Aumua, who transferred from Moana Pasifika to the Crusaders at the end of 2023, said he was feeling a lot of hurt from the Crusaders' 2024 season.
"We've all gone away and had a bit of a break and come back, and we want a good start in 2025.
"I've put in a lot of work to get the body right, and the mind ready."
Part of that has been losing some weight, and he said the side's nutritionist was happy with his efforts.
The side has been through a tougher pre-season that he believes has benefits individually and for the team.
"We owe the fans a lot, the Crusader fans around the world, and we're going to bring it up another level this year."
There had been a slight change in roles, with Brad Mooar returning to the coaching team and James Marshall having a different role.
"Jimmy's there with all our map stuff, and our strike, and he's given the ownership to the players and has given us the licence to play a bit more with our heads up fully."
Aumua said he wanted to show that he has skills other than the battering ram role that emerged last season.
"We've got a lot of communication with our set-piece to provide good, front-foot ball for us backs to deliver on."
With improved fitness, he is concentrating on continuously improving his phase-play contributions and getting around the field better.
"It's getting up, looking at the next phase, chatting on the run, that sort of stuff. That's what the boys like to see and that's a given when you're fitter. You can do more."
Aumua is also looking forward to lining up with Tasman midfield teammate David Havili. The pair have played together for seven years through the NPC and now with the Crusaders.
"We have a combo going, and he is a great distributor of the ball. So playing outside him I know I'm going to be getting quality ball and know that I've got safety on the inside with defence."
New Crusaders halfback Kyle Preston, who played for Wellington in the NPC, should debut from the bench against the Hurricanes.
"To get a debut was awesome and for it to be against the Hurricanes with a mates on the other team is pretty special."
Preston, 25, said he has enjoyed working with Crusaders veteran Mitch Drummond.
"He puts a lot of time and effort into talking to individuals about skill sets and helping us halfbacks with micro details."
It has been a longer journey for Preston than most as he has had to wait for a chance in Super Rugby and to have a full-time career, away from the roofing job he has done in the off-season in the past.
"The 'Canes were my childhood side, they're nice to love. It was a hard decision to make to come to Christchurch but when I came down I felt relief because of the club, and the love and care they have for the players, not just as football players, but people as well."