No togs beach events cause angst
A campaign encouraging nationwide nudity at beaches has got some people’s knickers in a twist.
Nudist groups NZ Naturist Federation and Free Beaches NZ are calling on people to go nude at a beach near them today.
The event, called ‘‘day without togs’’, promotes tolerance and respect.
Main events will be held at Uretiti Beach in Northland, Ladies Bay in Auckland, Ocean Beach in Hawke’s Bay, Peka Peka Beach in Kapiti Coast and South New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.
However, Auckland residents have raised concerns about nudists on public beaches and the impact it could have on children.
Free Beaches NZ president Wendy Lowe said no backlash was expected because most of the events were being held at nudist beaches.
‘‘It’s important to note that it is legal to be naked anywhere in public.
‘‘We’re always mindful of people around us, we tend to stay at beaches, riversides, and naturist parks.
‘‘You can go to any beach but to find some like-minded people, you should go to the specific events.’’
A police spokesperson said there was no law against being naked in public. Police would respond to any call for service on a case-by-case basis.
However, the Summary Offences Act states that anyone who intentionally and obscenely exposes any part of his or her genitals within view of any public place is liable to imprisonment for up to three months or a fine up to $2000.
Anyone who was concerned or felt unsafe could contact police, the spokesperson said.
On social media site Neighbourly.co.nz, east Auckland residents were against the campaign.
Glendowie resident John Smart said it was ‘‘just ridiculous’’.
‘‘I know there are beaches where people can go but is baring all appropriate on any beach? No. Think of our children for starters.’’
St Heliers resident Nina Harding said it was fine at nudist beach Ladies Bay, because it was well hidden, but it wasn’t acceptable at popular beaches.
‘‘It’s just not appropriate. It shouldn’t be tolerated at popular public beaches like Mission Bay. Think of kids walking along seeing people not wearing clothes.’’
This year was the first year the event was called a ‘‘day without togs’’, previously it was called ‘‘a day without bathing suits’’. The change was to appeal to a younger demographic, Lowe said.
Turnout varied from beach to beach, year to year, and was weather dependent, but Christchurch usually had a very good turnout, she said.
The first ‘‘day without togs’’ was held in Spain 11 years ago.