Vigil as toddler fights to recover after near drowning

Waikato farming couple Dan McGillivray and Nan Lapmoon with their son Hunter who fell into an effluent trap on a farm.

Boy, 2, in serious condition after almost drowning in effluent trap.

The family of a toddler who almost drowned on a Waikato farm after falling into an effluent trap have thanked the public for all their "love and support" and donations to help his recovery.

The 2-year-old boy suffered an "unthinkable accident" on Thursday, a family friend said on a Givealittle page set up to raise funds for the family.

Hunter McGillivray is in pediatric intensive care at Starship Hospital and his condition was very serious, Karen Berger posted on the page.

Ms Berger told the New Zealand Herald she spoke to the family yesterday and Hunter was still in need of a lot of help with his lungs.

The family appreciated all the love and support they have received and donations people have made, she said.

"The prayers and positive thoughts have made a huge difference we believe," his parents, Nan Lapmoon and Dan McGillivray, said, via Ms Berger. "It will be a long road ahead of us and we do not know how long we will be here for. Starship is an amazing place and the best place for our little boy right now. Thanks for all the love, from Hunters family xx."

Ms Berger said Hunter was strong, determined and well-loved. "Hunter's family are vigilantly watching over him as he battles for recovery."

Ms Berger said she was asked to set up the page to help the family with day-to-day costs while they were at his side. More than $3300 has been raised.

Emergency services were called to the farm at Te Poi at 11.30am on Thursday, and Hunter was flown to Waikato Hospital by Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

He was transferred to Starship later that night, where a hospital spokeswoman said he was in serious condition.

- Additional reporting by NZME.