Nudists bare all for open day

Rotorua Naturally is holding two open days this weekend to encourage people of all ages to embrace the naturist lifestyle.

Held on Saturday and Sunday, the social group is inviting people  to visit, have a cup of tea or coffee, listen to some music and relax _ with no clothes on.

Andrew Valk and his wife Sharlene run Rotorua Naturally from their home and encourage like-minded people to get together and be part of the naturist lifestyle.

"It's a totally open day for those who want to know about the naturist lifestyle _ why be a naturist and that sort of thing, to learn what it's about.

"We're having teas and coffees and can just sit down and chat, listen to music, jump in the spa, play with the two guide dogs that will be there _ just generally having fun and trying to get people interested.''

Mr Valk said they wanted to set up a trust and were looking for people who would be interested in joining them to help with the organisation and to become part of the committee.

He said they planned to be "out and about'' this summer at the lakes and at walks.

"You will notice the Free Beach Group signs, they are a yellow sign with a teddy bear on it, so we can section off an
area where we will be. It is a family orientated group.''

If enough younger people were keen to join, Mr Valk said there was the possibility of taking a group across to Aus
tralia to compete in the Nude Olympics.

"It's a lot of fun, I think it's time to take on the Aussies _ it's got to start somewhere so let's start it from Rotorua.''

Mr Valk said they were also running a competition through the school holidays for people to design a logo for Rotorua Naturally to use on their cars and letterheads.

"We're looking for people who are handy with Photoshop and that sort of thing to design us a logo. We're putting up a silver cutlery service in a nice wooden box as a prize.''

The open days will be on Saturday and Sunday from 10am. Mr Valk asked people to register  at www.rotoruanaturally.co.nz, by calling (07) 346 2195 or emailing runningbare@xtra.co.nz.