2025 gave us more than milestones — it gave us lessons.
As a whānau, this year stretched us, sharpened us, and reminded us what really matters. There were wins we’re proud of, moments that tested our patience and resilience, and plenty of learning that didn’t show up on a spreadsheet or highlight reel - especially in our business world.
This isn’t a highlight post. It’s a reflection.
On we’ll carry forward and what we’re leaving behind — as parents, partners, builders, and humans trying to do this journey called life.
These are some of our whānau winnings and learnings from 2025.
December 6th 2024: WIN = kukuwhatanga is personal evolution
Not technically 2025 I know, but thought I'd chuck it in anyway. It was all online, but I enjoyed it, I like the concept, and it was great to complete the HYROX 365 Foundation Course.
January 1st: WIN = hononga is connection
We saw Te Tau Hou Pākehā (the New Year) in at Taranaki and started it with whānau and best mates, followed by some active rest with a foreshore bike ride, then a nice reset with some music, and a couple of hazys with the Carr whānau at Autere (East End Beach).
January 3rd: WIN = hononga is connection, taioranga is nutrition
We chucked Mum in the Delica on our way back to Kaikōura and stopped in at our Ngāti Huia beach of Waitārere to rest, swim, and attain minerals and kai from the moana.
January 11th: WIN = hononga is connection
My first godchild Timea flew over to stay with us from Oz with her partner, Jayden. Jayden and I managed to catch a pig with the dogs, which was an emotional time for him and his grandfather that he later FaceTimed, as it was something they had always wanted to do and intended to do together, so it was nice to be able to share that with someone so appreciative.
January 17th: WIN = aronga is direction
We headed back up to Taranaki and had dinner with whānau and friends at Three Sisters, a local craft beer brewery and restaurant we brought a small investment into in 2024.
January 18th: WIN = ngā mahi a te rēhia = entertainment
Tessa and I, Waitohi, Hapahapai, Tessa's parents, Nana D, and Koro P jumped in the car, while my Māmā – Nani – looked after Te Kākahi o Tū in Taranaki, and headed to Auckland for the best concert ever – LUKE COMBS! It was everything we expected it to be! Yeeeehaaaa!
February 22nd: WIN = hononga is connection + ngā mahi a te rēhia = entertainment
My second ever godchild, my nephew Tahi Buster, flew over (by himself) to NZ; we took him to his Ngāti Huia maunga tapu, tātahi, and urupā, and he got to see his marae (one of them).
February 26th: WIN = hononga is connection
We all headed to Te Matatini kei Taranaki to support all our friends on stage, inā kē te kaha!
March 15th & 16th: WIN = ngā mahi a te rēhia is entertainment
WOMAD festival and Koro P's 70th birthday were both back in Taranaki! Another memorable time!
March 28th: WIN = kukuwhatanga is personal evolution
I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Te Reo Māori and Indigenous Studies in front of my whānau.
March 30th: WIN = hononga is connection
Had one of my most enjoyable hunts ever; with AJ and the Scottish sisters, Annie and Zoe, we managed a few goats and a pig—simply an enjoyable trip.
April 28th: LEARNING = hononga is connection
We lost one of our BBK community mums, Aunty Joanne Cassidy. It was a challenging time, as I was hesitant to head up to the tangi due to the impending arrival of our new baby but dearly wanted to be with my bros who had just lost their mum. We managed to fly up to Te Kākahi o Tū, and I got to the final service before jumping on a plane and heading back the same day. Moe mai rā e whaea.
May 5th: WIN = hononga is connection
We welcomed our fourth baby - Te Huia Tū Rae Aroha Diane Kiwa Gibson, ki te ao mārama nei xxoo. Nō mātou te hōnore.
May 10th: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
Both Waitohi and Hapahapai, after an 8-week training camp, headed to Nationals for NO-GI BJJ, with Waitohi coming away with a gold and Hapahapai with a silver. I was so proud of the girls; in sports I have found that there are winnings and learnings in everything we do, whether we win or lose.
