what you wear from ear to ear And not from head to toe That matters So short and white or tall and tanned You stand out a mile And brother you’re always fully dressed And you will look your best You’re always fully dressed In just a smile…in just a smile…in just a smile! gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 13

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Photos: Roni Warren and Ian Sime gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 15

Sunny days in Hawkes Bay

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Sunny days in Hawkes Bay

After the rally in Hawkes Bay, San Diego visitors and Free Beach family Claudia, Blair and Alexander took the opportunity to check out some local attractions with John Lowe

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irst up was the popular Ocean Beach, with quite a number of other Free Beachers who’d also been enjoying the rally.

On the way home we found a friendly backyard - with not only a handy pool for washing the salt off, but also a citrus orchard for evening sustenance.

Next day we headed north from Napier to Waipatiki Beach; or more specifically, the first of two beaches just south of the main beach; as in early January there were quite a lot of textiles there to obscure the view! (Andrew did visit the second beach and reported it to be a much better one. Oh well: next time!)

On our third and final day, we headed north toward Taupo on SH2, to stop at the Tarawera Café and head north, down the obscure track - parallel to the main road - which leads to the local hot spring. Unfortunately, this is really a winter venue - the water was far too hot to enter the pool. There are two tubs there, filled from a hose fed with hot water from further up the hillside.

The idea is to move the hose to the empty pool on arrival, then wait a couple of hours... for the first one to cool sufficiently to dip a suitably calibrated toe in!

(Another issue are the two DOC notices on the track indicating that the pools are

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closed, which obviously puts a lot of people off actually going down to them. Thus the unused track is becoming more overgrown and even less used...)

After the minor disappointment of the Tarawera hot pools, on the way back we found an opposite situation at the lower reaches of the Esk River, near Bay View. Although here too, there has been a new restriction on entry - in this case a much reduced driving access along the river bank the effect is an absence of textiles! We only walked about 100m to find a pleasant place to enjoy the remainder of our guest family’s last Hawkes Bay day.

gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 19

Random ramblings with Possum in Hawkes Bay

O

n New Year’s eve eight 4x4 loads of us left the Hawkes Bay Naturist Club grounds for a day-trip to the Mangatutu Hot Springs.

Most of us enjoyed a picnic lunch and a soak in the 28 degree tubs overlooking the Mohaka River, while five keener souls hiked along the track beside the river to the Mangatainoka Springs hot-tub and back.

One free afternoon during the festival, one of the club members took some of us on a hike up the hills behind the club grounds to a vantage point which afforded an amazing view taking in the sweep of Hawkes Bay and the cities.

Then on the Sunday after the festival, a bunch of us met at Ocean Beach and enjoyed a few hours of sun-baking bliss and swimming in the surf, before going our separate ways for the coming work-week.

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Photo by: Sue Wiggins

24 gonatural Issue 232, March 2015

For Health and Wellbeing Two months ago Donna Miller completed a Half Marathon - her 7th in as many years – and she is currently training for her 8th

I

am not a naturally sporty person and my time was no amazing feat. I am just a middle aged woman who is trying to look after herself and do something that challenges and stretches me, but that also isn’t out of the realms of possibility.

I walk my half marathons; I don’t attempt to run them - even though many people well in advanced of my age do and good on them.

Another thing I do for my physical health and wellbeing is to receive as much vitamin D as possible via sunshine while doing my normal daily activities - such as gardening or housework while unclothed.

I am lucky because I can do some of my training walking around the roads of the naturist club that my husband and I belong to. It can get a bit repetitive and boring doing a number of the same 1.25km circuits, but it ticks both boxes - training and clothes-free recreation.

With my recent training, I have had the New Zealand Naturist Federation tag-line going over and over in my head...’For Health and Wellbeing’!

My body and mind benefit in so many ways - apart from the obvious.

• I feel the breeze and sunlight on my skin - this frees my mind and makes me exhale and breathe out the stresses and concerns I've been holding on to;

• I hear the birds chirping happily and see growth on the trees - this brings me close to nature and gives me an appreciation and respect for the circle of life; • I feel the freedom and release of not being trapped or bound by clothes - while I still have a purpose and am driven to achieve, I am liberated by the options and choices I can make; • A contentment washes over me - I am me, and I like me; I am blessed, and I am grateful; Now I am not suggesting that everyone needs to get training for a half marathon.

I am merely sharing some of the physical benefits that I've experienced to my health and well-being.

You could garden in the nude, do housework in the nude or even do your workouts in the nude on your home equipment.

In fact, did you know that the word ‘gymnasium’ comes from the latinisation of the Greek word gymnos which means ‘naked’, and in essence means ‘to train naked’.

Even if you have physical challenges or limitations I believe there are many things you can do without clothes that will benefit your body and physical well-being.

