The union representing junior doctors says public hospitals in Auckland are about to face a worsening shortage of doctors.
The Resident Doctors Association says vacancies at hospitals in the region are almost double what they were at this time last year - at a time when positions should be filling up.
The union says there are 88 vacancies for house officers, who are newly graduated doctors, and 67 vacancies for registrars, or trainee specialists.
It says vacancies are far worse than last year, and at a time of year when staffing should be at its best.
Radio New Zealand understands Auckland district health boards are actually short of 91 house officers, which is the worst-off they have ever been.
The desire by doctors to locum, at rates between $90 and $120 an hour rather than filling regular shifts, is helping drive the shortages.
The union is calling for incentives for doctors.
However, the Health Minister, Labour's health spokesperson, David Cunliffe, is accusing doctors of playing politics ahead of Saturday's general election.
Mr Cunliffe says DHB chiefs have assured him that shortages are no worse than normal.
The district health boards cancelled a meeting with the union on Friday, saying it will now take place next week.
