Nurses say their proposed pay rise falls short of their needs due to the value of their pay dropping.

An independent panel has suggested a trio of three percent wage increases over the next 16 months, starting next month.

A one-off $2000 payment is also included.

But New Zealand Nurses Organisation Industrial Services Manager Cee Payne told Tim Dower pay for nursing remains low and unattractive.

"Since 2004 when we had parity with secondary teachers, we are now eleven percent behind secondary teachers."

Payne says that ballot closes today with the outcome announced on Monday.

"If we can't settle the MECA, if our members have voted 'yes' for industrial action, the industrial action will take place on the 5th of July and on the 12th of July, two one day strikes."

LISTEN ABOVE AS CEE PAYNE TALKS TO TIM DOWER