So, whether working out, tidying up, or enjoying some well-earned downtime, why not consider doing it clothesfree...for your health and well-being.

Photo by: Jeff Norman

gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 25

A tale of two sabbats;

Clothing optional gatherings at Kowhai Heights

By Paul Campion

O

ver a couple of weekends recently, naturist friends gathered at Kowhai Heights our re-purposed psychiatric hospital and now home - to celebrate and to have fun. The usual reasons for celebration were there; the turning of the seasons, personal anniversaries, and the approach of Christmas.

Our first gathering happened to coincide with Baltane the pagan festival of fire and the start of the pastoral summer, though with us it is more of a welcoming to spring. Baltane is half way between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice. This coming of this second celestial event, which coincides with Christmas time, was the excuse for the next party.

The real celebration though is part and parcel of being a naturist. It is

26 gonatural Issue 232, March 2015

recognition of the inherent beauty of the human body. What form did our revelry take? Shared food of course, lots and lots of food in that wonderful variety that comes with pot-luck meals, music, drinking of alcoholic beverages too but safely as everybody was staying over.

Games were organised including egg and spoon (free range eggs!), and a three legged race, but it was friendly petanque that was most popular with all ages. A volley ball net was erected for the super energetic youngsters. Body painting happened as did a bit of a hat theme – for no particular reason. Many a hedonistic sybarite was to be found lolling about in the spa pool.

My daughter’s friends had performed a Baltane ritual in the glade by the oak tree up behind the house. Afterwards and after dark they were sitting around their

cosy wee fire and were happy to have visits from some sky clad (naked) people.

A few of us on the second Sunday ventured forth to Doctor’s Point Beach (about 4km from Kowhai Heights here in Waitati).

Doctor’s Point is not on the usual list of naturist beaches but I think it soon will be. I have been enjoying naked strolls there for the last few years. I had promised my visitors that the beach was never crowded only to find that the car park was absolutely crammed. However we found a nice sheltered little cove with shallow water for the kids to play in.

The few textiles that wandered past just smiled friendly smiles.

In summary we re-affirmed that all that is needed to enjoy social nudity is a few like minded friends and a place to gather in peace and harmony.

gonatural Issue 232, March 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 232, March 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

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

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 Hamilton 3240 Mob: 027 631 6883 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

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: 68 Clifden Highway RD1 Tuatapere 9691 Tel/Fax: 03 221 7092 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 20-22 February 2015 Lazing at Lowburn Alpine Lakes Naturist Club

21-22 March 2015 The Bays Water-volleyball challenge Bay of Plenty Sun Club

20-22 February 2015 Visit to Tripp Settlement NUDVAN Club 21-22 February 2015 Water-volleyball challenge Bay of Plenty Sun Club Saturday 21 February 2015 Nude Adventure on the Marlborough River Queen Wai-natur Naturist Park Sunday 22 February 2015 Nude Golf International at Wairau Valley Golf Club Hosts: Wai-natur Naturist Park Sunday 22 February 2015 Miniten: Rod Driver Tournament Pineglades Naturist Club 7 March 2015 Darts Tournament Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club

3-6 April 2015 Boogie Nights 70s Disco Rotota Sun Club 18-19 April 2015 Golf tournament and Silly Sports Orchard Sun Club Sunday 21 June 2015 Polar Plunge - venue to be advised Orchard Sun Club 28 Dec 2015 - 3 Jan 2016 Pineglades Rocks NZNF Rally Pineglades Naturist Club 28 Dec 2015 - 8 Jan 2016 ANF Annual Sports Convention Helios Club, Victoria, Australia 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

14 March 2015 K-Cup Yankee Miniten Tournament Orchard Sun Club 20-22 March 2015 Glentunnel Holiday Park NUDVAN 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 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@xtra.co.nz 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

Taranaki Naturist Club Fish and chip night Every Friday at the club The Orchard Sun Club Warm swim nights at the local Physio Pool 2nd and 4th Sundays 5-6pm. Contact Joyce 03 476-3875 gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 29

30 gonatural Issue 232, March 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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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 232, March 2015 31

international naturis

32 gonatural Issue 232, March 2015

t publications subscribe online

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gonatural Issue 232, March 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 232, March 2015

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

• 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

Email wnc.reservations@gonatural.co.nz Tel 04 526 7853 www.wellingtonnaturists.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

gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 35

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

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.

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

To find out more contact the Secretary: PO Box 619 Hamilton 3240 Mob: 027 631 6883 Email: nznaturists@gonatural.co.nz

gonatural Merchandise T-shirts, polo shirts, caps, number plate surrounds, towels, mouse pads and more.

Visit www.gonatural.co.nz/shop to see what is available and make an order. or email shop@gonatural.co.nz 36 gonatural Issue 232, March 2015

A first for BOP Sun Club – A NUDE WEDDING New members Tez (aka Terri) and Grant held their wedding ceremony in the club rooms at the Bay of Plenty Sun Club, on Wednesday 10th December at 7pm. Irene Begg records their special day.

