Nude Gardening Day

New Zealand will hold its first 'National Gardening Week Nude Gardening Day' on October 20th this year. 

National Garden Week, brought to you by Yates NZ, is held in the middle of October each year and this year, for the first time, is including Nude Gardening Day in its line up of activities. 

Following publicity in May this year of World Naked Gardening Day and the Southern Hemisphere conditions being less than favourable for gardening without clothes in New Zealand, a decision was made to shift the date to a more inviting time of year. 

After an approach by Yates NZ, we decided to align our nude gardening event with their National Gardening Week which has goals - fostering a love of gardening with a focus on growing not only plants but friendships, good health, strong communities and closer connections with nature - very similar to the fundamentals of naturism. 

This year, National Gardening Week is focussing on helping butterflies to flourish with a national Swan Plant planting day on October 20th. Butterflies, including the much loved Monarch Butterfly, are key pollinators for our fruit and veges. Last year saw a national shortage of Swan Plants, the main diet of Monarch caterpillars, causing a large number of the population to be wiped out and Yates is getting behind the drive to avert a similar crisis this year. 

The NZNF are thrilled to be onboard with this event, doing our bit to boost butterfly numbers, and highlighting the many benefits of getting outside clothes-fee for a person's mental and physical health and well-being. 

Many of our clubs around the country will be joining the Swan Plant planting day event and we hope that many of you will participate in Nude Gardening Day wherever you can also. 
 

In Honour of Polly

The naturist community lost one of their own recently. Polly Fairbrother was a beautiful lady, a true naturist, a kind spirit, and a special friend. 

Polly had been a member of Hawkes Bay Naturist Club for several years, previously to that a member of Wellington Naturist Club and many of us had met her at recent rallies in the North Island.  

Some who had the chance to meet Polly, knew of her tragic past and that she understandably continued to suffer the effects of a person who had gone through so much trauma. 

Some days Polly came across as a strong self-assured and spiritual lady who selflessly gave of herself in the healing of other people's physical and emotional pain. Other days, Polly hid under a grey curtain and couldn't be reached, being herself in need of healing from such great physical and emotional pain.

Sadly for us, Polly decided to leave her struggles here on earth and she took her own life.
I have written previously about our efforts to support and partner with the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand in order to reach members of their community and share with them the benefits that can be found through naturism and getting close to nature. 

From the role that vitamin D exposure plays in the relief of depression, the feeling of freedom and grounding found by walking with bare feet on the grass in the fresh air, to the experience of acceptance and respect that can be found within our community.  

Polly had a wide range of groups and communities that she was involved with but her father, Russell Fairbrother QC, described Rapere (HBNC) as "the one place that she felt some peace". 

If our efforts with the MHFNZ are in any way successful, we need to ensure our clubs are havens for all people. Places where every person, with all the diversity that they represent, are accepted. And acceptance sometimes means not taking offence or um-bridge when someone, who is under a grey curtain, isn't able to be in turn responsive. Many of our own members have "good and bad days". We don't necessarily know every circumstance that has brought a person to where they are today so we need to be kind and supportive to all. Every day. 

Polly was totally focused on sharing the message of health and well-being and while she was unable to continue her own fight, this doesn’t change the essence that tangible benefits and healing can be found through naturism and getting close to nature. 

Polly's passing has left a big hole in our community, and we need to carry on her legacy of caring for others and giving, even from our own lack of having. And while we are at it, we do need to care for and attend to our own acceptance and healing. In doing this, we can truly live in accordance with the naturist philosophy: "Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment".

World Naked Gardening Day

The New Zealand Naturist Federation is supporting the annual World Naked Gardening Day event and encouraging people around the country to garden without clothes on this Saturday.

Inspired by the success of the World Naked Bike Ride, the inaugural World Naked Gardening Day took place in September 2005 and in 2007 the event date was moved to the first Saturday in May annually.

Second only to swimming, gardening is at the top of the list of family-friendly activities people are most ready to consider doing nude. Gardening naked is not only a simple joy, but as you feel the sun and breeze on your skin it gives a healthy sense of both our body acceptance and our relation to the nature and the environment.

Anyone can garden, young or old, singles, family or community groups. From planting a herb garden or annuals on an apartment balcony, and families raking leaves in the back yard, to pulling invasive weeds along a bush track and cleaning up a section of beach.

In New Zealand, it is not illegal to be naked on your own property and in appropriate public places, such as beaches or even regional parks. It is not the lack of clothes that is the issue but any bad or deliberately offensive behaviour that goes with it.

Photo credit: Andrew Miller - New Zealand Naturist Federation

The New Zealand Naturist Federation is working to increase greater acceptance of non-sexual social nudity by the general population. Gardening naked, being close to nature and free of clothes in the fresh air all contribute to a sense of inner health and well-being.

But don’t just take our word for it, find out more about the benefits of clothes-free recreation and the naturist community in New Zealand on the New Zealand Naturist Federation website www.gonatural.co.nz.

Love the Skin You're In

This year the New Zealand Naturist Federation are creating a powerful summer campaign to create awareness of the benefits of naturism to a person's body, mind and soul.

