Health Minister Annette King says she is very pleased that junior doctors have reached a settlement with so many of the country's Hospital and Health Services (HHSs).

"I have not been given the details, but I feel sure the agreement has been reached in good faith between the parties and is a fair settlement.

"I understand a few HHSs have still to reach a settlement, and I hope they do so soon."

Mrs King congratulated the parties on the good faith they had shown in resolving the dispute. "This has been a long-standing issue, and the settlement proves the new industrial relations environment works in a way the old style of confrontation was unable to work.

"I hope the agreement will help in the recruitment and retention of our junior doctors, and help us provide the quality of health services New Zealanders deserve.

"I recognise there are many long-term issues in terms of having sufficient numbers of skilled professionals in the New Zealand health workforce. The difference now is that this Government is committed to dealing with the long-term issues. I am sure that health professionals, including junior doctors, understand the sincerity of this commitment."

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