The 32-year-old midcourter felt it was time to focus on other areas of her life.
''I'm at an age where I need to think about other things. It's just that next step that I need to take,'' Finch said in a statement.
''I'm a never-say-never type of person, so you never know, I might be out on the netball court again one day.''
Finch, who has been based in Balclutha for the past three seasons, made 38 appearances for the Steel and also spent four seasons with the Tactix. Before that, she was a core member of the Otago Rebels between 2003 and 2007, making 30 appearances.
She moved to Christchurch in 2008 with her husband, Regan, and the couple, like so many others, were badly affected by the earthquakes. Their house is due to be demolished, which will allow the couple to rebuild. Finch is also eager to return to her teaching job and spend more time with her husband.
''Regan is so incredibly supportive and I know he would be happy for me to keep playing. But I think he is secretly excited that I'm coming home,'' she said.
Finch made her name at wing defence with her busy and combative approach but found a niche at centre in the latter part of her career. She combined extremely well with veteran wing defence Wendy Frew this season.
The pair were often responsible for more turnovers than the Steel's circle defenders. With wing attack Shannon Francois making big improvements, the Steel's midcourt was looking a real area of strength. Finch feels the franchise has depth and can build on its development.
''We've definitely got the goods. We just have to keep this foundation of players together.
''The last three years have been absolutely amazing and the Steel has just been so supportive of me. It's good to finish on a positive note because we played really well this year.''
The Steel made a slow start to the season, which ultimately cost the team a place in the playoffs. But a four-game winning streak to complete the round-robin phase highlighted how dangerous the Steel can be when it is playing its best netball.
Finch was part of a group of experienced players who have all aged well.
''They do say we mature and play better netball at an older age,'' she said.
''I think it's that enjoyment which has enabled me to play well. I go out there and just have fun rather than put any other pressures on myself.''
