4 May 2018

NZers get muddy in the nuddy for World Naked Gardening Day

2:48 pm on 4 May 2018

People are being encouraged to do their gardening in the nude tomorrow for World Naked Gardening Day.

Nudists at The Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club.

Nudists at The Auckland Outdoor Naturist Club. Photo: RNZ / Eva Corlett

New Zealand Naturist Federation national president Donna Miller said it was about being close to nature.

"Essentially we're encouraging people to garden - clear leaves, do some pruning, all sorts of things - without clothes. That's essentially it."

"Enjoy the sun on your face, the breeze on your skin and just get close to nature," she said.

She said most people would be relatively practical and private, but people should be aware being naked is not illegal.

"It comes down to what your intention is. If i was to go walking down a street in a city I think my motivation could be called exhibitionism or something like that but if you're just going to be clearing leaves away, putting some colour into the garden and bending down and you're not out there flaunting yourself there is absolutely no problem.

"So if you are enjoying the elements ... and you're enjoying just doing your thing out in nature then there is nothing offensive about that and we would encourage that, absolutely."

She did recommend using protective gear for gardeners, particularly if using machines.

"You'd want your gloves on, you'd want your boots or your gardening shoes on and probably a hat as well, but nothing else is required really, you're getting warm, you're getting exercise, you're getting elements on your skin and you're close to nature."

She said the naturist club she belonged to in Auckland would be out in their section of native bush tomorrow and she would be with them, clearing invasive weeds from the area.