Gore farmer Lloyd Bonnar, who came to media attention in April after neighbours complained of his nude beach walks at Kaka Point, has advertised the Catlins Naked ’n Wild clothing-optional walking group in the Clutha Leader for the past three months.
Contacted by the Otago Daily Times yesterday, Mr Bonnar said he had been "happy" with the response to the adverts, and planned to lead the first walk for the new group this summer.
"We’ve had perhaps 30 to 40 inquiries, from right across the country.
"We’re really just waiting for an improvement in the weather before deciding on a date for our first walk."
Nude walking was highly weather-dependent, because of the risk of exposure in cold conditions, Mr Bonnar said.
The group was yet to choose a specific route, although it would not be ruling out any locations.
"People always have the option to look, or to say hello and pass on by."
He was unfazed by earlier concerns regarding his nude walks at Kaka Point during recent summers.
A court case in August last year found his nude activities at his Kaka Point crib — which included walking, swimming and sunbathing on the adjoining public beach — were within the law.
The case arose after neighbours confronted Mr Bonnar regarding his activities.
In April, neighbour Michelle Rutherford said Mr Bonnar’s behaviour amounted to "exhibitionism" rather than naturism.
Yesterday, a community member who did not wish to be named said Kaka Point residents were "very unhappy" about the prospect of further naturists joining Mr Bonnar in the Catlins.
"We feel it’s a provocation.
"Some residents have also been in touch with the police to voice their concerns, as there have been further confrontations between [Mr Bonnar] and other beach users."
However, other correspondents supported his right to roam unclothed.
This was confirmed by University of Otago law Prof Andrew Geddis, who said, under most circumstances, the law allowed for nudity in public.
"It’s lawful to be naked in a public place unless it amounts to or involves disorderly or offensive behaviour.
"The way the law is applied means a certain level of tolerance and toughness is expected from individuals when encountering public nudity.
"If you don’t like it, step away."
