Labour MPs and delegates will be descending on Auckland this weekend as the party holds its annual conference.

LISTEN ABOVE: Labour leader Andrew Little speaks to Mike Hosking 

This year marks 100 years since the party was founded and while marking the milestone the event will focus on the campaign to win government in 2017, President Nigel Haworth says.

"We know it's going to be difficult because we've got a well funded, well resourced government in power," he said.

"We're feeling very comfortable we've got a strong campaign."

The event kicks off with some sector workshops and policy meetings today, but the real nitty-gritty, where some of the planning for next year's election will be thrashed out, will come over the weekend.

Being an out-of-election-year conference, its focus is likely to be more organisational and motivating of the troops.

However with the replacement of some MPs on the cards, the party's revitalisation of its caucus is also likely to be discussed.

Another focus will be the up-coming Mount Roskill by-election, with candidate Michael Wood to address the conference on Sunday.

Labour Leader Andrew Little will make his main speech on Sunday, with some sort of policy announcement likely.

The Party is expecting between 500 and 600 delegates to attend the three-day event which kicks off with a President's welcome from Mr Haworth on Friday night.

Additional reporting by NZ Newswire