gonatural Magazine Issue #224 March 2013

The March 2013 #224 edition of gonatural Magazine has now been printed and sent. If you're a subscriber then you should have received your copy in the post or a notification that the digital version is available.

In this Issue #224:
A surprise luncheon was held at Auckland Outdoor Naturist club for Les Olsen who was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the New Zealand Naturist Federation.
New Year, new page...NZNF Communications Officer, Donna Miller signals a fresh and professional update to the website: www.gonatural.co.nz.
Also this wonderfully warm spell of fine weather is ideal for visitor days - Donna suggests a number of ways in which members could open their grounds and maximise the exposure of clubs to potential members and show grounds and facilities at their best.
Miniten is described as ‘the beautiful game’ at Pineglades Naturist Club which now boasts two beautifully refurbished courts. We bring you news of three attempts to secure the Skinny Dip World Record held around New Zealand during the summer; and Ken Mercer ruminates on a sporting dilemma experienced at national festivals.
Is there a difference between baloney and blarney? Find out if there is in Ireland Naturally.
Summer notes from The Orchard tell us about the fun to be had in Central Otago including the annual K Cup Miniten Tournament in Middlemarch during the middle of March.
Variety is the spice of life and aptly describes the Aquarian festival activities. Pam Griffin brings you a delightful article and several photos from the New Age of Aquarius Festival held by the Wellington Naturist Club at Te Marua.
A very special naturist wedding day was celebrated at Te Marua (Wellington Naturist Club) on Saturday 5th January with several friends and family in attendance - introducing Wendy and Nick Lowe, whose photo graces our front cover.
Somehow, many of the naturists attending the festival fitted in some naked action on the Rimutakas and Pos Shute brings you this feature. More on the Nude Dude in America - this time from DeAnza Springs.
Well known in the Australasian naturist community, Ruth and Rod Pegg have taken on the lease of Valley Naturist Bush Retreat in Far North Queensland and invite you to see and enjoy the many recent improvements to the property.

If you don't currently receive the magazine then you can subscribe to either the printed or digitial version by here. 

61st NZNF Rally

The New Age of Aquarius is here...

Every year the New Zealand Naturist Federation holds an annual rally to coincide with their AGM.  The Rally runs for 7 days from 28 December to 3 January and includes a full sports programme, with trophies fiercely fought for, and the host club presents themed entertainment each day and evening.

This year the 61^st NZNF Rally will be hosted by Wellington Naturist Club at their grounds in Te Marua, Upper Hutt.

The theme for the this year's Rally is "A New Age of Aquarius". We farewell the last Age of Pisces and welcome in the new Age of Aquarius – looking back at the last Age, celebrating the food, fashion, and the music, then looking ahead to what the New Age of Aquarius might bring. The programme is exciting and there is an activity day and night to suit every "child of universe".

These Festivals are a chance to reconnect with old friends and to make some new ones…a time to relax and "reboot” enjoying clothes-free recreation together.

We want to promote a positive awareness of naturism both locally and nationally. As part of "imagining the future" we want to look at where we, as naturists, might be in the future. We hope to see interested naturists at the Festival in Wellington and look forward to heralding the "New Age of Aquarius" with you.

To find out more about the naturist community in New Zealand, check out our website www.gonatural.co.nz. For more information about the 61^st NZNF Rally please contact either Ken Mercer (Festival Co-ordinator) via email registrations@wellingtonnaturists.co.nz or Donna Miller (NZNF Communications Officer) on 027 4800052 or nznf.pro@gonatural.co.nz.

gonatural - December Issue #223 out now!

Hot off the press...the latest issue of gonatural Magazine has just hit letterboxes and magazine stands around the country! 

In this edition there are lots of stories and news from clubs and organisations around New Zealand as well as insights from the recent INF World Congress held at Koversada in Croatia. 

From club improvements and rejuvenation to celebrating milestones with a bang; from enjoying the great outdoors clothes-free to visiting historic gardens - the stories in this issue abound and there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

So make sure you pack this in your travel or beach bag this summer and even if you've finished reading it by then there will be something else you will get from reading it second time around!

To subscribe to receive either the printed or digital edition you can do that here.

The New Age of Aquarius is almost here...

It's a little over seven weeks until naturists from around the country, and some from around the world, get to reunite in Wellington at the 61st NZNF Rally. 

Every year the New Zealand Naturist Federation holds an annual rally to coincide with their AGM.  The rally runs for 7 days from 28 December to 3 January each year and includes a full sports programme, with trophies fiercely fought for, and the host club puts on entertainment each day and evening.

This year the Rally will be hosted by Wellington Naturist Club at their grounds in Te Marua, Upper Hutt.

The theme for the Rally is "A New Age of Aquarius"...come and celebrate with us as we farewell the last Age of Pisces and welcome in the new Age of Aquarius. 

We will be looking back at the last Age, celebrating the food, the fashion, the music, and then looking ahead to the New Age of Aquarius.

The Festival will be a chance to reconnect with old friends, make some new ones, a time to "reboot" and time to imagine what the new era could be like...and New Years Eve is going to be a blast.

