As the Resident Doctors' Association union and district health boards met, resident doctors were holding their fourth 48-hour stopwork this year.
Dunedin organiser Rosa Tobin Stickings said yet another strike was causing hardship for some junior doctors, but was testament to their determination.
''Striking is always hard, the payment penalties are hard, but we are aware we are doing it to protect our current conditions and know what it means if we lose them,'' she said.
''We just keep solid with each other, we keep discussing it over the lunch table, we keep talking about it at teaching - we are open and honest in our communication and we make sure everyone is on board.
''We consult with all our members to see what the feeling on the ground is, and decide where to go.''
The union claims the DHBs are trying to alter conditions regarding working hours and place of work, while the employers say changes agreed in the last contract talks to ensure safe staffing need to be amended to allow for greater flexibility in rostering.
Dr Tobin Stickings said she would far rather be at work looking after patients, and expressed optimism there might be a breakthrough in mediation talks.
''There has definitely been some good movement and we hope things will continue to go in the right direction.''
Southern District Health Board chief executive Chris Fleming said hospitals were very busy yesterday but had coped with demand.
''We are managing well, thanks to staff dedicated to the care of the public across the district,'' he said.
''Contingency plans are working effectively and our hospitals remain open - however, the public is reminded to please keep our emergency departments for emergencies.''
The doctors return to work at 8am tomorrow.
