The condition of two children severely burned in a car fire in Gisborne has improved.
Rious Namana-Rowe, aged 23 months, and his sister Manaia, aged 3, have been in a critical condition in Middlemore Hospital since 4 April when the car they were in caught fire after their mother left them alone to go shopping.
The Fire Service said Manaia found a barbecue-style lighter in the car and accidentally set the driver's seat alight.
Rious, who had burns to 20% of his body, is now in the Kidz First Children's Hospital.
His sister, who had burns to 40% of her body, is to be moved on Friday.
A hospital spokesperson said on Wednesday the children are now in serious but stable condition.
