As the Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks prepare to celebrate their 50th anniversary this Saturday, championship-winning coach Shawn Dennis is reflecting on the culture, leadership and community support that helped deliver one of the most significant achievements in the club’s history.
The Hawks’ 2006 National Basketball League title remains a defining moment for the organisation. But according to Dennis, who coached the team from 2004 to 2009, the championship was years in the making.
“It was built over three years,” he said.
After arriving in Hawke’s Bay in 2004, Dennis was tasked with transforming the team’s culture and approach.
“We changed the culture of the team, the way we approached practice, preparation and professionalism. We set standards and held everyone to them.”
The changes delivered immediate results. After years without playoff success, the Hawks became contenders, only to suffer heartbreak in 2005 when they lost the championship final by a single point on their home court at Pettigrew Green Arena.
Rather than breaking the group, the experience strengthened it.
Led by club legends Paul Henare and Paora Winitana, and bolstered by the arrival of veteran import Willie Burton, the Hawks entered 2006 with a belief that their moment would come.
“The leadership we had was amazing,” Dennis said. “We had experienced players, strong personalities and everyone bought into a common purpose. It was a special group.”
One of Dennis’ strongest memories came just before the playoffs. Following a late-season loss to Auckland, the players held a meeting and responded with one of their most complete performances of the season.
“At that moment I knew we were going to be very difficult to beat.”
The Hawks would go on to defeat Auckland in the championship final, securing one of the most celebrated victories in Hawke’s Bay sporting history.
Yet for Dennis, the success belonged to more than just the players and coaching staff.
“Pettigrew Green Arena was a fortress. The crowds were incredible and the support was unbelievable.”
“Any home court that’s hard to play in is usually because the fans are so amazing. Hawke’s Bay embraced the team and we wanted to reward that support.”
Looking back two decades later, Dennis says the championship created bonds that still endure today.
“It’s a special bond you build with people when you win a championship. It’s something you have forever and nobody can ever take it away from you.”
Hawks Chair Sally Crown said those connections are a key part of what the club will celebrate this weekend.
“The 2006 championship team showed what can happen when talent, leadership, culture and community come together behind a common goal,” she said.
“As we celebrate 50 years of Hawks basketball, we’re honouring not just one team, but the generations of players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who have helped build this club.”
Former players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and supporters from across the decades will return to Pettigrew Green Arena on Saturday 13 June as the club celebrates 50 years of basketball in Hawke’s Bay and the legacy that continues to inspire new generations.
The celebrations will take place alongside the Hawks’ home clash with the Franklin Bulls, with Rapid League tipping off at 3.30pm and the Sal’s NBL game at 4.30pm. Supporters are encouraged to secure tickets early and be part of a special afternoon honouring 50 years of Hawks basketball.
Caption: Shawn Dennis and the 2006 Championship winning Hawks team.
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For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Jarrod Kenny, General Manager Hawke’s Bay Hawks
Phone: 0223510019 | Email: gm@hawks.org.nz
