About 1500 people waving flags and signs marked Waitangi Day with a march from Queens Garden to the Octagon that revealed the depth of local feeling on the matter.
People are upset at plans by the centre-right coalition to undo policies of previous governments — particularly those promoting the official use of the Māori language and targeting indigenous living standards and rights.
The government has also said it will introduce, but is not committed to passing, a Bill that would reinterpret the principles of the Treaty of
Waitangi, spearheaded by coalition partner Act New Zealand.
The Prime Minister says the government has no plans to amend or rewrite the Treaty, but Toitū te Tiriti protests have erupted across the country.
Protest organiser Richard Ratahi said he was overwhelmed by the turnout, which was "definitely" higher than expected.
A wide range of ages and ethnicities took part, which he said showed the concerns were not just relevant for Māori, but for all.
The Treaty documents resulted in the birth of a nation and a foundation for government in New Zealand, he said.
"The key message is that our Treaty is ever enduring, and it should be untouched, and it is perfect in its entirety.
"We fought for it for the last 180 years and we'll keep fighting for it."
City councillor Steve Walker, one of several councillors who joined the protest, said the gathering made him proud to be a Dunedinite.
"I've never seen anything close to the numbers present today.
"My only hope is that the coalition is watching and listening to the on-the-ground reaction and hearing the public call, across the political divide, to honour the Treaty."
Protesters who spoke to the Otago Daily Times yesterday also urged the government to listen.
Pera Eden said protesters wanted the country to be united as one, and for the Treaty to be honoured.
Jaime Heperi said the high turnout was awesome to see.
She was taking part for her tamariki and ancestors, urging the government to honour the Treaty as Māori understood it.
Nathan Jones said he was there to support the cause, having recently returned home to Dunedin after living in Australia for 15 years.
A movement was under way, being carried out in a peaceful and purposeful manner, he said.
"I hope that it all ascends in the right way so Aotearoa as a whole benefits, and our people in generations to come have the best opportunity to thrive and be themselves."
When contacted, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not respond specifically on the large turnout in Dunedin, but said the government had no plans to amend or rewrite the Treaty.
"The Treaty is a foundation document of New Zealand — and important for the country’s past, present and future."
The spokesperson said outcomes for Māori had gone backwards in the last six years.
"The coalition Government is ruthlessly focused on results and is committed to improving outcomes for all New Zealanders — Māori and non-Māori alike."
Southern Act MP Todd Stephenson did not respond to a request to comment.
A police spokesperson said the crowd was peaceful and there were no arrests.
