A 4-year-old child that was hit by a car yesterday morning is now talking and laughing with family.
The incident happened just before 8am yesterday on Taniwha St in Glen Innes.
The young girl was taken to Starship Children's Hospital in a critical condition, but a hospital spokeswoman confirmed she is now in a stable condition.
The Herald understands she has minor injuries and is talking and laughing with family.
The child was struck by a vehicle outside Bumblebees Childcare Centre, which provides care and education for children from 3 months to 5 years old.
A spokesperson for the centre said in an earlier statement the incident occurred outside the centre while the girl was being dropped off.
"Everyone at the centre - children, parents and staff were distressed and shocked to learn of the incident.
"All of our thoughts are with the child and their family during this difficult time and we are providing as much support as possible," the statement said.
"One of our staff has gone to Starship Hospital to support the family.
"We are providing support to all our children, families and staff who have been left shaken by this. The Ministry of Education has provided support and continues to work with us.
"The police are investigating the accident and we are providing all assistance," the statement added.
A police spokeswoman said the Serious Crash Unit is continuing to investigate, with investigations expected to take some time.
An earlier Herald witness account by Wiremu Eketone detailed a girl lying in front of a brown van at the side of the road.
"We came out and saw the girl on the ground. She was already hit when we came out," Eketone said.
"She was unconscious for a little while, then she came round. She wasn't moving but she still had a heartbeat. After a minute or so she came around and started kicking and screaming."
Eketone said several women were attending to the girl before emergency services arrived.
"I hope she [the injured girl] is okay."
Eketone and a local parent said Taniwha St is used by drivers as a shortcut.
"This street is so busy. There's no real pedestrian crossings ... It's a bit dangerous," said Eketone, a grandfather.
A section of the street was closed while emergency services treated the crash victim but was reopened to traffic around 10am.
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.