Strike action by radiographers has forced the cancellation of hundreds of operations next week at Auckland City hospital and Starship Children's hospital. All elective surgery there is cancelled from Tuesday.
A three-day strike is planned next weekend and a national day-long stoppage after that.
Auckland DHB says all elective surgery at both hospitals is being cancelled from Tuesday.
Operations manager Ngaire Buchanan says the eight day closure is likely to affect about 500 patients.
The DHB says the strike means X-rays and scans are impossible except for those who need immediate, life-saving services.
Ms Buchanan says the DHB apologises for the situation and is advising of long waits for many people if not all.
Meanwhile, a strike by radiographers at Counties Manukau DHB is continuing.
Both sides say no discussions are scheduled.
