An Eastern Bay of Plenty couple have admitted to abusing a two-year-old boy while he was in their foster care.

Child Youth and Family caregivers Stephen, 52, and Eunice Towns, 42, confessed to assaulting the toddler during the five week period he was in their care when they appeared in the Whakatane District Court this week.

A couple accused of abusing a two-year-old boy in their care are due to appear for sentencing in Tauranga next month.

The prosecution says the boy was hit as a form of corrective discipline while the boy was in the couple's care.

The court heard how the boy was subjected to ten minute cold showers causing his body to go into hypothermic shock after he refused to eat his breakfast.

He was taken to Whakatane Hospital when he fell unconscious on May 11.

His core body temperature was 31.6 degrees which put him at risk of having a fatal cardiac dysrhythmia.

Eunice Towns is charged with grievous bodily harm and assault. Stephen Towns is charged with assault.

A 19-year-old woman, who has interim name suppression, is facing a charge of wounding with reckless disregard, a charge she pleaded not guilty to.

She will appear in the Whakatane District Court on February 5.

The toddler is reported to be recovering and is in the care of his wider family.

The Towns are due in Tauranga District Court for sentencing on February 18.