Jason Gunn becomes AIA NZ’s newest AIA Vitality Ambassador

Kiwi icon, entertainer and author Jason Gunn has joined the line-up of AIA Vitality Ambassadors for leading life insurer, AIA NZ.

AIA Vitality is a science-backed health and wellbeing programme offered by AIA NZ that provides the guidance, tools and rewards to get more out of life and start thriving.

As Jason shared in an episode of ‘The Upside’, a video and podcast series produced in partnership with TVNZ and AIA Vitality, he suffered a heart attack in 2017 which made him reassess what success looked like.

“My heart attack served as wake-up call and made me reconsider what was important. A key part of this was thinking more about my physical and mental health and not taking anything for granted. I now try to do a few little things, often. That includes trying to include 10 minutes of mediation each day or a short jog (or perhaps more accurately a quick walk) around the block,” says Jason.

Jason has also spoken about his mental health struggles following the death of his beloved mother as he navigated this period of grief.

“Connection is vital for all of us and especially when we face the loss of a loved one. There’s so much noise out there. People talking at other people. But the magic happens when we talk with other people. When we take the time to really connect with others. That’s when people feel heard and feel valued,” he says.

“I recently heard that loneliness is one of the fastest growing killers in the world. Loneliness! And I think we can do something about this! We need to start spending time with people and connecting with people. I think a lot of our mental wellbeing could be made so much better if we just took the time to connect with people. I try to encourage people to ask others ‘How are you doing?” and then really listen to the answer.

“I believe that each of us have the ability in a day - in a moment - to be the best part of someone’s day. You might be the one conversation in the day that makes them think, ‘Somebody cares’.

“I love what AIA Vitality provides for New Zealanders, inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves - mentally and physically. And I hope, as an AIA Vitality Ambassador, I can walk beside people and just let them know that I’m trying to be a better version of me, and if they’re looking for something too, maybe we can walk together and make some changes.”

Alex Kühnast, AIA NZ Chief Product & Strategy Officer says, “the AIA NZ team is thrilled to have Jason onboard. He represents all of us – someone who is on a journey to become more aware of their health and the impact we as individuals can have on our own wellbeing. Our purpose at AIA NZ is to help all New Zealanders to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives and Jason is really living this.”

Jason joins former All Black Ian Jones and World Athletics champion and Olympic medal holder, Dame Valerie Adams, in the stable of AIA Vitality Ambassadors.