Health New Zealand is assuring the public its vital services will still be operating today

Tens of thousands of health workers are striking across the country - fighting for a better pay offer from the Government.

Health NZ Chief Executive Dale Bramley says its hospitals, emergency departments, mental health units, and some community services will still be open.

However he says routine clinics will be closed and most home visits will not go ahead.

Bramley encourages people to only use EDs for genuine emergencies because of the delays for non-urgent needs.