T

ez and Grant are our newest club members and were very keen to hold their wedding at our picturesque grounds; a fabulous back drop for photos with its bush scenery.

There was plenty of excitement and discussions in the weeks preceding this inaugural event. The couple had spent 17 years together and decided that it was time to make it official and tie the knot.

They wanted their wedding to be a low key affair and decided on having the club as a venue as they are both passionate about naturism and felt that it was the most obvious choice and authentic to the way they like to live.

They spent their honeymoon in our new club cabin. It was special for us to have the newlyweds in the cabin. It was brand new and had only arrived on site a couple of weeks earlier - a great way to christen it.

There is something special about weddings; be they a young couple getting hitched for the first time or more mature couples on their first, second or third wedding, no matter what, it is joyous and fun. Tez and Grant were obviously both very excited. Grant was seen nervously wandering around looking pensive and smoking a ciggie or two

before the ceremony. I smiled thinking how cute this is, considering they had lived together for many years the cementing of this union by way of marriage was something both of them were taking very seriously.

We were fortunate that at the time of their wedding, our very own relieving caretaker George was a man of the cloth, a former Presbyterian Minister in fact, and he looked every part a man of faith in his formal regalia and ‘dog collar’. I almost didn’t recognise him, having always been used to seeing George in his naturist

uniform at the club.

The service was very moving and I saw a tear in the eye of a few that were present to witness these two naturists honouring their long time union. George carried out an absolutely wonderful wedding ceremony. His words of wisdom to the couple were drawn from his many years of experience in the church. What an honour and what great timing it was to have George there to carry out this service.

Not only is he a great pool and grounds-man he’s a dab hand at a wedding.

I admire Tez and Grant

for having their wedding clothes free. Tez looked every part the bride with a beautiful floor length lace embroidered head veil. She also wore a gorgeous long white dress with red roses, and Grant got into formal clothing for their textile photos for family and friends who couldn’t be there on the day. Then they were married ‘au naturel’ and photos taken with club members and the gorgeous little flower girl; the youngest member of our club.

We wish Tez and Grant much happiness together in naturism.

gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 37

40 years in The Orchard November 2014 saw the Orchard Sun Club celebrate their 40th anniversary and twenty-five years on their present grounds at Sutton. This report is brought to you by their Social Convenor, Julie Haldane.

F

ormer members from as far away as Australia travelled to New Zealand and celebrated this milestone with us.

The weather was good, but windy, and in the wee hours of Sunday morning we had to take the marquee down due to the strength of the wind.

Naked bodies trying to hold down the marquee while others tried to take out the pegs was a sight to behold. It looked like a midnight game of ‘Twister’.

A crowd of around 60 people attended the celebrations. Saturday saw a few ‘fun’ games with a gumboot and hula hoop, and while some entertained themselves with a round of golf, petanque and miniten etc., some of us drew the ‘short straw’ and ended up doing kitchen duties in preparation for the meal.

A lovely three course meal was enjoyed by everyone and followed by several speeches.

Afterwards; an evening of dancing and frivolity with great music provided by Murray Mackay. The anniversary cake was cut by our current President and remaining ‘first member‘, Keith with our oldest member, John Mullen who is now in his eighties.

Above: John and Keith cutting the anniversary cake; below: The anniversary garden.

Raffles were drawn and our giant grocery hamper went to a former member, Maureen from Australia, but because she couldn’t carry it back as hand luggage on the plane she forfeited it for a smaller prize.

Our main prize of a stay for two at ‘Time-out Cottages’ in Manapouri went to Gavin and Jude from South Canterbury.

All in all it was a fantastic weekend of reminiscing and catching up with a lovely bunch of people. Roll on to our 50th anniversary so we can do it all again.

38 gonatural Issue 232, March 2015

Around & About...

Will Fraser Memorial Nude Dinner at The Wrinkly Rams Cafe and Wine Bar, Omarama and 4 W D trip in Kurow

The Will Fraser Memorial Nude Dinner will be held Saturday 28th March at The Wrinkly Rams Cafe. $40.00 for a three course meal. Phone Shirley Fraser 03 436 0442 before 20th March.

One year to the day since Will’s death, we’re meeting in Kurow on March 28th, for the Will Fraser Memorial unveiling.

Anyone with a 4WD is invited to join the usual crew for a week-long trip camping and driving to the ‘south of the south’, and finishing up in Christchurch on the 4th of April (Easter weekend). The trip will take in sites and regions that cannot normally be accessed; as well as remote but ordinarily accessible locations.

Please contact Nick on phone 021 495 021 or email: beachbum@clear.net.nz to register your interest and for further details.

