This is part of strike action occurring across all New Zealand universities as the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) battles to keep pay in step with inflation.
A pay increase of 8% is sought by TEU, as negotiations to renew university collective agreements take place nationwide.
While the current offer has not been disclosed, it did not satisfy union members at a recent stop-work meeting, who were concerned about increases in the cost of living and in their workloads.
Branch organiser Philip Edwards said the action was a chance for employees to make their feelings known to the university.
Participants would congregate at the main common room of the Student Union at 2pm tomorrow.
Weather permitting, they would then march around the clock tower before gathering at the monolith at the corner of Cumberland St and St David St, where Mr Edwards and others would speak.
The branch had nearly 1200 members across five locations, who voted "overwhelmingly" in favour of strike action in a ballot last week.
He was unsure of the numbers the rally would attract given the impact school holidays would have on some members, and a wintry weather forecast.
"We’re hoping for a very strong turnout.
The last time staff went out on strike was in 2004.
"We don’t take the decision to strike lightly.
"It’s of grave concern that we’ve got to the position where we have and we hope to continue bargaining in good faith."
Following the rally, eight days of further action was also planned.
"There will be a number of non strike related activities that staff will be undertaking on a day-to-day basis," Mr Edwards said.
University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof David Murdoch earlier this week acknowledged it was a difficult time for staff.
The university’s financial environment was increasingly constrained and there were difficult decisions to make, he said.
"Universities are made up of staff members who come to work to do their absolute best every day, and I deeply value their contribution.
"We intend to keep negotiating with the union."
