CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- A cancer specialist in New Zealand is doing what he admits is stupid -- a smoking protest -- to focus on patient suffering during a radiographers' strike.

Chris Wynne, clinical director of radiation oncology at Christchurch Hospital, said he knows smoking isn't smart, but it was the only way he could highlight the suffering of cancer patients during a recent work stoppage by therapists, The Press said Friday. The next planned three-day strike over pay issues with the District Health Boards is scheduled for Jan. 9.

Wynne, who took a puff once as a teenager, said he was willing to smoke for "as long as it takes" to highlight the situation.

"I've tried everything sensible so now I am doing something stupid. Appealing to common sense hasn't solved these strikes," he said.

A union spokeswoman said she understands Wynne's frustrations, but said the problem is with the health boards and their offer. She said therapists were taking jobs in Australia because of pay and working conditions.

An Action on Smoking and Health spokeswoman said since Wynne knows the risks of smoking, "we would recommend he found another way to express his concern."