 
The concept is "Love the Skin You're In" which aligns to our gonatural brand tag-line of ‘health and well-being’ and will focus on two really important issues that many are faced with today - positive body image and mental health awareness - and sometimes these are interlinked.

 

 
Body image is the mental representation that one creates of themselves, and because it is subject to all kinds of internal elements like our mood, our experiences and social attitudes, it often doesn't bear any close relation to reality or how others see you.   

 
A negative body image is one of the key reasons that more people do not embrace the naturist lifestyle. They mightn't have any issue with nudity per se and might even realise the many benefits that can be experienced physically from being clothes-free, but think it's only for other people feeling too self conscious or body shamed to partake themselves. Many of our members can attest to having similar feelings and issues with acceptance of their body before embarking on their naturist journey however almost as soon as they took that first step, or at least very early on, they found they were looking at themselves through  very different eyes. 

 

Self-esteem is greatly enhanced in the naturist lifestyle and our own self-esteem increases when we accept ourselves for who we really are. However, it isn't until a person gives it a try, that they can experience that concept for themselves. 

 
A negative body image can, but not always, lead to mental health issues. Writing about mental health can put it in a box rather than creating context around it somewhat trivialising the issue which is not our intention. One thing we know is that each sufferer and their symptoms are unique and individual. From depression and anxiety to stress and grief, mental health affects those close to most of us at some time in our life.

 
Hardly a week or day goes by where we don't hear of another person who has ended, or tried to end, the pain they are experiencing from their internal struggles. Sadly this often, although not exclusively, affects our men and young people. 

 
Wouldn't a better story be to show the effects and benefits that naturism can bring a person; being close to nature, feeling the breeze over all of your body and not just your face; hearing the sounds of nature and song of birds in the trees; grounding yourself to the earth by walking with bare feet on the grass.     

 
Researchers are discovering that vitamin D may play an important role in mental health and in depression and recently the Mental Health Foundation held their annual Mental Health Awareness Week with the theme again being"Nature is Key". It is being recognised that nature, sun and feeling free in the fresh air are important elements to helping a person towards better mental health.

 
In addition to this is the sense of community and caring that can be found throughout our member organisations where respect and acceptance of every person is evident and part of our naturist principles.

 
We do not expect that naturism is the one cure-all for every sufferer (it might be and that would be awesome), but we do believe clothes-free recreation and getting close to nature could form part of a person's journey to whole health that they possibly hadn't considered before.

 
Remember as a young child . . . the seemingly endless days of summer; the sprinkler going in the backyard; off come your clothes; the squeals of delight as you run through the water; jumping in the puddles; the feel of water, sun and breeze on your bare skin; the innocent fun and pure joy?

 
Our aim this summer is to share how everyone can experience the innocent joy, freedom and benefits that naturism brings to enhance their well-being, and to love the skin they're in.

For Health and Well-being...

Last weekend I completed a Half Marathon - my 7th in fact in as many years.

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 well-being is get 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 Well-being"!

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 work-outs in the nude on your home equipment. 

Photo credit: Jeff Norman

Used with permission by the NZNF

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 clothes-free...for your health and well-being.

Just give it a try...

Remember as a young child . . . the seemingly endless days of summer; the sprinkler going in the backyard; off come your clothes; the squeals of delight as you run through the water; jumping in the puddles; the feel of water, sun and breeze on your bare skin; the innocent fun and pure joy . . .

Maybe now as an adult . . . you dress at the last minute before leaving home; enjoying the lasting warmth of the shower; the kiss of air against your skin; lingering for as long as possible; the blissful feeling of being free from entrapments and stress . . .

To say life is busy is an understatement - it can be downright hectic even overwhelming at times. Work and leisure pull us several ways at once demanding every bit of energy and offering little or no respite or reward in return.

How recently have you just wanted to shake off the burdens and pressures of life, throw caution to the wind and experience that real freedom and pure innocent joy, of life as a child again?

Perhaps you have enjoyed a late night skinny-dip at the beach or taken advantage of a secluded spot at the river and gone for a quick swim and topless lie in the sun?

Naturism, nudism, skinny-dipping! It might have many names but just one meaning…non-sexual nudity and nude recreation!

You can shed the stresses of life, along with your clothes, and experience the many benefits of naturism which are wide and varied. From physical and mental health benefits; to therapy, stress release, pure freedom, and a sense of well-being; along with increased confidence and self esteem and also a connection with nature and natural vitamin D.

"Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, linked to self-respect, tolerance of differing views together with respect for the environment”.  

- International Naturist Federation 

The New Zealand Naturist Federation aims to promote nude recreation and non-sexual nudity as a healthy, natural and freeing lifestyle.

You do not have to be a member of any organisation to be a naturist. You could start around your home - gardening nude in the backyard if it's private or vacuuming inside without clothes...you're going to get warm anyway! 

But there are three options available if you do want to join an existing NZNF affiliated organisation and experience naturism with like minded people: 

• Free Beaches NZ Inc - No, it’s not illegal. All around our country are many recognised clothes free/optional beaches, rivers, and hot springs where you can relax or throw a frisby without clothes. Have you experienced the benefits and pleasures of sunlight, air and water on your whole body - in the wide expanse of nature? Free Beaches New Zealand Inc is the society which exists in order to defend the rights of skinny-dippers, beach naturists and all people who love to “go natural” in the great outdoors.  

