Here, we employ a method specifically designed to evaluate fault strength evolution during active loading on natural fault gouge samples from the Waikukupa Thrust in southern New Zealand. We develop a hybrid between slide-hold-slide and velocity-step tests by employing a small (as low as 10-10 m/s) shear driving rate rather than zero driving rate during the "hold" portion of the tests, which we term a "velocity-cycling" (VC) test. We then compare the results of VC tests with results from standard slide-hold-slide and velocity step tests, and evaluate their combined implications for fault slip behavior in general.