Meet the Team
The People of Capernwray New Zealand
Since 1995 we have had a dedicated team of people from different walks of life and corners of the globe. All working together with one common goal and heart felt desire; to provide a place of knowledge and teaching so students can grow in their relationship with Christ. As well as this gain experiences they will never forget and make friends for life. Meet our wonderful team at Capernwray New Zealand.
National Director
A graduate of Capernwray Hall in England, Peter has a passion for the Word and enjoys teaching its truths. He also loves climbing, kayaking and cycling.
Peter is married and has 3 children.
Principal
Werner is a passionate Bible teacher and communicator. Originally from South Africa, he has been a pastor, teacher and businessman. His core message is Christianity as ‘Christ-in-you’ and the sheer impossibility of being a ‘Christian’ without the indwelling Life of the Lord Jesus Christ. Werner is married to Heidi and they have two adult children, Joshua and Danielle.
Business Manager
Glenn is a local, growing up close to the Monavale Campus. He joined the Capernwray NZ staff in 2007 where he gains immense personal satisfaction in his support role by seeing the lives of students and others enriched through a closer personal relationship with Christ. Glenn, his wife Mags, and son Philip, all have a love of the great Kiwi outdoors – especially the beach and mountain biking
Academic Dean
Hayden was born and grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. As a Kiwi he enjoys New Zealand’s great outdoors and watching rugby. Hayden is married to Natascha (they have three energetic children!!). Hayden joined the staff at Capernwray in 2003 where he loves communicating the scriptures, teaching hermeneutics and interacting with students.
House Manager
Larisa joined our team in January 2016. She has a background in health care, practicing as an Occupational Therapist. Larisa has also served in the UK with Oak Hall Expeditions, Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and in NZ with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).
Office Administrator | Registrar
Originally from the UK, Annette joined the team in 2019. Annette is married to Bruce with two adult children. She loves to read, bake and spend time with her family.
Property Manager
Lejf originates from Denmark, where he worked as a qualified electrician. He then moved to England where he spent almost 2 years on the maintenance team at Capernwray Hall, before coming to Capernwray New Zealand as a student in 1998. After a year as a student, he joined the staff as a volunteer, and later took on a permanent position as the Property Manager. Lejf enjoys serving the student community by providing and maintaining good facilities, as well as getting alongside the students and helping them discover who Christ is.
Head Chef
After having spent 15 years in commercial restaurants, Dean wanted to serve God in a more practical and dedicated way. The opportunity came in 2004 to join the team at Monavale as the Head Chef. Dean is passionate about life with the students and enjoys making their time at school a memorable experience. Dean's wife, Sarah, and four daughters, Annalise, Sophie, Amelia and Samantha, all have a large part to play in the practical side of student life as they encourage and help them find and grow in Jesus.
Ministries Coordinator
Michael is from Winkler in Manitoba, Canada. He attended Timberline Lodge in 2012 and returned a few years later to volunteer ultimately as Resident Director - working with the Bible School team and supporting students. Michael joined the Capernwray team in 2018. He loves surfing and hanging out with people.
Field Representative
Originally from Canada, Dale has been with Capernwray for over 25 years. Before this Dale lived, studied, and played in Vancouver for 7 years where he was a certified Journeyman Carpenter by day, and a ‘heavy metal’ musician by night! He and his wife Patti then spent several years on staff at His Hill in Texas before coming to NZ. They pioneered the Capernwray ministry on the South Island and ran 'The Crossing' Bible School programme and conferences for 11 years. Dale is now a Field Representative for Capernwray New Zealand overseeing conferences and events on the South Island and regularly teaching in the Bible School at Monavale. Dale is also the Founder and Director of JumpStart since 2010, a camp ministry aimed at Home-educated teens.Dale enjoys other cultures, spicy food, strong coffee, and spending time in the outdoors with his kids! Dale’s desire is to see people come to know the fullness of the indwelling and risen Lord Jesus Christ in their lives, and to see that the Word of God is firmly established in their hearts and minds, for the REST of their lives!
Adventure Ministries Director
James was born and raised at the foot of the south Island New Zealand. With Fiordland as his back yard, James quickly grew a love for the outdoor and exploring. Going on to study small business management and outdoor instruction, James learned the value in passing on his experience of encountering the Lord through creation and community. In 2011 this brought him to Capernwray New Zealand as an intern/student, he then went on to be full time instructional staff for Capernwray Adventure Ministries. Eventually, James took on the Adventure Ministry Director roll in 2014 where he continues to serve. James loves the opportunity he has to disciple others through scripture, relationship and experience into a love for, and reality of a living God longing for relationship with them.
James married Annie in 2014 and together they have two enthusiastic girls.
