The condition of a Masterton toddler taken to hospital after an alleged assault is slowly improving in hospital.
Two-year-old Caleb Skinner was found not breathing at his home on Monday with serious head injuries and bruising to his body.
He was taken to Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland and put into a coma. The hospital said on Thursday the his has improved from critical to stable.
Family friend Monica McKay said the child emerged from his coma on Wednesday night and was asking for his parents.
A 39-year-old man, who lived at the boy's house but is not related to him, has appeared in the Masterton District Court charged with assaulting a child.
Police say further charges are being considered.
