Fire flattens naturists' church

Naturists are devastated after a suspicious fire destroyed an old church on their Aparima, Southland, property.

Fire Service communications shift manager Brent Dunn said the church, about 60km west of  Invercargill, was ‘‘well ablaze’’ when firefighters arrived on the scene.

The church, owned  by the Southern Naturally naturist club, was destroyed by the blaze.

Mr Dunne said the fire was being treated as suspicious and investigators were looking into the cause.

Club secretary Wilma Kremer said she was devastated to hear about the fire. Seeing the results was ‘‘horrible’’.

‘‘It’s just flattened to the ground.’’

A firefighter examines the remains of the old church destroyed by a fire in Riverton. Photo: Ruby...
A firefighter examines the remains of the old church destroyed by a fire in Riverton. Photo: Ruby Spink

Although the church was not used by the nudist club, Ms Kremer was still disappointed as the club had intended to dismantle the church and build another sleep-out at the property.

‘‘The church windows had been taken out many years ago so it was just sitting there... but that’s not really the point.’’

The club is hosting an ‘‘open weekend’’ today and tomorrow, for people to come and try out  being ‘‘naked and free’’.

The club still intended to go ahead with the open days despite the fire.

Ms Kremer said members had planned to meet early to get ready for the weekend.

‘‘I suppose we’ll be cleaning up instead.’’

The club will clear the land and discuss it further at the next committee meeting.

When asked why the fire was being treated as suspicious, Ms Kremer said she could not think of anyone who would want to burn down the former church.

‘‘One day we’re on the TV...  and now we’re in the paper because it has burnt down.’’

It was not the sort of publicity the club wanted, she said.

Treasurer Alison Bennett said the building was ‘‘a bit of an icon’’ as it was believed to be about 100 years old.

She was devastated by the loss but said there was nothing that could be done about it now.The club was not insured.

Mrs Bennett hoped there was no malice behind the arson.

samuel.white@odt.co.nz

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