Middleton said some Grace staff could not afford petrol to get to work and others had sought help from foodbanks.
“Like most Kiwis, we’re fighting just to stand still.”
Stats NZ figures for the year to June show inflation increased by 4.1%.
New figures are expected out tomorrow, with the NZ Herald reporting economists are forecasting a 3.7% rise in the year to September.
The union statement said most Grace Hospital workers have been offered a 2.5% pay rise.
“We are inviting local candidates from all parties to come and talk with us on the picket line tomorrow about the cost of living,” Middleton said.
“They can hear directly from nurses, anaesthetic technicians, cleaners, kitchen staff and administrators about how rising prices are impacting them and their whānau.”
Middleton said the strike would be the first strike in Grace Hospital’s 40-year history.
“We care deeply about our patients, and we’ve kept the strike to four hours to minimise disruption, but we can’t keep falling behind.”
A Grace Hospital spokesperson said the hospital respected the legal right of nurses to take industrial action.
They also recognised the “important role” nurses play in delivering safe, high-quality care to patients across the Bay of Plenty.
“Our nurses are highly valued members of our team, and we remain committed to constructive discussions aimed at reaching an agreement that recognises their contribution while supporting the ongoing sustainability of the hospital and the care we provide to our community.”
The spokesperson said they were “disappointed” the strike would go ahead when a bargaining meeting was scheduled for Friday amid ongoing negotiations.
“We look forward to returning to the bargaining table and continuing discussions in good faith with NZNO.”
Grace Hospital added the $18.6 million Kaimai West Wing this year.
The hospital’s “immediate focus” during the strike was supporting affected patients, specialists and employees, maintaining safe services during the strike period, and rescheduling any procedures disrupted by the industrial action.
“We regret the inconvenience and stress this disruption may cause and are working to safely reschedule affected procedures as quickly as possible.”
The hospital, which is jointly owned by Evolution Healthcare and Southern Cross Healthcare, offers a variety of surgical and other healthcare services on a 5ha site on Cheyne Rd.
It blessed a new, $18.6 million wing this year.
It is Tauranga’s only private hospital. Two more are planned in the wider region, in the CBD and Te Puna.
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.