Junior hospital doctors and their employers begin a new set of talks on Wednesday in a bid to resolve employment problems.
Strike action by 3000 junior doctors was averted last month when they agreed to an interim pay rise of 2% while other issues are explored.
A new round of talks is being held this week and early next month.
They will focus on training, rosters, pay, work-life balance and the retention of New Zealand-trained doctors.
Radio New Zealand's health correspondent says the failure to reach agreement on these issues last year means junior hospital doctors are now hired on individual contracts, after a national employment contract lapsed in December.
