The family of two children who almost drowned after falling from a wharf have praised the quick actions of emergency services, including a local nurse who travelled by boat in the dark to help.
A family member found the children in the sea, rescued them, and began CPR, before Auckland's Westpac Rescue Helicopter and St John paramedics arrived from Auckland to stabilise the kids and fly them to hospital.
Grandfather Matt Ngawaka, who spent yesterday waiting for updates from his son, said he was extremely grateful to everyone and was hopeful both children would make a full recovery.
The 3-year-old was due to be discharged last night and doctors were happy with the 18-month-old's progress despite his critical condition, he said.