Richard Boyle

I have been involved with Camp Bentzon for almost 20 years and live in Matakana with my wife Dianne. Camp Bentzon is a very special and unique place and we are getting second and even third generations of the same family attending camp. As a board, our goal is to ensure it is available for many more generations to follow.

I love hearing the stories and reading the letters from all the kids who have visited the camp.

We are making a difference to the lives of some.

Robert Jones

Robert has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2005 and he is also a member of the management board for the Mahurangi River Restoration Trust and is an Executive Officer of the Sandspit Yacht Club.

He brings considerable operational and governance experience from his previous senior executive and operational roles for companies both here in NZ and internationally.

He has previously been a Board Member for: Infrastructure NZ; the Business Leaders Health & Safety Forum; and a NZ Industry Representative for the Australia / NZ Prime Ministers’ Business Forum.

Robert is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of both Engineering NZ and Engineers Australia and by utilising his engineering and civil contracting background he has been able to contribute to the planning and implementation of recent capital developments at Camp Bentzon.

He has a passion for youth development and is a Past Patron of the Limited Services Volunteers Youth Development Programme run by the Defence Force and the Ministry of Social Development.

He lives with his wife, Marion in Matakana.

Elizabeth Elkins

Elizabeth has been attending Camp Bentzon for the past 6 years with family and friends groups. She is passionate about using her governance skills to support the Camp.

Peter Buckton

I am Peter Buckton from Warkworth.

I am one of the Camp Bentzon Trust Board Members and I have been a member since 1997.

I work in a local supermarket in Warkworth as a retail assistant.

My parents have owned a bach in North Cove since 1971.

I enjoy being part of Camp Bentzon as a Board Member and helping with future decision making, projects and ideas. Camp Bentzon is a wonderful educational camp for school children, is well managed and a fun place for children and groups to visit.

Andy McCowan

I initially joined the board to fulfill my interest to ensure New Zealand kids and families have the opportunity to experience the unique and natural experiences which the Camp and Kawau Island offers. What’s amazed me is the long term dedication of my fellow board members and Camp Managers (Erin and Peter) which underpins the long-term success of Camp Bentzon. We have some exciting plans ahead to ensure Camp Bentzon’s facilities and activities continue to develop and improve whilst meeting and exceeding industry best practices.

Bruce Clegg

I first joined the board in 1993 as the Warkworth Lions Rep for Two years then handed the role over to Frank Pears till 1997 when I took over the role again and have been on the board ever since. First saw the camp in 1989 when the Warkworth Lions went over to do winter maintained. Though it was a lovely place but totally under used and needed a upgrade. Frank and myself formed a vision of what we would like it to look like back in 1990, we have almost ticked all of the boxes,only thing to do is the manager’s house which is on the way soon, has taken nearly 32 years but very satisfied to were we are now. Have been deputy Chairman for a number of years and handed over the job to one of the new board members last year.

Have enjoyed every minute of my time on the board creating such a great facility to be enjoyed by so many.

Justin Marshall

I was born and raised in Warkworth and am now living back in Matakana.  We have close family connections to the Island having a family bach in Bon Accord Harbour for 60 years, during which time my parents lived on the Island for 10 of those years.

I joined the Board in 2018 to bring my property development and commercial expertise to enhance what is being offered to the camp and secure the facility for many future generations of New Zealand children. Our role is to support Peter & Erin and provide them with the tools and direction to continue their fantastic work managing the camp.

Greg Jones

I grew up in Matakana , went to the local school and came to Camp Bentzon the first time as a student.  I have been involved in plumbing for over 20 years. and am married to Rachel , we have 2 energetic girls. 

Joined the Board over 10 years ago and have since then utilised my skill set and time to contribute to a organization that gives youth so many opportunities to experience the outdoors.

Ross Sutherland

Erin & Peter Hyde

Managers

We started at Camp Bentzon 2006. Initially we thought what a wonderful place to work by the water and the bush however we quickly came to realise it is the people and especially children that bring the camp to life and make it such a special place to be. Both of us are from a manufacturing background Peter being and Engineer and Erin from an Accounting background. The Marine environment has always been a basis for our hobbies and we are passionate about introducing children to the amazing outdoors. We have always been supported and encouraged by a long standing Board , teachers and Group organisers to achieve what we believe is very important an opportunity to share with friends, peers & family a unique location with very little city distractions.

Gavin Brunton

Gavin Started working part time at Camp Bentzon in 2017.

Gavin is  very active and one of his main hobbies is Canoe polo which he plays regularly on the mainland. He has quite a sense of humor as you can see by the below quote from him

” I often pretend to be a kayak instructor, I mean juggler and tend to be quite tall”

He does a range of very important tasks at Camp Bentzon and has the added skill of being a qualified Kayak Leader

Chris Perreau

Chris started working full time at Camp Bentzon  2022.

I worked for 5 months  in North Carolina (USA) as a white water kayaking and rafting guide. During the past 8 years I also worked in the industry for Howick College’s year 9 camps as a sailing, kayaking, archery and frisbee golf instructor/leader.  Now I find myself in the privileged position of instructing sailing at Camp Bentzon . 

I have also worked in multiple industries including customer service and marketing.  I’ve truly found my home in the outdoors. One of my passions is working with kids and aim to facilitate a learning environment that gives them the best opportunity to grow and further develop themselves.

Outside of instructing you will most likely find me with a guitar or ukulele in my hand. If you are a singer and want a campfire sing along, let me know!