A long time ago in the long dark midsts of time, in the times before facemasks, social distancing, lockdowns and misinformation on social media. I'm talking about 2019, so chronologically not that long ago, but it feels like a lifetime. Anyway back in what seems like ages ago, a group of naturists here in Tauranga used to get together once a month at a local hot pool for a regular catchup and a meal. The venue was normally closed on a Monday evening, but once a month would open up specifically for our group, and offered a set menu (to simplify catering) and use of the hot pool facilities.
Totally agree. If we rely on shared nakedness to hold us together we’ll soon run out of things to talk about! What’s important is the shared experience/event, not what anyone’s wearing or not wearing for it. Getting that across to the wearers, that’s another challenge ...
I think this is an excellent idea. Local groups in the U.S.A. should take note and try the same approach. We have to do whatever we can to normalize public nudity.
Some excellent points, Steve. Yes, a group of hikers where some are clothed and some naked look far less "oddball" to others on the trail. I've noticed that on several occasions. On one such hike in Auckland we even went right back to the busy carpark naked and started chatting with others we'd met along the way, and the nudity was hardly seen as anything remarkeable. Similarly on the Billygoat hike a few months ago.
I think the trap that some groups fall into is that the organisers arrange every event and end up spoonfeeding their members. Then, when personal circumstances get in the way, no events happen and the group starts to fall away. It's far better for members of any group to be proactive and set up activities themselves. For groups like Hauraki Naturally, with members across the whole country, that is especially the case. And certainly focus on the activity. Look for those who are into similar interests as yourself and set up an activity around that interest - even if it's just a 500 Cards group or a BBQ afternoon or whatever - and make it clothing optional.
Totally agree. If we rely on shared nakedness to hold us together we’ll soon run out of things to talk about! What’s important is the shared experience/event, not what anyone’s wearing or not wearing for it. Getting that across to the wearers, that’s another challenge ...
I think this is an excellent idea. Local groups in the U.S.A. should take note and try the same approach. We have to do whatever we can to normalize public nudity.
Some excellent points, Steve. Yes, a group of hikers where some are clothed and some naked look far less "oddball" to others on the trail. I've noticed that on several occasions. On one such hike in Auckland we even went right back to the busy carpark naked and started chatting with others we'd met along the way, and the nudity was hardly seen as anything remarkeable. Similarly on the Billygoat hike a few months ago.
I think the trap that some groups fall into is that the organisers arrange every event and end up spoonfeeding their members. Then, when personal circumstances get in the way, no events happen and the group starts to fall away. It's far better for members of any group to be proactive and set up activities themselves. For groups like Hauraki Naturally, with members across the whole country, that is especially the case. And certainly focus on the activity. Look for those who are into similar interests as yourself and set up an activity around that interest - even if it's just a 500 Cards group or a BBQ afternoon or whatever - and make it clothing optional.