The 17 Defence Force nurses - including two who worked in Invercargill - were called in to maintain life-preserving services during the 24-hour strike, held on July 12-13.
Yesterday, Defence Minister Ron Mark made a ministerial statement to Parliament about the nurses' roles, something he was obliged to do under the Defence Act.
''This modest provision was made to assist the overall effort by the Ministry of Health and district health boards to maintain life-preserving services and continuity of care at locations across New Zealand in the event of industrial action,'' Mr Mark said.
''I commend the Defence Force for being able to move quickly and provide high-quality support.''
National health spokesman Michael Woodhouse said Defence Force nurses had only been called upon in such circumstances three times previously - during the 1951 waterfront strike and twice in corrections facilities during strike action.
''It would never have been envisaged that Defence Force medical personnel be deployed to our own hospitals to provide life-preserving services to New Zealanders in peacetime,'' he said.
''When we're calling in the army ... to staff our hospitals during an industrial dispute, it behooves this government to settle this action and, actually, to be a little bit more upfront with New Zealanders about what they're doing and when.''
Health Minister David Clark said his key priority before the nurses' strike was making sure safe staffing was in place, and he thanked Defence Force personnel for their help.
Talks between the New Zealand Nursing Organisation and DHBs adjourned yesterday afternoon and resume today.
''Both NZNO and DHBs are focused on reaching a settlement and will be in a position to provide further detail late afternoon tomorrow,'' a joint statement said.
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No sure why this is even a news item Mr Woodhouse.
Woodhouse get off your soap box, National would and have done the same, being ex Defence force I recall as a young serving member of the NZDF being put in to NZ Prison's when the screws were striking. ( I didn't like it but I signed my life to the Government of the day, New Zealand and Queen so it was expected) You and me know that the NZDF could not keep this up for a long period of time. how many medical staff are in the NZDF? also if this had not happened and somebody died as part of the strike, your next soap box rant would have been why were the NZDF Medic's not deployed. your record and soapbox is broken, give it up and concentrate on your own first. ( family party members) take the last as it is. This Minister of Defence has street cred because he has served his country.