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.

Introducing the New gonatural Magazine Team

Following the recent resignation of gonatural Magazine's long standing Managing Editor Kay Hannam, we are thrilled to announce that the magazine has been transferred from one superstar into the hands of a team of enthusiastic professionals. 

Noel Thomas takes on the role of Business Manager and provides production services as well as administrative and accounting services. Noel first joined Pineglades Naturist Club in 1991 and has served on the committee for a total of 12 years. 6 of those years were as President, 5 as Treasurer and he is currently in the Buildings Maintenance position. He has also served a 2 year term as South Island Vice President for the NZNF. He and his wife love to travel and during their visits to Europe have visited a number of Naturist Resorts in France, Croatia and Spain.

Michael Moore has been a naturist for more than 25 years and has hosted over 300 international Couch Surfing guests to his nudist home.  He has visited naturist groups, clubs and beaches in UK, Germany, Australia and Asia.  In Wellington and Cairns, he established Sunboys, a social nudist group, and worked with local Council to access public swimming pool for naturists. He is a member of Pineglades Naturist Club in Christchurch. Michael is a strong advocate of community and grass-roots engagement and values sharing of positive stories.  Michael brings with him 30 years of public relations, publishing and journalism experience in the non-profit community and corporate sectors. 

Your stories and supporting images are always welcomed for addition to the next available edition of the magazine so please email editor@gonatural.co.nz with these. 

The magazine can only continue with your subscription and support. Please subscribe now at http://gonatural.co.nz/gonatural-magazine/subscribe/ to receive either the printed or digital version of the magazine.

Merci and Au Revior Kay

This September 2015 issue #234 marks Kay Hannam's final, as editor of 35 editions of gonatural Magazine.

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

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

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

Since late in 2007, Kay has not just edited the magazine, but published, distributed and managed the accounts and in 2009 she entered into a formal contract with the NZNF and became the Managing Editor.

Even when not pressured with a camp ground full of visitors, an upcoming trip away or administrative duties pending, editing and publishing the magazine can be a heavy and daunting task - thank goodness for her patient and understanding partner. But Kay, through her disciplined work ethics and excellent time management skills, has continued to grow magazine readership, along with contributions to the magazines, with submissions for her penultimate issue exceeding the page space available.

It is with much sadness that we must bid farewell to Kay as Managing Editor, but with enormous gratitude for her many years of incredible service and contribution to the magazine and wider naturist community. We have much appreciation also for the healthy state in which the magazine will be handed over to the new team which will manage, edit and publish it going forward.

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

Bon voyage and au revoir.

gonatural Magazine Issue #234 September 2015

Editors Letter:

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

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

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

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

Steve Webster describes an idyllic weekend at Waiongana. Who could ask for more? 
Sun, sea, long walks on the beach, mussels, paua, a swim in the pool, pizzas and beer. All with good company in Taranaki.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’m off to pack my suitcase.                                                      

Kay Hannam

Managing Editor

Anti-Censorship Statement

The New Zealand Naturist Federation is a member based affiliate organisation that is in turn affiliated to the International Naturist Federation.

The following is a statement regarding censorship issued by the International Naturist Federation for distribution to all media within Federation countries.

The International Naturist Federation opposes all censorship of the natural human body. Nudity is a fundamental expression of naturism. The human body in its natural state is neither indecent nor obscene. As evidenced by over a century of naturist experience and an abundance of scholarly research, mere nudity is not inherently any more sexual than a body concealed by clothing.

We are particularly concerned about increasing censorship of nudity in social media. Services such as Facebook have become so ubiquitous that they are effectively public spaces. We urge governments to regulate these services to secure free speech and prevent the suppression of ideas through ethnocentric censorship policies.

