Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust (HBCFCT) founding trustee Bruce Mactaggart’s hard work leading the development of world class facilities has been recognised with the naming of the new hydrotherapy pools at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre.  

Mr Mactaggart founded HBCFCT alongside former Trust Chair Sir Graeme Avery in 2016 with a vision to enhance the health and lifestyles of Hawke’s Bay people through the creation of world-class sport and health facilities, community-based outreach programmes, research, and education.  

HBCFCT chair Iain Taylor said the naming of the Mactaggart Hydrotherapy Centre was in recognition of Bruce’s “vision, dedication, commitment and tireless work” during the last six years in creating a regional facility delivering much needed community benefits and outcomes.  

“These world class facilities along with the delivery of youth development and wellbeing initiatives would never have happened without Bruce and Sir Graeme.  

“Bruce brings international experience and expertise in venue development and event creation and his seemingly limitless energy ensured that the Trust has achieved some remarkable outcomes in a very short time.”

Mr Mactaggart was instrumental in securing $32 million from the Government to build the recently opened Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre which was delivered on time and on budget. 

Importantly, scope was identified within the budget to add the Hydrotherapy pools which will be used regularly by Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand – Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay for patient treatment and recovery in addition to the use of the pools more generally for the benefit of athletes.  

“It is fitting that the Hydrotherapy Centre will be named after Bruce as he could see a need for a facility that will assist in improving the health outcomes of people returning from injury and those with a disability, as well as enhancing athlete performance"  Mr Taylor said.  

Mr Mactaggart said “I am humbled and incredibly grateful for this generous acknowledgement by the Trust. It has been an absolute privilege to serve alongside Sir Graeme and my fellow Trustees and to see our dream of these facilities come to fruition. It is my hope that these facilities, and the programmes they allow HBCFCT to deliver, will enhance the lives of everyone in Hawkes Bay and will be enjoyed by all for many years to come.”