Local nurses and midwives are embroiled in a national pay negotiation, set to come to a head this week.

Many nurses and midwives working for the Southern District Health Board are members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation.

The organisation is negotiating with all DHBs over wage increases and improved employment conditions.

A DHB offer has been refused, and talks between the parties will resume on Thursday.

The nurses organisation accepts DHBs are underfunded by the government, but they say workers shouldn't suffer as a result.

The organisation's gunning for a pay increase above the proposed 1%, as well as better working conditions.