For more information about naturism in New Zealand, please visit our website or email info@gonatural.co.nz.

gonatural Magazine Issue #233 June 2015

Editor's Letter:

This magazine is packed with an exciting range of events and activities held over the summer. For the first time in my experience as editor, an excess of interesting articles arrived in my mailbox. Those items that didn’t make it will be featured in the September issue.
The steering committee of next year’s World Congress of Naturism are aware that many of you wish to be involved and have outlined a number of ways in which you can help; in addition, the announcement of an International Photographic Competition to be held in conjunction with the Congress.
Andrew and Donna Miller, are the new gonatural Product Merchandisers and have updated the range of products advertised on the website.
An update from NZNF President Wendy Lowe precedes the news that New Zealand Naturists have a new Secretary, Christine Bowers; plus NZNF Webmaster. Hans van Asperdt provides further answers to questions about your websites.
In Takaka for the World Naked Bike Ride, Daniel Jackson commented  “riding in the cold rain is a bit like swimming in cold water”. Paul Campion, from Waitati, wrote “a non-catastrophic ride ended at the beach”.
Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club members hold periodic working bees to weed and plant the Oranui Bush Block, described by Robin Pennell as a “living treasure”.
Peter Woods and his mates now know how wonderful Rotota is, having spent the day exploring the hot thermal stream and waterfall and traversing The Squeeze. Located in the State Forest, Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, Ngatuhoa Lodge provided a relaxing few days in January for Cynthia McKenzie and several naturist friends.
Central Otago and Southland areas are renowned for incredible scenery which Possum captures vividly both in word and film. The Naked Overlanders Southern Sojourn held special significance this year as it began with the unveiling of a memorial to a dear friend.
Back up in the Far North, Rolf and Jose Comez found the ideal beach tocreate a unique Christmas card. Still in the Far North, John Lowe joined a new group, Northland  Naturists, who, for a three day visit over Waitangi Weekend found an idyllic site tucked away at the end of a road that goes nowhere… NUDVAN held a hot pools safari. The convoy,  which began near the hot water beach at Kawhia, included John Bowers and his wife Christine.
Marlborough’s Nude Adventure was all about style as our group of happy naturists enjoyed a dinner cruise on The River Queen, with a return trip from Wai-natur in a luxury coach.
The Coast to Coast Challenge between members of Taranaki and Hawkes Bay naturist clubs was hotly contested, and was best described by Wendy Lowe as a draw.
The End seems a funny way to start a story, but after ten years Ruth and Rod Pegg of Skinny Dip Tours have completed their final tour, leaving a gap for host clubs and naturist facilities and more especially for their guests who invariably asked ‘book us for next year please’.
This publication can best be described as ‘my penultimate issue’ of gonatural magazine. At the end of September a new team will take over as Manager and Editor. Among the many reasons … it’s time for change.
Kay Hannam
Managing Editor

2016 INF Congress Update - April 2015

Update:

The Congress Steering Committee met together in Wellington recently, to collaborate on details and plans for the congress which is now just 18 months away.

While the Steering Committee carry out much of the required planning by email, Skype and their shared project management app called Asana, meeting together in one place is invaluable.

Considerable progress was achieved over the weekend which included visits to possible off-site accommodation for overflow options and briefings, including a workshop, with Wellington Naturist Club, who are hosting the Congress.

As hosts, Wellington Naturist Club is looking to present their club to the highest standard they possibly can. This is something that all clubs should also be looking to do with many of the Delegates travelling around our country before and after the Congress.

The Steering Committee left after a full weekend of discussions and meetings with even more tasks but reinvigorated, focussed and excited.

A promotional video of WNC has been created and streamed on both the NZNF and WNC website and a Facebook friendly version is also on our FB page.

Covered in further detail below are the Congress draft programme, roles and responsibilities of the Steering Committee  along with details of the areas that assistance is required in, so please read on.

Draft Programme:

Thursday 17 November
Opening Ceremony & Cultural welcome - approx. 4pm
Keynote/INF speeches
Media
Photographic Competition - for duration of Congress Dinner: Hangi
Friday 18 November Business Meeting
Dinner: Spit roast (WNC Catered)
Saturday 19 November Business meeting
Dinner: Gala Dinner/Dance (outside caterers)
Sunday  20 November Business session (if required)
Optional Excursion
Farewells 

How You Can Help...

Helpers are required leading up to and during the congress to ensure the event is a success and delegates enjoy themselves. So please let us know now in which area of expertise you would like to help.
Here are a few suggestions:

• Catering – Morning/afternoon teas, breakfasts (continental), lunches, spit roast dinner

• Hall setup – tables/chairs, meeting rooms

• Club Works – Hygiene, spa/sauna/pool, refuse and recycling

• Security/Traffic control

• Registration

• Delegate goodie bags

• Drivers / Meet & greet

• Marketing/Sponsorship

Contact Kay Hannam outlining your area of expertise, your own suggestions and how you would like to help: congress@gonatural.co.nz

Steering Committee Responsibilities:

Kay  –  Chair INF Liaison
Registration
Accommodation
Interpreters/Sound
Sponsorship

June Catering
Entertainment
Cultural

Donna Marketing/Promotions
Treasurer
Website
Hall setup/Decoration                        

Follow the Progress:

To subscribe to our regular Congress newsletter please email congress@gonatural.co.nz and ask to be added to the list.

