Thousands of senior doctors are striking all today - joined by nurses also taking industrial action

It's affecting up to 43-hundred planned care procedures and has meant some clinics have had to close.

The doctors want a 1.5 percent pay rise - and nurses are also fighting for better work conditions.

NZ Nurses Organisation CEO, Paul Goulter, addressed crowds at Auckland City Hospital today.

He believes the country doesn't have the health system it deserves, and the public support this strike strongly.