Bay of Plenty Sun Club We proudly announce that we can now provide accommodation at our little slice of paradise.

In addition to our ‘basic’ hire caravan we have recently sited a brand new purpose built cabin which can cosily accommodate two people in comfort.

Although it is sited next to our spa pool and club room, we have installed a small refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. Bed linen can also be provided.

Our charges are a modest $40 per couple for 24 hrs which includes our day visitor’s fee.

All of us at Bay of Plenty Sun Club look forward to welcoming all our fellow non camping/camper-vanning naturists.

For more information check out our website.

SO SEE YOU SOON Mark Palmer

Wai-natur Naturist Park

It’s not often you hear us begging for rain, but we sure could do with a really decent downpour.

With only four nights of rain since the beginning of this year, the grounds are looking really parched.

That hasn’t stopped visitors arriving in record numbers this season. It’s been such a lot of fun for all ages; 3 to 73, including Valentine from France who quickly lent a hand to clean the pool, enjoying the never-ending sunshine, frolicking in our fabulous solar-heated swimming pool and camping naturally in secluded and sheltered surroundings.

Wai-natur offers a freedom of choice, freedom to be with like-minded people and freedom from the hassles of clothing. The location, in a spectacular region of iconic scenic areas within an hour’s drive offers the freedom to be as nature intended in many of those areas.

We’ve been told that Wai-natur has an enviable reputation among the naturist community as we offer a unique freedom of choice not found in other types of accommodation. A large, beautiful garden in the heart of sunny Marlborough where families, couples and singles can enjoy a stress-free break without the restrictions of ‘belonging’ to a club i.e. no working bees, no joining fee or subscription and no committees.

Never one to sit around idle for very long, Brian has been busy with his latest project: Shed 3. In addition to our spacious B&B guest rooms in our homestay, we now have three cabins for hire (the largest of these has an ensuite bathroom) in addition to the three on-site caravans in the camping area. With five acres, there is plenty of space for campervans, motorhomes or tents; powered or otherside.

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting, we have all the amenities of a regular holiday park (yes, we are a licensed camping ground) including a communal recreation room with kitchen and lounge area, barbecues and two shower/toilet blocks. In addition to the aforementioned fabulous swimming pool, a hot spa and sauna are available for your enjoyment.

Wai-natur - why not!

Kay Hannam gonatural Issue 232, March 2015 39

Around & About...

Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club

We have had some very good social events during the spring and early summer including a Rocky Horror Evening with five Frank N Furters, and a stupendous Christmas Dinner with enough left over for a nice Sunday lunch. Several members came to the club in the evening of Christmas Day for a get-together.

On New Year’s Eve we had an excellent firework display organised by Darryl. Several members jumped in the pool for the first swim of 2015 but were quick enough to get in the spas to warm up.

Our regular monthly takeaways have included a Burger Night and a Fish and Chip supper.

Our Open Day in November generated a surprising amount of interest bearing in mind the lousy weather. We have had some productive working days and are coming towards the end of our review of our Constitution and Rules.

At the time of writing we are preparing for the Oranui Games at the end of January. As I always seem to say “altogether it has been a busy few months with no sign of a let up.”

Jeff Norman

Wellington Naturist Club

There has been plenty happening at the Wellington Naturist Club over the last couple of months. The grounds are looking great and the pool is getting maximum use. It’s great to see the many visitors who visit the club for a day or a few nights. Our overnight accommodation is proving very popular.

In December we held a Naturist Art Exhibition. Rob, Marie and Trish put in a tremendous effort and the exhibition attracted 22 artists and 97 paintings. It was a great idea and brought new visitors into our club. It was professionally organised and foundation is laid for future exhibitions.

In February we hosted the Hash House Harriers. This is an annual event and again brings people into the club that would otherwise not have visited. After an 8 km run or 5 km walk, a dinner is provided and visitors have use of the pool, sauna and spa. Special thanks to Brent and Wayne who organised this event.

In addition to these special events we have our regular social calendar. Before Christmas we had a progressive dinner that was well attended. Wellington anniversary weekend coincided with Go Natural week where we had an open day and a spit roast on the Sunday evening. In addition we held the club petanque competition.

Every Sunday throughout the summer there is an afternoon tea and these are always well attended.They provide an ideal opportunity for visitors and prospective members to meet other club members.

A great deal of work has gone into improving our facilities. The power project took a giant leap forward with the installation of an electrical pillar at the entrance that enables us to finish the underground power project. This is especially important in future proofing our power expansion to accommodate extra powered sites, and the 2016 INF Congress.

Mike has done an amazing job in driving this project forward.

March and April often bring an ‘Indian Summer’ to Wellington and we look forward to plenty of visitors and new member enquiries.

Malcolm Scott

40 gonatural Issue 232, March 2015

Readers’ pics

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for health and wellbeing