National MP Simon Bridges has provided an update on the condition of his youngest son Harry, after an injury on Thursday left him hospitalised.
The incident occurred just moments before Bridges was scheduled to appear at a press conference in his Tauranga electorate, at which he was unveiled as the party's new finance and infrastructure spokesperson.
National leader Chris Luxon was forced to tell those attending the media conference why his colleague couldn't be there.
"I was supposed to be here with my good friend Simon Bridges, but I want to tell you what's happened," the former Air New Zealand CEO said at the press conference.
"In the last hour one of his sons has had an accident at school and now he's in hospital. Simon texted me 20 minutes ago to say he can't be with us and I told him, 'Mate, just be with your family'."
Bridges has since provided an update on social media, revealing the injury had occurred on the playground.
"Today my son Harry had a bad accident with a swing at school," he wrote in a tweet on Thursday evening.
"Natalie and I want to thank all the amazing staff at Tauranga and Starship hospitals for all they're doing. While it is serious, Harry should be ok. We are also very grateful for all the kind messages and prayers."
Luxon, who has only been in the job for a day, held a press conference alone in Tauranga on Thursday to announce Bridges' new portfolios and that he would be third-ranked in the caucus.
It comes after Bridges stepped aside in the leadership contest, allowing Luxon to take charge following Judith Collins' axing as leader last week.
