A Legacy of Bravery: The Story Behind the van Asch Foundation

For over 35 years, Henry van Asch has been helping people confront their fears and push beyond their perceived limits. First, it was through pioneering AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, where thousands have taken the leap—both literal and figurative—toward newfound confidence. Now, that same spirit of courage and resilience drives the van Asch Foundation, dedicated to empowering young New Zealanders to face life’s uncertainties with confidence.

Helping Kiwis Discover Their Inner Bravery

At the heart of the van Asch Foundation is a simple yet powerful belief: when given the right support, encouragement, and experiences, people can develop the resilience they need to thrive. Bravery is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned, practised, and strengthened. The foundation is built on the idea that self-belief grows when people step outside their comfort zones—especially in moments where they must overcome fear. That’s why Live Brave, the foundation’s flagship programme, blends evidence-based classroom learning with an unforgettable real-world challenge: a bungy jump. “After decades of seeing people transform after stepping off the edge, I knew we could take that power and apply it to something bigger.” – Henry van Asch, Founder

Proven Impact: More Than Just a Leap of Faith

The numbers speak for themselves. Across New Zealand:

• 1000s of students have participated in Live Brave
• 50+ schools have delivered the programme in their classrooms
• 85% of participants say they feel better equipped to handle stress and uncertainty
• 92% of educators agree the programme has improved their students' resilience

For many young people, Live Brave is a defining moment in their development. It’s about more than just jumping off a ledge—it’s a lesson in taking control, trusting yourself, and learning that you’re capable of far more than you imagined. “This programme didn’t just teach me about bravery—it showed me that I’m capable of so much more than I believed. It was life-changing.” – Wakatipu High School student

A Legacy of Resilience

The van Asch Bungy Foundation isn’t just about one experience; it’s about embedding resilience into the DNA of young New Zealanders. It works with schools, communities, and educators to ensure that every participant walks away with real, applicable tools for managing fear, uncertainty, and stress. And this is just the beginning. With Live Brave expanding to more schools and new partnerships on the horizon, the foundation is set to reach even more young Kiwis in the years ahead. Because bravery isn’t just for bungy jumpers—it’s for anyone willing to take a step toward a better future.