A soldier who fell unconscious while vying for a spot in the elite Special Air Service (SAS) has woken up and talked to family.
Lieutenant Alexander Teira Cowan has been in an induced coma in Auckland City Hospital since suffering "heat-related injuries" while taking part in an 8km run with other SAS candidates on January 25.
The Defence Force was told on Sunday he had come out of the coma and his condition improved, army spokesman Major John Gordon said.
"It's certainly very pleasing that he has improved," he told NZ Newswire.
"From what I know from what the family's told us he appears to be comfortable and is able to communicate.
Lt Cowan was no longer in a critical condition, but remained in a serious conditions, Major Gordon said.
"The family, through the Defence Force, really wish to express their gratitude to their whanau, but also the local community and the wider New Zealand public for all the support that's come their way. They've certainly appreciated that."
The SAS candidates were wearing military uniform and carrying about 10kg of equipment as they ran through the Hunua Ranges, southeast of Auckland.
Lt Cowan, known as Teira, collapsed after 80 minutes, towards the end of the exercise.
The incident is being investigated.
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