Representatives from a number of unions - including the Public Service Association, Service and Food Workers Union, New Zealand Nurses
Organisation and Finsec - joined members of the Labour and Green parties to rally against cuts to public and social services such as early childhood education and KiwiSaver.
The crowd warmed up with chants and a rendition of Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall, singing ``Hey John Key, leave our rights alone''.
Comedian Jeremy Elwood provided some light relief between speeches from union officials, Labour leader Phil Goff, Green MP Metiria Turei and one concerned parent.
Mr Goff said there were two things to celebrate today "but neither of them are the budget''.
"The first is the weather, and the second is this third budget will be the last budget of this National-Act government,'' he said.
"What we're going to see today is a bucket full of broken promises.''
