"I believe this term is a necessity for the protection of our members who may lack the knowledge and experiences required to deal with what can be complex employment matters."
Dr Manahi said his relationship with colleagues working during the strike remained professional, despite "differing opinions", and he was confident in Rotorua Hospital's contingency plans.
Lakes DHB has cancelled elective and scheduled surgeries, affecting 20 patients across the two days, and outpatient clinics, affecting 350 people.
Staff will focus on those most in need in emergency departments in Taupō and Rotorua.
The Lakes District Health Board area. Image / Supplied
Rotorua Area Primary Health Services chief executive Dr Kirsten Stone said "our health sector, as a whole, works hard and the pressure we are all working under is not always visible".
"Industrial action is part of the normal course of a very large workforce... everybody working in the health system wants the absolute best for their patients but sometimes to get that you have to do what's best for the workforce."
The RDA gave notice of this week's strike on New Year's Eve.
RDA member Dr Kopa Manahi is one of the Lakes DHB junior doctors striking this week. Photo / Stephen Parker
It said DHBs were trying to reverse some of the improved working conditions secured after the 2016 strikes.
DHBs "strongly dispute" this.
Last week the DHBs' spokesman Dr Peter Bramley said they had tried to negotiate an agreement where clinicians and hospital managers could work with their junior doctors to make rostering decisions, "rather than the union".
Acting Lakes DHB chief executive Nick Saville-Wood said contingency planning meetings started several weeks ago and apologised for the disruption to affected patients.
Lakes District Health Board acting chief executive Nick Saville-Wood. Photo / Supplied
"Changes to hospital operations are considered necessary to ensure the safety of our patients and staff."
On Fridaythe RDA announced plans for a second national strike, between January 29 and 30.
Lakes DHB strike advice - Make sure you're up to date with prescriptions. - For minor health issues, make your GP the first port of call. - You can also contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice from a registered nurse. - Affected patients have been notified but uncertain patients can ring 0800 223 647 to check.
