It takes some amazing people to give every single camp a “Life Changing Every Time” camp experience, but we have those amazing people on staff.
Climbing Instructor Certified First Aid Certified Kayak Instructor Certified Boat Driver Kitchen
Gus & Nicole Johannes
Camp Director & Youth Ministry Coordinator
Gus and Nicole have had the privilege of working at Finlay Park for the past 20 plus years. Their passion to see young people’s lives changed and equipped is what drives them to see this amazing place in the world become a world class camping experience.
Kowie Smit
Health & Safety Manager
After completing my degree in Theology and being involved in ministry back in South Africa, my wife and I along with our two dogs moved from SA to NZ in 2019. I love sports, coffee and camping. I bought a boat from Ian and fell in love with Finlay Park. Come say Hi when you see me around.
Joan Billings
Kitchen
In 2004 Joan and her husband Gary came from mid-west America to be closer to her family in NZ. By the Grace of God she found Finlay Park and began to fulfill a passion of feeding as many children (and adults) as she can.
Adrian Giesbrecht
My name is Adrian Giesbrecht, I was born in Paraguay but raised in Canada. I came to New Zealand to do Bible studies, explore the country, and find good work for a few years. Finlay hired me and I’ve been enjoying every day!
Anika Johannes
Profile Coming Soon
Ian & Christine Fraser
Special Projects & Office Support
Ian & Christine arrived at Finlay Park almost 30 years ago to “stay for 12 months”. 30 years later Ian has been major driving force in the ongoing development of the camp. Christine has supported him with all the office and admin duties.
Shelley Hall
Kitchen Manager
After raising 4 daughters with Joe and launching them into the world (almost) Shelley has moved from working with kids to cooking for them. She looks after any of the special dietary requirements kids have at camp.
Matt de Jong
Hey Team! After growing up in southland and being involved with Christian Camping for over 12 years I am here at Finlay to start an exciting new chapter in my life. When I’m not instructing up a storm I enjoy painting, rock climbing, playing sports and spending time with my mates.
Micah Ellis
Hey my name is Micah, I am from Whangarei and I have come down to Finlay to hangout, teach and give people a time they wont forget!
Mark Adams
Maintenance & Instructor
Mark has been coming to finlay for years, worked here for 4, then ran off to Wellington to get married. and now is back to fix anything and everything.
Kate Davis
Kitchen
Hi, my name is Kate. I am married and have three almost adult sons. I have been involved in camping since I was 15 which was a little while ago. I love helping make memories to all who come to camp and love hearing happy kids who are enjoying themselves and experiencing new things. I am helping the team in the kitchen here at Finlay Park, so if you get a chance pop in and say hi.
Maia Johannes
Hi, I’m Maia. I’m one of the instructors here at Finlay Park. I love animals especially Pepa the camp dog.
Sabrina Greidanus
Hey-ya! My name is Sabrina. I’m from the beautiful country of Canada. I travelled to New Zealand only planning to stay 6 months, but the wonderful people and amazing landscape has won me over. I love the outdoors, from sea to summit, surfing to climbing, I’m always keen for an adventure. Can’t wait to see you out here!
Joe (Jonathan) Hall
Program Manager
After years involved with the Finlay Park Board Joe has jumped ship to become a full time staff member. Joe is married to Shelley and is the go-to man with anything that has technology involved.
Jayden Mulder
Instructor
Hi I’m Jayden I’ve been coming to Finlay for a long time. After 7 years of working in the upholstery and fit out department at one of new Zealand’s top fibreglass boat manufacturers I decided to make a change an come join the team here. So if you see me around either in the upholstery shed or behind the wheel of a boat (I like boats) come say hi
Charlotte Harries
Hi, my name is Charlotte. I’ve been coming to Finlay Park since I was 8, first as a camper, then as a leader, and now as staff. I love anything outdoors and sports related, so working at Finlay is awesome!
Brooke Hall (& Colin the cat)
Instructor
Profile coming soon
If you see Colin around camp don’t forget to say hi to him too
Other Instructors
Lena Käppler
Hey! After graduating back home in Germany. I decided to see more of the world. So I chose New Zealand for my volunteer year. I‘m happy to work for the next year at Finlay Park.
Pauletta Possekel
Kia ora! I’m Pauletta, 19, from Germany (the land of pretzels and schnitzel)!
After finishing school, I’ve come to New Zealand for a year to volunteer at Finlay Park. I’m thrilled to join the team and explore this beautiful country. In my free time, I love to do yoga and track and field. Looking forward to meeting you !
Till Schlee
I don’t really know how I ended up here but it’s fun! The Staff Team is amazing and the landscape beautiful. Can’t wait to do the activities with you guys. And I‘m always keen for a basketball match or some rides in the skatepark