Peka Peka edgy as full moon nears

Nudists parading on Peka Peka Beach are again sparking complaints to police.

The complaints come ahead of a "skinny-dipping by moonlight" event being promoted to mark the next full moon.

Naturist group Free Beaches is inviting people throughout New Zealand to cast off their inhibitions and enjoy swimming without togs "when the great ivory ball creates a silver, rippling path across the dark blue sea" on February 8.

Sergeant Noel Bigwood, of Otaki, said police had responded to two complaints around Peka Peka during the holiday period. The first was from a father concerned about a nude man parading in front of families at the northern end of the beach.

Mr Bigwood went to look for the man but could not find him. While at the beach, he spoke to two young women, both aged about 20, asking whether they had seen a nude man walking along the beach and whether they had been offended. They told him: "Oh yes, because he was old and ugly."

Mr Bigwood, 58, said that was a bit tragic. "The man was described as about 45 years old. You can imagine how I felt – not great."

Nudity is allowed on Kapiti beaches as long as it is not offensive to other beachgoers.

Police also responded to a complaint about two nude men spotted near the Te Hapua Rd beach entrance, north of Peka Peka, which is a popular spot for gay men.

"As long as they keep out of the face of families and stay in reasonable seclusion, who can be offended?"

Asked about the full moon event, he said: "Skinny dipping per se is not a problem. Without revealing too much, I can highly recommend it. My only concern is water safety."

- © Fairfax NZ News