As tensions continue to rise, junior doctors and their employers are heading into talks again this week.
Esme and Frey Battson, 6 and 4, out in support of their junior doctor mum. Photo: RNZ / Matthew Theunisson
The public-hospital doctors and district health boards will meet in Auckland on Thursday in a second round of mediation in the dispute over rosters and pay.
The doctors went on a for 48-hour strike last week, and another 48-hour strike is planned for next Monday and Tuesday.
Two days of mediated bargaining earlier this month failed to resolve the row.
The doctors' union says it must pursue any realistic chance to resolve the row before the next strike - but it's also today accusing the DHBs of intransigence and an irresponsible and unreasonable approach.
It's warning of greater disruption if Thursday's mediation is unsuccessful.