A spokesperson for the country's senior doctors has made a speech in Australia, criticising what he calls the under-funding and under-staffing of New Zealand hospitals.
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Ian Powell was speaking at an Australian Medical Association conference in Canberra.
He says staff shortages because of the under-funding are putting hospitals under intense pressure.
Mr Powell was critical of the Government as well as senior health managers.
He described the New Zealand health care system as prey to erratic decision-making, heavy-handed management and gaga behaviour.
Mr Powell told delegates anyone who speaks out is subject to bullying and threats.