• NZ Naturists - Is a group administered by the NZNF for people who want to experience the freedom of nude recreation but may not be ready to join a club or there isn't one close by. Members receive a quarterly newsletter advising events around the country and a subscription to gonatural magazine. A NZNF membership card with INF sticker introduces you to naturist clubs around NZ and the world. 

• NZNF Clubs - Around the country there are 17 NZNF affiliated clubs which have their own grounds, facilities and often accommodation. Many have courts for volleyball, miniten - a smaller version of tennis - swimming pools and spas. Social and sporting events are regularly scheduled at clubs and facilities like a clubhouse mean you can go indoors when the weather is bad. To visit a club, you can contact them via links on our website.

For more information on naturism in New Zealand, or answers to questions you might have, go to the FAQ Page on our website or contact us at info@gonatural.co.nz.

So this summer, whether at home, at a beach or a club...just give it a try! You will not be disappointed with how set free and wonderful you feel.

The Young Ones!

For a while now, it has been my desire and ambition to speak to young New Zealand naturists and to get our youth involved in naturism.

But how do I, a 40-something person, do this? I feel young - some might say I even look young - but I am not young and that's how the youth or young people view me.

It must be a big priority for other federations around the world currently too because as I researched for this piece, I found that the INF have just held a Workshop on Youth in Naturism in the past weekend, and this coming weekend the AANR are holding a Young Nudist Leaders Summit! So this is exciting...I just might be able to glean some information from those workshops, tailor it for the Kiwi youth, and begin to make a meaningful difference to young naturists here.

I became a naturist in my late 30s. But I do believe it was something that interested me way before I became a participant. If I could tell my younger self something...anything!...that would help me in my middle years...it would be "you don't have to wait 20 years to become a naturist"!

We all know that young people love to have fun - we used to love having fun too! They've had less time in their lives to become involved in, or cluttered by, social and community structures which discourage nudity, and because they have fewer taboos they are more inclined to try new or different things. They love doing daring things and sometimes that includes nudity in public - it might be skinny-dipping or nude rugby! Sure, they might start doing it for a laugh but you can guarantee that for a few it's something quite freeing and they do actually 'get' it. So, back to my question...

Why do more youth not embrace our different, perhaps even 'daring', lifestyle:

• Perhaps it's money, or lack of it. 
• Perhaps it's a case of 'antidisestablishmentarism' - maybe young people don't like belonging to a club because of rules and guidelines and youth are trying to make their own way by their own rules?
• Perhaps they have looked into it but our marketing hasn't captured them as young people - they perceive that it's for older people or families?
• Perhaps they've visited a club and found no one their age there?

Perhaps a little of all of these are true. However here are some counter arguments to the above list:

• We can make our membership prices for youth much cheaper than an adult - if they aren't already. And what's wrong with allowing them to have day visits without a long-term commitment? 
• Perhaps we can't change the nature of a young person, but we can show them that the rules and guidelines are to provide a safe environment for them and so that respect is shown to everyone - they're not there to dampen or be a kill-joy.
• By asking these questions we are trying to find out what what will "speak" to young people specifically - what engages them and what doesn't - then we can improve our appeal to them.
• Well, this would change around when our marketing was more appealing.

I believe there is a genuine willingness amongst the younger crowd to indulge in nude recreation. They participate with their friends in streaking, skinny-dipping and politically driven nude bike rides. 

Here are a few ideas that might make naturism more appealing and acceptable to young people:

• The words "nude recreation" should be used more. Most of our clubs offer miniten, swimming, and volleyball - these are recreational activities that young people enjoy. They like to be active to have fun with friends. 
• What's wrong with accepting them, welcoming them as you would a new member and including them in activities, without the expectation they will become members? The word naturism could imply an alternative lifestyle or conjure images of a nudist colony - young people don't want a change in lifestyle, they just want to have fun and to let their hair down from time to time. 
• We need to change our attitudes to young people when they do visit our clubs. They have piercings and tattoos - some in places that might seem strange to us. Talk to them, include them - don't view them with suspicion from afar.    
• We need an updated image that appeals to younger people. Images showing families with children playing or older couples walking along the beach are not going to appeal to where a young person is now. Images should be relevant, showing examples of nude recreation and also having a relevance to body acceptance and an expression of freedom.
• Similar to other federations around the world, we could start a Young Naturists group. The co-ordinator of this group would be young themselves (25 years of age or under), energetic and enthusiastic, and able to communicate well to young ones around the country and to organise gatherings and activities.  

These are but a few ideas. But it's a start, something to work on and to grow to something tangible. Hopefully more practical ideas will come out of the workshops and forums currently being held overseas. 

So expect to see this as a continuing theme. Join in the journey with us! Help by sharing your thoughts and knowledge of young people. If you're a young person, your insights would be invaluable in putting a strategy together.

Our website is: http://gonatural.co.nz/ and you can contact me by email at: nznf.pro@gonatural.co.nz