Listen: To Andrew Little's "waterfall policy".

Labour leader Andrew Little's outlined his vision of the New Zealand he hopes to lead.

He's made a fiery speech to party faithful at their annual conference today in Palmerston North, and rebuilding the Kiwi dream has been a main theme.

Little said New Zealanders don't ask for much - to own a home and have a secure job that also allows enjoyment of life.

He said the party is returning to its roots of improving housing, education and health.

"People like you and me, they've left us an awesome legacy. Think of that first Labour government and the achievements of Joe Savage."

He argued that whenever the Kiwi dream's been threatened, the Labour Party has championed it.

"Whenever the rights of New Zealanders needed defending, it was the Labour Party that defended them. That's what previous generations did, and now delegates, now it's our turn."

Little said if the Kiwi dream is to be restored, the government has to be changed.

He took the opportunity to castigated the National government over its style of governing, saying they are more interested in slapstick and personal sledging than genuine leadership.

"More interested in flags and pandas than serious issues."

However, his speech wasn't entirely without mishap.

His glass of water became a victim when he got particularly animated.

To laughter from supporters, he quipped "Yeah, that was the waterfall policy."