Council rejects nude running plea

Naturist Andrew Pointon was surprised when he sparked a police emergency. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A fitness fan who sparked a police emergency after a naked jog in Tauranga wants designated areas where naturists can run and cycle in the buff.

Andrew Pointon was given a police warning after a 7km "intrepid nude run" around McLaren Falls Park last week.

The 46-year-old, who has been a naturist for 16 years, was surprised three police cars and two park rangers turned up.

He had run, tramped and biked his way naked throughout the North Island without problems.

"Some people look away, some people will just smile back. Some people will stop and have a conversation."

Pointon, who works as a caregiver, is a former bodybuilder and keen runner and cyclist. He wants to combine his passions in "fitness naturism".

"We've got to find a designated area with signage."

Western Bay District Council spokesman Peter Watson said the organisation couldn't provide areas for "nude recreation" in parks and reserves.

In an email to Pointon he wrote that running or cycling nude in a public place could offend other members of the public, "in particular children".

Pointon is open about his naturist lifestyle and had told all his neighbours he did his lawns and gardening in the nude. "I've told them 'this is me, this is what I do', and they are fine with it."

One neighbour said Pointon was "lovely".

"It's not my cup of tea but I would rather live next door to a naturist than a P lab."