The Taylor Hawks are gearing up to deliver a thrilling experience with the National League Basketball hitting Wairoa. On March 9th, the Hawks will not only run a clinic for tamariki and rangatahi but will also face off against the Tauranga Whai in two action-packed exhibition games.

Basketball fever in our northern region base of Wairoa has been on the rise, with participation rates increasing and a growing cohort of passionate Hawks supporters. Recognising this, the aim is to connect with fans who can’t make it to Napier for regular season games by bringing the Taylor Hawks directly to them.

“Playing a preseason game in Wairoa gives us a chance to test out the new NBL season format being introduced for 2024, but more importantly it’s an opportunity for us to connect with our regional community and supporters,” says Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny.

On March 9th, a skills clinic for local youngsters is scheduled to take place at Standring Park on Black Street, commencing at midday and concluding at 1:30 pm. Facilitated by the Taylor Hawks coaching staff and players, the clinic will encompass skill development, drills, and interactive games. This event also presents an excellent opportunity for the youth of Wairoa to meet their favourite players.

The new NBL format gives spectators two separate games each game day. Rapid League games will run prior to the SalsNBL. Wairoa will be the first Hawke’s Bay spectators to experience this double-header format with the Rapid League exhibition game commencing at 3.00 pm and the SalsNBL exhibition at 4.00 pm. A signing session will be held for fans to get signatures and photos following. 

While the Taylor Hawks look to engage more across the region, they are quick to acknowledge it takes support to add extra games like these. Taylor Hawks Chair Sally Crown adds, “We would like to thank Wairoa District Council and Sport Hawke’s Bay for their assistance in helping us bring the game to town and making both the clinics and entry to the games free.”