Like our Congress Facebook Page which has regular updates about New Zealand and the 2016 event.

Recent NZNF Appointments

The New Zealand Naturist Federation has recently made two appointments to available Appointee positions.

Christine Bowers was appointed as the New Zealand Naturists Secretary at the December 28 AGM. Christine and her husband John have been members of Waikato Outdoor Society since 1996, and previously members of Rotota. They are also members of NUDVAN where Christine is the Secretary.

At the beginning of February, Andrew and Donna Miller were appointed to take over as Merchandise Officers for gonatural Products. They have been members of Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club since 2007. Together they will assure orders are dispatched promptly, new products are added, and the brand is promoted throughout the country.

For more information on the other Appointees and NZNF Executive, go to our website. 

gonatural Magazine Issue #232 March 2015

Editor's Letter:

Four 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

64th NZNF Naturist Festival - Pineglades, Rolleston 2015/16

Every year the NZNF holds a National Festival to coincide with their AGM.  The festival runs for 7 days from 28 December to 3 January with the host club presenting themed entertainment each day and evening.

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

This year the 64th NZNF Festival will be hosted by Pineglades Naturist Club at their grounds in Rolleston, 20km from the centre of Christchurch.

Theme:

The theme for the festival this year is "Pineglades Rocks".

In the words of Christine Nee, Pineglades Naturist Club President and Festival Host, "Canterbury has been rocking and it's our Diamond Jubilee year and diamonds are rocks. There will be a bit of Rock'n'Roll and we are going to have a rocking good time!"

The programme will be exciting...as well as a full sports programme, there will be entertainment based on the Pineglades Rocks theme.

Facilities:

Pineglades' grounds are close to Rolleston with the township being just a 10 minute walk away. New World, Countdown, The Warehouse, cafés, restaurants etc. are all close by. But of course you won't need any of these because you will be too busy on the grounds at the Festival. The club is fully licensed with a well stocked bar and they will also have a shop with a range of items as well as their famous cone ice-creams.

Pineglades has a children's playground, three miniten courts, five pétanque piests, two tenequoits courts and a volleyball court. This year the indoor bowls will be held outdoors on the No.1 miniten court. They can get 6 mats on that court with plenty of room to play - they've tried it and it works very well.

Accommodation:

Unfortunately the club baches have already been booked out for the Festival, but there will be some members' baches and caravans available as well as lots of powered and non-powered sites for tents. Facilities include three toilets blocks, two shower blocks, and two kitchens.

Updates will be made with how plans are progressing and when you've registered you will get more detailed updates including the programme and what food items will be available from the shop.

So register now to be part of the rocking good fun and festivities at Pineglades Naturist Club and have some well-deserved R&R while you're there.

To find out more about the naturist community in New Zealand, check out our website gonatural.co.nz

For more information about "Pineglades Rocks" please email pineglades@gonatural.co.nz or Donna - NZNF Communications Officer communications@nznf.nz

Just Give it a Try - During "gonatural Week" 2015

The New Zealand Naturist Federation announces that “gonatural Week” will again be held throughout the country this year.

Each year during the last full week of January, the Federation holds gonatural Week to promote naturism and clothes-free recreation and the dates this year are 17th to 26th January. 

This gonatural Week, the New Zealand Naturist Federation is encouraging individuals, couples and families to “just give it a try” with many clubs around the country celebrating their lifestyle by inviting visitors to open days so they can discover the many benefits of naturism along with the facilities offered.

New Zealand Naturist Federation National President Wendy Lowe says, “This is your opportunity to experience the true benefits that being a naturist brings for good health and well being”. 

Naturism is by definition by the International Naturist Federation as "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”.

“From being close to nature, the newfound confidence you get about your body, to the stress relieving freedom that nude recreation brings, 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”, Wendy says.

But don’t just take our word for it. 

