The Health Minister says he's dissatisfied by bargaining between workers and Health New Zealand. 

About 36,000 nurses, midwives and health care assistants have walked off the job until 7pm today. 

The Nurses Organisation says Health NZ has indicated its bargaining parameters are restricted to one percent of total employee costs. 

Health Minister Shane Reti says the workers are still strongly valued.

"I'm a little disappointed that we're out in strike action so early in the bargaining and negotiating stage - but I would commend both parties to please get back to that bargaining table."

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