The 54-year-old collapsed at a New World supermarket in Orewa, Auckland, on July 26. A passer-by performed chest compressions after she could not be found to have a pulse, while staff provided assistance.

Her father, Keith Wilkinson, said paramedics told the family her heart had stopped and she was “momentarily” technically dead.

Her car remained in the car park for 5½ hours, despite a 90-minute limit. Smart Compliance Management initially issued an $80 fine, later reducing it to a $30 administration fee after the family explained what had happened.

The family found the response “offensive”, but the supermarket later paid the $30 fee on the woman’s behalf.