Christchurch Hato Hone St John ambulance workers are kicking off a day of nationwide rallies following pay negotiation breakdowns.
More than two and a half thousand officers are taking part in staggered four-hour withdrawals of labour until 4am tomorrow.
Christchurch staff will march from 8am.
Ambulance Association Division Chairman Mark Quin told Ryan Bridge that St John will be operating at 70% capacity today.
He says some areas aren't even noticing the staff withdrawals as they become accustomed to operating with so few staff.
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