Yeehaw, whānau. Our 2025 End-of-Year Hoedown was a night to remember — a celebration of community, grit, growth, chaos, and everything that makes 312 Fortitude home. From boots and hats to laughs, awards, and shared kai, this night was all about recognising the people who show up day after day and make this gym more than just a place to train.
Awards were nominated and voted for by fellow members and coaches — which makes them extra special. From quiet grinders to hype machines, rookies to OGs — this was about celebrating the people who make 312 what it is.
Suede brings unmatched energy, chaos, and commentary to every 5:15am class. Whether the workout includes running, burpees, or anything mildly uncomfortable, she never hesitates to share exactly how she feels — before, during, and after. But behind the dramatic sighs and colourful language is someone with a huge heart. She notices when someone is missing, checks in on those who are struggling, and brings encouragement just as loudly as she brings the complaints. She keeps the early mornings lively, connected, and full of personality.
Stacey's progress this year has been nothing short of impressive. Fit, strong, mentally tough, and coachable to the core — she consistently takes feedback on board, applies it immediately, and proves week after week that she is capable of more than she thinks. Through consistent effort and grit, she's now beating athletes who once smoked her. Her growth is a true reflection of what happens when hard work meets belief.
Poe has been relentless in his pursuit of improvement — constantly asking questions, seeking feedback, and putting in extra work. Most importantly, he applies everything immediately. His progress across strength, conditioning, and movement quality has been obvious to coaches and members alike. Humble, hardworking, and consistent, Poe's improvements this year make him a well-deserved winner.
Maia is the definition of a quiet achiever. She slips into class, gets the mahi done, and consistently smashes whatever is put in front of her. Calm, gritty, and consistent — she even enters competitions quietly on the side, where she performs brilliantly. Maia's progress this year, both physically and mentally, has been inspiring to watch.
Known for showing up late, never quite reading the workout properly, and somehow still becoming the athlete everyone wants to beat once the clock starts. This year Bert turned potential into consistent performance, proving himself as an absolute beast when it matters. Beyond his athletic ability, he's friendly, uplifting, and always welcoming to new members — and still holds the unofficial title of best abs at 312.
Kaitlyn arrived at 312 already fit, armed with a monster engine — and has since built gymnastics skills, barbell confidence, and competitive grit at rapid pace. With what coaches describe as a "V8 engine," she trains hard, asks questions, competes at every opportunity, and does extras whenever she can. Her commitment and growth have quickly turned her into a serious threat in any workout — especially if running is involved.
Dylan quietly joined 312 and immediately started turning heads. Strong, fast, humble, and coachable — a silent assassin. He listens, learns, and applies feedback with intent, developing into a well-rounded athlete with solid lifts, strong cardio, and clean gymnastics. He's thrown himself into the community and continues to show up ready to work every single session.
Tau is the heart of the 9am aunties and uncles. Always positive, cheeky, and encouraging — often the first to introduce himself to new members and make them feel welcome. He brings jokes, hype, and good energy even after a big night or while training through setbacks. Tau embodies Fortitude through resilience, generosity, and genuine care for the community.
Ricco is everywhere. Mornings, afternoons, weekends — she's there putting in the mahi. Class workouts are never enough, with extras before and after focused on improving weaknesses and building skills. She has trained smart through injuries, stayed positive, and grown massively in confidence and ability. Ricco's dedication defines what commitment looks like at 312.
Known for giving the programming a death stare, deciding "yeah nah," and choosing lifting instead. But she also brings loud support, countdowns, banter, and fearless call-outs — especially when it comes to Coach PC's music choices. Despite the cherry picking, Morgs has made huge progress this year: PBs, improved conditioning, and even becoming a runner girl. She works hard, shows up consistently, and has firmly earned her place (and protection) in the 9am class.
This year's Members of the Year award goes to two athletes, because the impact they've had could not be separated. Becs and Brooke both embody what it means to be part of the Fortitude whānau. Through consistency, support, positivity, and contribution to the community, they have lifted those around them and set the standard for what being a 312 member looks like. Their tie reflects not just performance, but presence — and the way they show up for others.
Hats off to every member who made it to the nominee lists this year. Your positive vibes and dedication haven't gone unnoticed — being nominated by your peers means everything.
Ngā mihi to every single member who makes 312 Fortitude what it is.
To our coaches — thank you for your time, care, and commitment. To our members — thank you for trusting us with your training, your goals, and your journey. To everyone who brought food, helped set up, stayed late, and brought the energy — we see you.
312 Fortitude exists because of this community. And nights like this remind us why we do what we do. 🤍
This community is built on people like you. Come in for a free 2-day trial.