Remembering Kay Hannam
27 June 2026
Kay Hannam was one of the most influential figures in NZ naturism.
It is with great sadness that we recently heard of the passing of Kay Hannam. She was one of the true titans of New Zealand naturism. She was the owner of Wai-natur Naturist Park, authored a book about her naturist experiences “Nude with Attitude” and was editor of the GoNatural naturist magazine for many years.
Along with Donna Miller and June Campbell-Tong, she worked towards a bid to host the INF Congress in New Zealand – it had only been held in the Southern Hemisphere once previously, in Brazil. The bid was successful with 24 countries being represented at the INF Congress in New Zealand chaired by Kay.
She was awarded life membership of the NZNF for her many contributions to the naturist movement.
Kay’s warmth, commitment and tireless support of naturism touched countless lives. Her contribution to the naturist movement in New Zealand leaves a lasting legacy, and she will be remembered with gratitude and affection by many.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Kay’s family and friends and honour a remarkable woman who gave so much to our community.
Kay was a prominent spokesperson for the naturist movement in NZ, and spoke to the media on multiple occasions over the years. Here are some of the articles where she was referenced.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/86174725/marlborough-naturist-set-to-uncover-attraction-of-new-Zealand
https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/5814065/Normalising-nudity
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/3363906/Naturists-get-in-the-swing
https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/7916868/Living-naturally
https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/8521400/Memoir-is-the-naked-truth
https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/editors-picks/8317793/Fun-weekend-in-the-nude
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/123225408/naturist-community-gets-behind-parkinsons-disease-support-in-marlborough
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0211/S00061.htm
https://www.marlboroughsun.com/blogs/news/doodle-to-design
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/naturists-get-together-in-the-altogether/2D2HQIBEOZNZ3DINNU2CHOILQE/
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/1301834/nudist-market
June-Cambell Tong wrote the following fitting tribute to Kay:
"I first met Kay over 40 years ago at a naturist rally held at the Pineglades Naturist club in Christchurch where she was a member. I recall one time when she was a sultry Marlene Dietrich singing ‘Lily Marlene’ while my late husband Bevan accompanied her on his cornet.
Kay was elected President of the New Zealand Naturist Federation in 1997 and on several occasions was the Federations representative at International Naturist Federation Congresses. At one congress held in Norway she ended up sleeping in a police station when she couldn’t find any other accommodation near the venue.
After Brian and Kay developed their Naturist camping venue at Tekapo, they were instrumental in introducing many non-naturists to the life style.
Kay was passionate about sharing and promoting naturism in New Zealand and they developed the idea of the McKenzie Muster, a crazy mix of entertainment and activities.
In 2006 they sold Tekapo and moved to the Wairau Valley where they established their next resort ‘Wai-Natur ’which quickly established itself as a mecca for naturists from around New Zealand and overseas.
Before this time Kay had decided she wanted to write a book and took a writer’s course in Blenheim. She went on to write ‘Nude with Attitude’ and it has been distributed around the world, a good record of her remarkable life up till then.
The International Congress in Wellington in 2016 that resulted in friendships that still are in effect today. As a result of planning the Congress together, Kay, Donna and I developed a wonderful, enduring friendship.
Donna and I will miss her company so much but are both happy she can now join Brian on their next adventure together.
In January 2024, Kay and partner Brian were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation, to celebrate the many years of dedication, and passion for the naturist lifestyle and their ongoing support of WNC.
Fly high girlfriend, it’s been great knowing you.."