The nurses union has rejected the latest pay offer from DHB's nationwide, and are set to discuss a possible strike in mid-April.
The offer was for a two per cent pay rise, as well as a $1050 lump sum.
NZ Nurses Organistaion (NZNO) industrial services manager Cee Payne said today in a statement, negotiations with the DHB employer negotiating team have reached an impasse.
"The Employment Relations Authority requires us to continue to act in good faith with the DHB employers through this impasse. We remain open to any meaningful discussions with the DHB employer negotiating team," Ms Payne said.
"Our preference is to have the DHB MECA settled. Industrial action is the last resort in the event it is not settled."
Over 27,000 nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, who are party to the DHB MECA all voted on whether to accept the pay offer, with votes closing last Friday.
"Mid-April NZNO will discuss the need for a ballot for industrial action with national elected delegates and staff," Ms Payne said.
"The nature of what industrial action might consist of will be decided then.
"We understand the impact that industrial action will impose on the health sector. Nurses are responsible and professional and will be concerned to ensure that adequate life preserving services will be available should a strike occur."
NZNO has today launched a campaign #HealthNeedsNursing with the website: www.healthneedsnursing.nz to explain the issues surrounding nursing midwifery teams pay fairness, and how it relates to safe patient care.
The NZNO has also sent an email out to all union members assuring them their "voice has been heard" through their vote, and encouraging them campaign as a volunteer, and invite colleagues to join the union.
The NZNO members email also announces a week of "action events" relating to the pay dispute starting April 9.
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