I was lucky enough to DJ for the Hawkins Construction 80th anniversary corporate function in Auckland last Thursday — and it turned out to be one of those nights where everything just clicked.
Hawkins have been building New Zealand for 80 years. That’s a serious milestone for any business, let alone one that has shaped so much of the country’s built environment. Walking into the venue, you could immediately feel that this was a genuine celebration — not just a work drinks night, but a real acknowledgment of the people and the history that have made Hawkins what it is today.
The room filled up quickly, the energy was great from the start, and by the time the night really got going there were plenty of people on the dance floor. As an Auckland DJ who works a lot of corporate functions, I always enjoy events where the crowd is genuinely there to have a good time — and this was very much one of those.
The Fred Hawkins Trailer – Supporting Hawkins’ Journey Since 1946
One of the highlights of the night wasn’t even inside the venue.
Sitting outside was the original Fred Hawkins trailer — officially known as “Fred the Trailer” — a bright orange piece of genuine company history with the words “Supporting Hawkins’ Journey Since 1946” written right across the back. Guests were stopping to look at it and take photos throughout the evening. It became one of those unexpected moments that made the whole night feel like more than just a party.
For a company that now builds some of New Zealand’s largest and most complex construction projects, seeing that original trailer sitting out front was a pretty powerful reminder of where it all started. Fred Hawkins founded the company in 1946 — and 80 years later, those roots are clearly still something the team are proud of.
“It was a pretty special touch. The original trailer outside, 80 years of history on the wall, and a room full of people who’ve helped build this company. You don’t forget nights like that.”
A Great Night With the Hawkins Team
One of the things that really stands out to me at corporate events is how the crowd reflects the company. At the Hawkins function, it was immediately obvious that this is a team that genuinely enjoys spending time together. The place was packed, people were relaxed and in good spirits, and the dance floor built steadily through the night.
One fun detail — Hawkins had set up a station with disposable Kodak cameras with a sign saying “Grab. Smile. Snap! Help us capture the celebrations.” It was a brilliant touch and a real break from everyone just using their phones all night.
Corporate Event DJ Hire in Auckland
Corporate events are some of my favourite gigs to DJ — but they’re also the ones where you really need to know what you’re doing.
A good corporate DJ isn’t just someone who turns up and plays music. You need to read the room, understand the audience, follow the event schedule, work around speeches and presentations, and know when to build the energy and when to pull it back. At an event like the Hawkins function, that meant starting with background music during arrivals and networking, lifting the energy through dinner, and then really opening it up for the dance floor later in the evening.
The types of corporate events we cover through Kiwi DJs Auckland include:
- Company anniversaries and milestone celebrations
- Christmas parties and end-of-year functions
- Staff functions and team celebrations
- Awards nights
- Product launches and conferences
- Private company events
Looking for a Corporate DJ in Auckland?
Planning a corporate function, company celebration or anniversary event in Auckland? Kiwi DJs can provide the music, sound and atmosphere to keep your guests entertained from the first song to the final track.
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