We hope that you can accept our invitation to visit one of the venues and have the opportunity to meet some members and better understand what naturism is all about. And once you have, you will wonder why you didn’t “just give it a go” years ago.

Wendy says “There is no pressure to undress – it is most important that you relax and have a good time”.

To find out more about the naturist community in New Zealand, check out our website gonatural.co.nz or for more information about ‘gonatural Week’ please email president@nznf.nz or communications@nznf.nz

gonatural Magazine Issue #231 December 2014

Editor's Letter:

Just Give it a TRY! This summer our enthusiastic Communications Officer, Donna Miller, kicks off the NZNF summer promotion by encouraging people to “just give it a go!” In fact at a recent function I was attending I was asked what brought me here, the surprising comment to my candid answer was “Oh, I’ve always wanted to give it a try”. Business cards were exchanged and a new friendship formed.

So where was this? I was attending the Tourism New Zealand Business Events Awards Dinner, held in the Mackelvie Gallery in the Auckland Art Gallery. My all expenses paid trip to Auckland was to join 38 other Conference Organisers to celebrate our successes, due in no small measure, to assistance provided by TNZ Business Events since its inception four years ago. Kerry Prendergast, Chair of Tourism New Zealand, introduced us to Stephen Joyce, Minister for Economic Development, who then presented each of us with a certificate. I also received a beautiful hand-crafted silver fern brooch. So join the steering team of June Campbell-Tong, Donna Miller and me and celebrate our successful bid to host the next INF Congress in New Zealand.

Some of us were lucky to spend time in Europe over the winter and if you look carefully at two of our articles, you will notice that Brent Anderson and Wendy and Nick Lowe visited the same naturist beach in Croatia during their European vacations. Our own travels brought us to many lovely naturist resorts in the South of France. Two months of friends, fun and food culminating in an emotional farewell from friends and family at L’Eglantiere. 

In New Zealand, in the north at Ngatuhoa, the annual summer camp held in January is an excellent way of recharging the batteries; and in Rotorua and surroundings you can explore some of the natural gems this wonderful area has to offer. 

One day last summer, Graham Macgregor and friends from the US, packed their lunch and went exploring - at Opoutere Beach - and what a beach! 

Now here’s a challenge. Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club is the only naturist 
club in New Zealand with its own gym. That sounds pretty good, as does the Oranui Games Nude Sports Tournament held at AONC during Auckland Anniversary Weekend. Another popular long weekend during the summer is Waitangi Weekend and the unique opportunity offered in February sounds like the place to meet up in the Far North. Check out other options for Waitangi Weekend and many other summer events in ‘What’s On’.

And for those of you who are on Facebook, ‘like’ our pages and share our posts with all your friends from here and overseas. 

Kay Hannam
Managing Editor

Announcing the Host of the 2016 Congress

Every two years the International Naturist Federation (INF) have a World Congress which is hosted by different Federations around the world. Just last week, the Irish Naturist Association hosted the INF and Delegates from around the world at a village called Drumshanbo for the 2014 INF Congress.   

The New Zealand Naturist Federation (NZNF) had submitted earlier in the year a bid to host the 2016 World Congress of Naturism in our wonderful country and Delegates at the 2014 Congress voted on that.

We are thrilled to announce that our bid was successful and that the 2016 INF Congress will be held at Wellington Naturist Club (WNC) on the dates of 16th ~ 20th November. 

We are extremely grateful for the significant assistance and resources received from Tourism New Zealand and also Absolutely Positively Wellington and acknowledge their role in securing the hosting rights. 

From registration to venue facilities and accommodation options, our plan is to host a world-class business event and cultural experience. We will make travel information and bookings for attendees professional and easy - with no detail missed.

While the business meetings and events will be held at WNC, there are opportunities for each club and naturist park around the country to host the many international visitors and delegates as they tour pre/post Congress. 

The Steering Committee for the 2016 Congress comprises of Kay Hannam, June Campbell-Tong and Donna Miller who report to Wendy Lowe (NZNF President) and Ken Mercer (Wellington Naturist Club President). 

Assistance will be required from many others with varying areas of expertise to ensure the success and professionalism of the event. Once these areas are identified, requests will be communicated to the naturist community and any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

A Facebook page has been set up to keep you informed with our ideas and plans so please "like" it and share it with your networks so you can be updated as things happen.