Obituary: Robyn Mactaggart lived life to full

Hockey and theatre identity Robyn Mactaggart has died after a long illness. She was 44.

She coached several Hawke's Bay school and development hockey teams after moving here from Australia with her husband, producer Bruce Mactaggart.

"She touched so many Hawke's Bay families," he said. "We have received so many lovely messages."

The Mactaggarts were integral to the Hawke's Bay sponsorship of the New Zealand Black Sticks men's and women's hockey teams for the London Olympics. To honour her, both teams will be wearing black armbands in their upcoming matches; the men on Saturday in Melbourne and the women in Hawke's Bay next week.

Mr Mactaggart said his wife's work would continue.

"We both made the decision to make Hawke's Bay our home and we are both passionate about it. That will be her legacy."

He said their business success was due to her creative faith and good sense.

"Walking With Dinosaurs wouldn't have come to life if it hadn't been for her support. We risked everything."

She was producer of Apollo 13, which opened in Hastings recently and has started touring in the United States.

"Even when she was really sick, she insisted it go forward. The show must go on and I have confidence it will be a hit."

Robyn Mactaggart was a "wonderful mummy" to Samantha, Jamie and Finn.

"She went way too young but she certainly had a full life," Mr Mactaggart said.

A service celebrating her life will be held at St Columba's Presbyterian Church in Havelock North tomorrow, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to Cranford Hospice.