The programme is exciting...from surfing hippies and Lady Gaga to Radio Gaga...there is an activity day and night to suit every "child of universe".

We want to promote a positive awareness of naturism both locally and nationally. As part of "imagining the future" we want to look at where we, as naturists, might be in the future.

There is still time to register...you can download a registration form here or contact registrations@wellingtonnaturists.co.nz for more information.

We hope to see you in Wellington and look forward to heralding the "New Age of Aquarius" with you.

Go Natural - During 'gonatural Week'

Typically the words ‘go natural’ bring thoughts of not colouring or straightening hair to mind. But to many people those same words mean an opportunity to experience the stress relieving freedom that nude recreation brings.

New Zealand Naturist Federation announces “gonatural Week” will be held nationwide from 20^th ~ 28^th October. This annual week begins on Labour Weekend, which generally signals to New Zealanders the beginning of the warmer weather.

Naturism is by definition "a way of life in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, linked to self-respect and tolerance of differing views together with respect for the environment”. Naturism is a holistic approach to healthy living that leads to an improvement in both physical and mental health, stemming from a person feeling better about themselves and their body.

But don’t just take our word for it.

Naturist clubs throughout the country will be celebrating their healthy lifestyle by holding various events during the week. Some clubs are holding open days inviting individuals, couples and families to visit and discover the many benefits of naturism for good health and well being - but there is no obligation to get undressed.

We hope that you can accept our invitation to visit one of these venues and have the opportunity to meet some members and to better understand what naturism is all about. And once you have, you will wonder why you didn’t ‘gonatural ‘ years ago.

To find out more about the naturist community in New Zealand, check out our website www.gonatural.co.nz or for more information about ‘gonatural Week’ please contact Donna Miller nznf.pro@gonatural.co.nz

gonatural - September Issue #222 out now!

Another eagerly anticipated issue of gonatural Magazine, packed full of interesting articles and photos, is now available.

In this issue we look ahead to the warmer months and particularly gonatural Week in October where we showcase and promote clothes free recreation. Donna, the NZNF Communications Officer, gives hints and advice for club open days and how to make the most of the opportunities provided during this annual nationwide promotion. 

Articles from around New Zealand feature in the magazine with the story of a "good southern bloke - naturally" in the magestic Central Otago region ; stories of the Bay of Plenty Sun Club members and their trip to Rainbow Mountain in the Rotorua region; The Orchard participating in World Naked Bike Ride - Otago style; and Cantabrians also have a few stories of their own after a large group bared all at Spencerville Beach.

From around the world we bring the story of walkers taking part in the 'Bay to Breakers' 12km fun run in San Francisco naked; and also an article and photos from a well known UK naturist photographer.

You can subscribe online to receive the printed version of this beautiful magazine by mail or if you prefer a digital version this can also be ordered online. The publication is also available at specialty magazine stores nationally.

Spring has (almost) Sprung...

Today we welcomed the 1st of August. 

If you go by calendar months we are now two thirds of the way through winter - a very uplifting thought indeed. 

The very early signs of spring are out there - the smell of grass and onion weed; daffodil about to open; trees and shrubs beginning to bud; and lambs cavorting in the paddocks. 

With that in mind I'm sure you feel heartened that the end of winter is now in sight and you can put your thoughts towards making plans for the summer.

So let us help you with some ideas and links to start your search for places where you can head to and options for the perfect summer getaway.

Firstly, and probably most importantly, there is the 61st NZNF Rally. Every year, the NZNF (New Zealand Naturist Federation) holds an annual rally to coincide with their Annual General Meeting.  The rally runs for 7 days from 28 December to 3 January and includes a full sports programme and the host club puts on entertainment each day and evening. 

This year the rally is being hosted by the wonderful and talented members at Wellington Naturists (Inc.). 

It is shaping up to be a fantastic festival and their theme is "A New Age of Aquarius". They would love you to join them in celebrating the food, fashion and music of the last Age of Pisces, and welcome in the New Age of Aquarius, looking ahead to imagine what that could be like.

Next, order a copy of Holidays NZnaturally for a comprehensive guide to accommodation and camping options for all New Zealand naturist and naturist-friendly homestays, B&Bs, clubs and resorts. This recently updated booklet, compiled by Kay Hannam (co-owner of Wai-natur and editor of gonatural magazine) includes details, up to date contacts, maps and directions for places to spend your next naturist holiday. The guide is available in print, on CD, and also as an e-guide and can be ordered online or by sending a cheque to the address on their contact page.

The NZNF website has links to the individual websites of naturist clubs and locations around New Zealand. Follow those links to make enquiries directly with the club secretary or resort regarding camping or cabin (where available) accommodation options and availability. 

If you are thinking of heading further afield (overseas), then check out the INF's (International Naturist Federation) website. This site has links to naturist locations, resorts and clubs all around the world. 

So chase any lingering winter blues away with thoughts and plans for a wonderful summer. Reconnect with old friends at the Rally or make some new ones by staying at a club you haven't visited before. But most importantly, take some time out to reboot and recharge yourself naturally.