The match, played at Hancock Park, was an arm-wrestle that brought out the best out of both sides in front of an appreciative crowd.
The Hawks showed great composure to nail the win after the Raiders had come back from 24-12 to lock it all up with three minutes remaining.
The win means the defending champion keeps its unblemished record in spring competition play, after it went through last year's competition unbeaten.
The first half saw the scores locked up 12-12 at halftime after the Raiders had outscored the Hawks three tries to two in a seesawing battle.
After trailing 4-0 early in the half, the Hawks began to dominate possession and territory.
They led 12-4 with 10 minutes to play before the Raiders fought back with two tries late in the half.
The second half saw a more composed Hawks side jump out to a 24-12 lead, when hooker Che Tamihere scored a double early in the half.
The Raiders cut the lead to six points before winger Daryl Caldwell scored his second try of the match when he finished off a fine backline move from inside the Hawks half to tie things up with three minutes to play.
Victory would not be denied for the Hawks, and when the Raiders spilt the ball inside their own 20 metres, the match-winner was scored when it was spun wide for McKee to dot down.
Hawks standoff Rema Smith was a standout in a fine backline.
He scored a try, was dangerous with the ball in hand and crucially kicked four from five conversions.
University won a dull encounter against the Kia Toa Tigers 22-12.
The students dominated possession and territory and should have won by more in a match that had too many handling errors from both sides.
They held an 8-6 lead at halftime, outscoring their opposition two tries to one.
The Tigers made a ton of tackles in the first half and did well to stay in the game.
All that tackling took its toll in the second half, while University remained composed and made better use of its chances in its five tries to two victory.
The South City Dragonz showed they will be serious title contenders with a 40-12 win over the Kaikorai Silverbacks.
The Dragonz played a fast-paced style of league in their seven-tries-to-two win that was too much for the bigger Silverbacks side.
After leading 16-6 at halftime, the Dragonz dominated the second half, running in four converted tries in a high-calibre performance.
Dragonz centre Lance Barbarich was in blockbusting form, scoring two tries and playing a part in many others.
