'Nude, not rude' - Naturism making a comeback

[NudieDaniel]

Eva Corlett, Reporter

@EvaCorlett eva.corlett@radionz.co.nz

Baring bottoms and flouncing fleshy bits at nudist clubs may seem like a lifestyle from a bygone era, but it's having something of a renaissance.

Young people are embracing their nakedness in shared spaces, which has led to a rise in Facebook groups with hundreds of members and boosted numbers at nudist clubs.

One club that's experienced a boost in bodies is the Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club.

It was created almost 70 years ago and sits on 26 acres of native bush and grounds on the outskirts of Henderson. There's a swimming pool, two spas, tennis courts, bush walks and the "Barebum Bar", open for drinks and BBQs. Occasionally, there are dress up parties and a nude olympics.


Membership was highest in the 1980s at 700. Interest has steadily waned since then and now that figure sits at 280. But that's 40 more people than 2016, with a majority of those younger than 35-years-old.

Some naturists are permanent residents but most come for holidays or weekends - like Tharanga, who is 28-years-old.

"It's freeing to liberate oneself from clothing," he said, "because no one is judging or looking at your body in a strange manner".

It allows people to "let down their barriers," said another member Niall, 30, who has been abandoning his attire at the club door for around four years.

"You see the person for who they are - they're not hiding behind anything," he said.

"No problems, no clothes."

Another member, Cameron, 15, is a second generation nudist. He grew up around naturists so it's perfectly normal for him, but he tends to keep it quiet from school friends.

"It's a bit embarrassing in a way around friends, and the judging is terrible," he said.

But Cameron said it's a family atmosphere and the lack of tan lines and great club facilities are a bonus.

Despite his reluctance to reveal his naturist second-life, a growing culture of tolerance in New Zealand could be pushing up naturism numbers, the president of Naturism NZ, Donna Miller, said.

Donna Miller, President of Naturism New Zealand. 

Read more at


https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/347383/nude-not-rude-naturism-making-a-comeback

[cc71]

That's really cool

[cp]

Good for them, cool read.. Thanks for sharing

[jtguitdrum]

that's so awesome and great to read. amazing to know that nudism/naturism is still thriving especially with us younger folks