Three face charges after toddler taken to hospital

Two men appeared in the Whakatane District Court on charges relating to serious head injuries inflicted on a 2 1/2-year-old boy.

The boy was admitted to Whakatane Hospital's intensive care unit on September 21.

Harley Wharewera, 19, and Kane Tawa, 23, made no plea to joint charges of ill treatment or cruelty to a child and assault on a child.

Wharewera is also charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The men were remanded in custody to appear again on Wednesday.

The toddler's mother has also been charged with ill treatment or cruelty to a child. She is scheduled to appear in the court on October 10.

Detective Sergeant Ross Everest of Whakatane said the boy was still in hospital but his condition was improving.