Pensioner gives $100 for flight

An 85-year-old Otago pensioner has given Juliette Gilbert's fiance $100 to help reunite him with the fugitive American mother.

Ms Gilbert was on the run from the FBI for three years after abducting her son Sky when an American court awarded custody to her former husband in 2002.

She was found in Rotorua earlier this month and handed to American police.

Ms Gilbert and 9-year-old Sky had been living in a tent near Lake Rotoma. She left the Tauranga home she shared with her fiancee, Craig Henwood, in January.

Mr Henwood did not know she was wanted by the FBI.

He has been trying to get to America to be with her since she was expelled from New Zealand on April 13, but has been unable to raise the money for a plane ticket.

Elaine Woodward, who lives in the small east Otago town of Palmerston, sent Mr Henwood a cheque after reading about his plight.

She said Mr Henwood's love for Ms Gilbert inspired her to give the money.

"I feel sorry for him. I think it would be wonderful if he could go to America and be there for her."

She said Ms Gilbert was "a very brave lady" who had been through a difficult time and needed support.

Mrs Woodward, whose husband is in a nursing home, said giving $100 was a lot for her but she hoped it would encourage others to "show some compassion".

"Nothing's a stretch if you really want to do it."

Mr Henwood, who received the cheque yesterday, said he planned to call Mrs Woodward to thank her.

He had deposited the money in an account for funds for a ticket. "It's a start," he said.

Mr Henwood had not spoken to Ms Gilbert, 37, since she left New Zealand.

She is in custody in San Francisco and is expected to face charges of custodial interference and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Sky is with his father, Ms Gilbert's former husband Roby Gilbert, and Mr Gilbert's new partner in Seattle.

Mr Henwood has been in regular contact with the couple, who told him Sky was doing well.

"They're quite amazed how chirpy he is."

Sky had talked about fishing in New Zealand and was entertaining them with his Kiwi slang.

Mr Gilbert did not want his former wife to stay locked up.

Like Mr Henwood, he wanted Sky to be reunited with his mother.

"We're working together to resolve this," Mr Henwood said.