Simon Bridges has confirmed his involvement in helping organise seriously ill New Zealand woman Abby Hartley's eventual return home from Bali.
Mrs Hartley has been in a coma after she fell ill during her second honeymoon on the Indonesian island last month. A twisted bowel saw her suffer several infections, a collapsed lung and kidney failure.
Mr Bridges, the National Party leader, says some "concerned New Zealanders" approached him, wanting to donate $170,000 to facilitate the medevac which would see Mrs Hartley returned to New Zealand.
Mr Bridges wouldn't confirm who the New Zealanders are, or how many were in the group.
"These people aren’t looking for a profile, they just wanted to make sure the right thing was done."
The Government refused to help the family with medical and evacuation costs after the family's travel insurance didn't cover Mrs Hartley's pre-existing conditions.
In a statement last week, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said the Government is unable to fund the costs of New Zealanders who become ill overseas.
Simon Bridges says although he understands the Prime Minister stating there's a precedent when it comes to Kiwis in need, the Government breaks those rules all the time.
"We've seen it with people being paid out on home claims in Christchurch without insurance, we’ve seen it with search and rescue missions. They could have gotten involved."
The family's Givealittle page saw over $200,000 donated, but Mr Bridges said there is often difficulty around claiming the funds, especially when time is crucial.
He said he's spoken with Mrs Hartley's husband Richard who is grateful for the help.
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