Community Initiatives

Driven by a deep commitment to empowering youth, we are passionate about uplifting and strengthening the communities that surround us.

The Leap Within

AJ Hackett Bungy NZ is the principal partner of the van Asch Foundation's flagship programme, The Leap Within, a free resilience training programme for Year 10 students delivered in schools across the country.

Developed in partnership with the late clinical psychologist Nigel Latta and clinical psychologist Dr Natalie Flynn, the programme teaches practical emotional regulation skills across five classroom sessions. Students learn breathing techniques, goal-setting frameworks, and strategies for managing pressure, then put those skills to the test during a culminating adventure experience at one of our bungy sites, supported by their peers and our team.

The jump is always optional, and the programme is designed so that a student who steps onto the platform and decides not to jump has achieved as much as one who does. AJ Hackett Bungy NZ provides operational support, funding, and the bungy experience itself. Over 2,000 students have completed the programme since 2021. To find out more contact van Asch Foundation CEO, Sarah Cairns, at [email protected]

Riser

The AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand RISER Programme is an exciting initiative dedicated to fostering the next generation of action sports talent. As a sponsored athlete venture, it empowers young athletes to reach their full potential by offering essential resources such as financial support, performance coaching, mental development, social media mentorship, and media training. This comprehensive support system is designed to propel them toward elite careers, helping them shine on and off the field.

Wakatipu Greenstone Camp

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand is incredibly proud to be the primary sponsor of the Wakatipu High School Greenstone Camp. Since 2003, this remarkable three-day, two-night adventure at Greenstone Station, set at the breathtaking head of Lake Wakatipu, has given students a transformative outdoor experience like no other.

Rooted in the principles of outdoor education, Greenstone Camp encourages students to embrace responsibility, resilience, respect, and inclusion. Through our sponsorship, we’re honoured to support Wakatipu High School in shaping the next generation of leaders who are not only environmentally conscious but also resilient, community-driven, and ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Branches School Camp

In late 1967, a group of adventurous students and teachers from Wakatipu High School set off for a geography camp at Branches Station, unknowingly starting a tradition that has continued for over half a century. As one of New Zealand’s longest-running school camps, Branches pushes students to tackle both physical and mental challenges that help them step boldly into adulthood.

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has been a proud supporter of Branches, united by a shared philosophy: Live more, fear less. Together, we inspire the next generation to embrace their fears, grow in resilience, and unlock their true potential.

Jump Start

Jump Start is an inspiring initiative designed to celebrate a monumental milestone—the graduation of Wakatipu High School students. What began in 2005 as a symbolic leap into the future has since blossomed into a cherished annual tradition.

Each year, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand proudly offers hundreds of graduating students the chance to take a leap of their own, with a free bungy jump, as a rite of passage for growing up in Queenstown. It’s our way of honouring their achievements and encouraging them to take bold leaps toward the future.

Community Youth Organisations

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand is proud to support the Wakatipu Youth Trust and Youthtown Taupo, organizations that have been making powerful and lasting impacts in their community for years. Their dedication to empowering local youth, building resilience, and fostering confidence perfectly aligns with our core values of “Live More, Fear Less.”

Through our donations, we help provide services for both the young people and their parents, ensuring the well-being of our next generation and supporting their journey toward a bright, fearless future.

Blue Light

For over 30 years, Blue Light, in partnership with the New Zealand Police, has been empowering young people through life-changing outdoor programs. These experiences help guide youth toward positive choices, equipping them with the tools to build brighter futures.

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand is proud to support this mission by offering free bungy jumps, helping Blue Light inspire and challenge young Kiwis to embrace new possibilities, step out of their comfort zones, and choose a path of resilience and success. Together, we’re creating opportunities for youth to soar to new heights—literally and figuratively.

Charitable and Community Support

Each year, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand proudly contributes hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of unforgettable experiences to community organizations that make a real difference.

If your initiative is dedicated to helping young people unlock their full potential, build resilience, or support the communities of Queenstown, Taupō, or Auckland, we want to hear from you!

Whether you’re seeking experiences for a deserving group or vouchers to support your fundraising efforts, we’re excited to be part of your journey.
Let’s work together to inspire, uplift, and empower those who need it most.