UPDATED 12.31pm

The chants of protestors can be heard from inside National's Northern Regional Convention in Auckland.

Around 50 protestors, with banners and microphones, are demanding more state housing and improved benefits and incomes.

Auckland Action Against Poverty said new strategies are needed to stop the punishment of the poor.

The group's spokeswoman, Vanessa Cole, said the group has three key demands.

She said they include stopping sanctions on all beneficiaries, especially one on sole mothers, as well as to "build massive amounts of state housing and have a livable income for all people". 

She said on Mother's Day it is timely to "acknowledge sole mothers who face economic punishment from Work and Income".

Inside the conference Finance Minister Steven Joyce is telling supporters and National MPs of budget plans to improve public services, infrastructure and grow the economy.

The convention doors are lined with police.