May 17th: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
Both girls, a week later, headed to Blenheim for the South Island Marcelo Lopez NO-GI BJJ comp, and both came away with gold medals. They both fought up weight levels and belt colours. Once again, I was a proud Pāpā, coaching them both in Te Reo at the same time on different mats, whilst holding my son on my knee – this is living!
May 21st: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
Both Waitohi and Hapahapai won their school cross-country races, an important event in our household, as it shows improvement, determination, and good old-fashioned grit – "no towel throwing!"
May 28th: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
Waitohi headed to the South-west Zones cross-country champs and managed to come first, winning in the last few metres of the race! Once again, showing grit and that it's-not-over-until-it's-over type mentality, a proud Dad I was.
May 30th: WIN = kukuwhatanga is personal evolution, aronga is direction
We launched Te Ranga Ihupuku (an upskilling kaupapa) to ensure we're teaching our babies things we believe will help them as they grow, which may not be taught in their schooling world.
June 11th: WIN + LEARNING = kukuwhatanga is personal evolution
Waitohi overcame her nerves like she does every year to stand strong and deliver her manu kōrero on the differences between native and exotic flora in New Zealand at kura; it even included a short waiata, which shows immense growth for her, as she can be quite shy at times. Taukē, my darling.
June 12th: WIN + LEARNING = kukuwhatanga is personal evolution
Hapahapai then stood today for her manu kōrero on pūngā werewere Māori and the importance of pest eradication, from cats to hedgehogs, weasels to stoats. Hei te tihi pepz!
June 26th: WIN = kukuwhatanga is personal evolution
Hapahapai and I headed down to Waimairi Beach to celebrate Matariki with our Kura Kaupapa, Te Kura Kaupapa o Te Whānau Tahi.
July 20th: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
The Gibson whānau and the Hoskins whānau headed to Wolfbrook Arena to watch the Mainland Tactix take down the Northern Mystics in the 2025 Elimination Final, winning 57–52. A week later, they went on to claim their first-ever title in Auckland.
The girls were absolutely stoked — and so were we. An unforgettable night that showcased pure heart, fight, and belief.
August 10th: WIN = taioranga is nutrition
Our two year old boy Te Kākahi o Tū, went out for his first pig hunt, with us and Uncle Hayd, we managed an 80lb boar, he loved it, and just seems to be so unphased by anything that other kids may find scary-ish. Thanks Uncle Hayd, another memorable day, you've been there on the first hunt for all of our kids - just one to go now, our 8 month old Te Huia Tū Rae, won't be too far behind!
August 24th: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
At their respective Ō-tautahi netball prizegivings, Waitohi won Player of the Year, and Hapahapai won MVP.
September 3rd: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
At their kura athletics, Waitohi had an outstanding day — winning the 60m sprint (oma hōhoro), placing second in the long jump (kairērere), and finishing third in both the shot put (pangamatā) and discus (poroāwhio).
Hapahapai was just as impressive, taking out the 60m sprint, placing third in the shot put (pangamatā), and she’s already counting down to South West Zones and the Canterbury Championships next year, when she’ll be old enough to compete.
September 19th: WIN = kukuwhatanga is personal evolution
Only 9% of NZ rugby league coaches have attained this qualification I was told upon completion, so I was glad to get this one over the line, and be awarded the New Zealand Rugby League Senior Club Coach Certificate. The greatest game of all - rugby league!
October 22nd: LEARNING = hononga is connection
Zooming to Kaikōura to help our mates protect their homes — and ours — as fires raced toward the community was intense and unforgettable. For several days it was all hands on deck, racing the clock to identify and extinguish hot spots before the forecast 200km-an-hour winds hit two days later. We got on top of it in time, and that effort mattered.
Months on, we’re still navigating the insurance claims from the wind damage that followed, but that’s part of the story too. What stood out most was seeing a small community do what small communities do best — show up, back each other, and get things done. I love that about places like Kaikōura.
