Thousands of senior doctors and dentists employed at public hospitals across Aotearoa have just gone on strike, forcing 250 planned procedures to be deferred.
Up to 5000 members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists union have walked off the job until 2 o'clock this afternoon, after refusing the latest pay offer.
Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand says it's disappointed it's come to this.
Auckland physician Alexandra Muthu was at the picket line in Waitematā and spoke to Charlotte Cook.