"Labour will require government organisations to design contracts to that companies focused on job creation have a fair chance of winning them," Andrew Little says.

Labour leader Andrew Little has wrapped up the party's annual conference with a low-key promise to boost jobs by giving an edge to companies creating employment in Government contracts.

In his key note speech to a crowd of over 600, including members of the public who were given an open invitation, Little said Labour would use the government's $40 billion in buying power to help create jobs.

"Labour will require government organisations to design contracts to that companies focused on job creation have a fair chance of winning them," he said.

The agencies would then be obliged to report on the value of contracts they have awarded based on these criteria.

In his speech titled "backing the Kiwi Dream" Little said kiwis had some simple aspirations.

"Owning a home, having security for the people we love, a chance to enjoy the outdoors and the environment we love, and a job that gives us the time and the money to lead a fulfilling life."

Little said backing business to create good jobs was his absolute priority.

"Over the next year I will set out a series of policies to boost job creation in New Zealand. The first thing I will do is make sure the Government's buying power does just that, " he said.

"My top three priorities are jobs, jobs and jobs."

Local businesses needed to develop skills and innovations to successfully win tenders and create jobs.

"For many small businesses the lack of government contracting experience is a hindrance when they try to break in to international markets."

He pointed to the loss of Dunedin's Hillside rail wagon manufacturing and $1.5 billion spent on the new IRD computer system, which he said could have generated skilled work opportunities in New Zealand.

"Government contracts often have very tight criteria that shuts out New Zealand companies and prevents them from developing innovative bids in conjunction with local and overseas consortia. It's time to level the playing field."

Little used the speech to outline his values and visions, saying he believed in justice - especially when the powerful and the privileged used their position to take advantage of the weak.

He said the was increasingly weighted in favour of those already doing well, while putting up barriers that stop other people getting ahead.

He promised as prime minister he would make sure Kiwis get the health care they need when they need it "and I'll give our doctors and nurses and health workers the funding they need to do their jobs".

He said the country needed to "turn the page" on the last seven years and restore the Kiwi dream as well a changing the way the country was governed.

In a swipe at Prime Minister John Key he said: "Right now, it seems the Government is more interested in slapstick and personal sledging than in genuine leadership; It's more interested in flags and pandas than in serious issues. It seems like the latest political sideshow is often more important than what is happening to you or your family. I didn't become an MP to play parliamentary parlour games."

Little wrapped up his speech with a promise not to tolerate poverty in New Zealand in the 21st Century.

He said cynic would say its too ambitious or he was dreaming.

"To the cynics I say this: Even if you've given up, I haven't and I won't, ever. It's not who I am."



Labour would increase the number of hours beneficiaries could work without having their benefits cut, feed kids through a food in schools programme and implement a healthy homes guarantee and get serious about lifting wages.

He said as part of the Budget each year Labour would report on how many children had been lifted out of poverty.