Naturists to cover up for public open day

SIMON BLOOMBERG/Nelson Mail

WEARING ONLY SMILES: Nelson Sun Club promotions officer Ed Knowles and his wife and club secretary Jutta enjoy a swim at the Sunrise Valley Rd resort.

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Nelson Sun Club naturists says it's not lewd to be nude but its members will still be covered up, for a few hours at least, on Sundaywhen they hold their annual open day at the Sunrise Valley Rd resort in Upper Moutere.

The club's members have agreed to "go textile" and wear more than just a smile when they open up the gates to the public from 10am to 3pm. Although they would have been happier remaining in their "normal" state, club promotions officer Ed Knowles conceded that might put off some visitors.

"Some people aren't that comfortable with nudity so we'll be wearing our clothes until 3pm. After that we'll take them off but people will be welcome to stay and join us."

Mr Knowles said they were holding the open day to increase public awareness about naturism in Nelson and attract new members to the already popular club. The club had about 100 members and 50-60 naturists, many of them overseas visitors, stayed at the club each day during the busy summer period.

"We've had a big growth in the number of international visitors in the last six or seven years. New Zealand is becoming a more popular destination and because naturism has been established in Europe for so long, we are getting more visitors."

The club's membership had also increased after the Mapua Leisure Park stopped its clothes optional policy, he said. Its members mostly came from the top of the South Island and represented all ages and professions.

Although many New Zealanders still regarded naturists with suspicion, Mr Knowles insisted it was perfectly normal to walk around as God intended. The only reason people needed to wear clothes was to keep warm and not because they had been conditioned by society to think that being nude was wrong, he said.

"The majority of New Zealanders wouldn't hesitate to go skinny-dipping on a secluded beach and they are very comfortable in that environment. It's so natural and once you get used to the idea of being naked in front of other people it seems normal."

Interestingly, Mr Knowles said many naturists with fuller figures felt more comfortable naked than clothed because there were no muffin tops or straining buttons to draw attention to their generous curves.

People interested in joining the club can phone 027 7108025 or email sunrise@nelsonnaturally.co.nz. However, Mr Knowles said potential members would be carefully screened to ensure the environment remained safe and friendly.

"We don't hand out membership willy-nilly. Families that come here need to know that their children are safe."

- © Fairfax NZ News