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
Camp Chaplain
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.
James Cooper
Instructor / Maintenance
Hi, I’m James. I was raised in Dunedin and have recently completed an internship with Word of Life in Hamilton. I started work at Finlay Park in January 2025 and look to grow in my practical skills and relational skills in my time here. I seek to serve the Lord with all that I do and one day hope to work in local church ministries. I also go by Jimmy!
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
Instructor / Maintenance
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
Instructor / Maintenance
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 Manager
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.
Sabrina Greidanus
Instructor / Maintenance
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!
Johnny Marsters
Profile Coming Soon
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 / Maintenance
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 fiberglass 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
Instructor / Maintenance
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!
Davi Dos Santos
Hi, my name is Davi and I’m from Brazil. I arrived in New Zealand Dec 2024 ago. I visited Finlay Park a few months ago and I really enjoy working here. I like football and surfing.
Other Instructors
Alec Kusai
Profile Coming Soon
Kristin Matschullis
Heyy, my name is Kristin and I’m from Germany. I just finished school and wanted to experience something new, so I came to Finlay Park. Now I’m enjoying my time here 🙂
Lars Penther
Hi, my name is Lars. I came all the way from Germany to Finlay Park to spend a year abroad as a volunteer. I love to instruct activities and do maintenance. When I’m not working, I usually go on adventure trips or meet up with some friends. Can’t wait to see you at camp.