Bruce Mactaggart acknowledged in naming of Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre’s hydrotherapy facility 

Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre has named its hydrotherapy facility - the Mactaggart Hydrotherapy Centre (which opened today) – as Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust (HBCFCT) acknowledges their founding trustee Bruce Mactaggart’s hard work leading the development of world class facilities.

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.   

The Mactaggart Hydrotherapy Centre is one of the best of its kind in New Zealand with two pools – sized 4.5 metres by 4.2 metres and the second pool is 4.5 metre by 2.7 metre.    

The Centre features an automated hoist system to move patients into the pools from the large changing room, hydrotherapy jets, hydraulic treadmill, underwater mirrors for swim technique, swim flume machines (creating current for swimming) and an exercise step.   

Aqua bikes can be used in the pools and there are also TV monitors to support swim technique analysis and coaching.    

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.   

Taylor added “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.” 

Mactaggart was instrumental in securing $32 million from the Government to build the recently opened regional aquatic centre which was delivered on time, 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” Taylor said.   

Mactaggart shared “I am humbled and incredibly grateful for this generous acknowledgement by the Trust. It has been an absolute privilege to serve alongside 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.” 

Under a new contract between Te Whatu Ora Hawke’s Bay and HBCFCT, hydrotherapy pool sessions previously held at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier’s Memorial Hospital have now transferred to the new Regional Aquatic Centre.   

Te Whatu Ora Hawke’s Bay Chief Operating Officer Chris Ash says the Aquatic Centre’s two new hydrotherapy pools are great news for patients who can access them during Te Whatu Ora Hawke’s Bay’s allotted timeslots.    

“This is great because the hospital only had one hydrotherapy pool, whereas the new Aquatic Centre has two pools, giving double the pool space so that a greater number of patients can benefit.”     

Te Whatu Ora Hawke’s Bay has also hired a full time Physiotherapy Assistant, Felicity Bruce, to be based permanently onsite during weekdays, running regular classes for patients and assisting them when they need it.   

Bruce advises hydrotherapy pools offer a number of benefits for physiotherapy and other patients and notes “one of the rehabilitation benefits is that the water supports the patient’s weight, putting less pressure on the body while the individual is moving and doing exercises.

“In addition, the water temperature is 36 degrees Celsius, which helps relax the patient’s muscles and ease joint pain.    

“This is particularly important for the growing number of patients with arthritis as it supports them to increase their range of movements without the risk of hurting themselves.    

“As well as hoists, an electric wheelchair, handrails and a grab bar to improve ease of access, the new hydrotherapy pools feature an underwater treadmill, aqua bike and ‘swim machine’ (creating a fake current) to help patients improve their range of motion without risk of pain or injury.”    

“We are confident patients will be thrilled with these new, state of the art facilities and equipment, all located in close proximity to the hospital.”

Image top: Bruce Mactaggart (L) with General Manager David; image above: Bruce Mactaggart with full time Physiotherapy Assistant, Felicity Bruce.