Students and staff from several Otago University humanities schools are banding together at a rally against proposed job cuts.

Over 200 staff, students and members of the public are making their voices heard, despite rain and biting wind.

Newstalk ZB's Matiu Workman reports that some are holding heart shaped balloons, while others are holding signs saying "Oh, the humanities."

The rally has been organised by the Tertiary Education Union, who are calling for positive discussions, and no job redundancies.

Staff from five schools under the humanities faculty are facing job losses, as the university deals with a six-figure financial deficit.

TEU union organiser Sean Scott said the rally is bringing staff and students to show support for the under-pressure department.

"It's a really positive message that we're pushing - the theme is love humanities, and that is the message that we're trying to get across."

He said they're calling on the university to steer clear of forced redundancies, and let them operate as normal without any job threats looming.

Great turnout in poor weather for the Humanities rally at @otago today pic.twitter.com/Ss4X7R1eJ4

— Matiu Workman (@matiuworkman) August 24, 2016