November 5th: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
Waitohi, like last year, finished 3rd in her 800m race. She wanted first — and that hunger says a lot — but for a kid who doesn’t even train in athletics, she did exceptionally well. She went on to compete at the Canterbury Championships and now has her sights set on next year, chasing first place in the Southwest Zone 800m champs.
November 26th: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
Post South West Zones, she was back in the 800m final at the Canterbury Championships. Last year she finished 37th; this year her goal was top 15 — and she delivered, placing 14th. She smashed her personal best by around 15 seconds and, on top of that, beat the two girls who had finished ahead of her at South West Zones. An awesome effort and a huge step forward. Here’s to top 10 next year.
November 29th: WIN = aronga is direction
We stayed in the bush this night, with Uncle Hemi, it was Te Kākahi o Tū's first sleep over in the ngahere, another truly memorable hunting experience, undder the stars, no lights, no technology, just whānau, kai, and determination to find some kai for the whānau.
December 4th: WIN = hononga is connection
Leon’s 60th birthday — celebrated aboard his yacht in Auckland and over on Waiheke Island — was incredible. The event itself was unforgettable, the weekend even better, but what stood out most was the chance to slow down, sit, and properly reconnect with old mates. Those conversations, the laughs, and the shared history made it truly special.
December 11th: WIN + LEARNING = pākahukahu is vigour
Pō Whakamana at kura was a special night for our whānau, watching the girls be acknowledged for their hard work and dedication in BJJ. Being recognised for their performances at both the National and South Island tournaments was a proud moment — a reflection of their commitment, discipline, and the support around them.
December 22nd: WIN = ngā mahi a te rēhia is adventure
Stealing another Christmas tree with the kids on dark! Hahaha always a cool adventure!
December 25th: WIN = hononga is connection
Christmas with the Murray whānau was something special — time with Koro P and Nana D, alongside Sam and Katie, and our nephew Angus, who came down from Waikite Valley. It was one of those classic Kaikōura days: hot, slow, and relaxed, with kids buzzing on chocolate and laughter filling the spaces in between. Simple, joyful, and truly memorable for all of us.
December 31st: WIN = pākahukahu is vigour
After 12 years in business, we recorded our best December ever at Fit Futures Academy — a milestone that still feels surreal. It was the kind of result that doesn’t come from one big moment but from years of consistency, belief, setbacks, learning, and turning up even when it would’ve been easier not to. Hitting that mark at the end of the year felt like a quiet validation of the long game. I managed the final sale at 9.30pm on New Year's Eve, a couple beers deep and all!
We capped it off the right way — New Year’s Eve in Kaikōura, surrounded by Uncle Hayd, Aunty Bec, and the Murray whānau. Good people, good kōrero, good laughs, and space to pause before stepping into what’s next. A perfect reminder that while business wins matter, celebrating them with whānau is what gives them real meaning.
"What a year. So many small challenges and quiet wins that don’t always get mentioned, but each one shaped us. And because of that, 2026 feels full of promise.
There’s momentum everywhere — the Whai prodcut offerings and shop taking shape, the potential sale of another business on the horizon, a garment moving into its third prototype, and our first possible food product heading toward market. We’re planning more cabins, my mum relocating south to be closer to her mokopuna, and exploring the purchase of another property in Christchurch and New Plymouth, alongside a potential joint-venture with friends. Add to that a new gym venture, my NRL player agent accreditation application, and a possible role with New Zealand Rugby League — it’s a big picture coming together.
Beyond work, there’s life. Concerts like Lainey Wilson, the first Warriors game in Christchurch, the NRL Grand Final in Taranaki, close friends returning home from Abu Dhabi, and setting a wedding date for 2027. Most importantly, watching our kids grow through their sporting and cultural milestones continues to ground us in what really matters.
Tess and I know there are seasons where we’ve been so focused on building that we’ve neglected each other at times — but we’re aware, we’re honest about it, and we’re committed to doing better. Here’s to a year that’s productive and intentional.
Bring it on."
