Girl hit by ute out of coma

Hineraukura Fraser-King, who has been in an induced coma, is 6 today. Photo / Supplied

A six-year-old girl who suffered critical injuries after being hit by a ute in Rotorua almost three weeks ago has come out of a coma.

Hineraukura Fraser-King suffered head injuries, holes in her lungs and numerous broken bones, including an arm, leg, jaw and neck after running into the vehicle's path on May 5.

She has been in Auckland's Starship Hospital since the incident and was last week woken from an induced coma.

Hineraukura underwent surgery two weeks ago, when surgeons inserted screws into her back to stabilise her because they were unable to apply a neck brace because of her broken jaw.

They put screws into her broken right leg.

A Facebook page set up to let friends and family know about Hineraukura's progress said she now had a pink cast on her right leg to help align it.

"Her right arm is in a sling, she has two metal plates on both sides of lower jaw.

"She is breathing through tubes via her nose and still being fed through feeding tube,'' the page stated.

Grandfather Anaru Fraser said Hineraukura had been moved from intensive care into a ward.

"She is out of critical condition but she is still serious,'' he said.

"She is in a ward where the surgeons can monitor her closely.''

Mr Fraser said Hineraukura was awake from her coma but she was still in a low-stimulant environment.

"She can't have too many visitors at once and she can't have too much brightness, or too much noise.''

He said she was now able to speak a few words and was responding to questions through nodding her head.

"We are very pleased with her progress,'' he said.

"Every little step forward is positive for the whole family. We are so lucky and thankful that she is alive.''

Mr Fraser said the family was coping well with the situation and were still taking turns to sit with Hineraukura so she was never alone.