UPDATED 10.06am: Andrew Little's looking to put his stamp on the start of the political year.

The Labour leader's to deliver a state of the nation address in Auckland on Wednesday - the same day as John Key.

Mr Little says his speech will have a long term focus and speak about where he wants New Zealand to be.

"Moving away from what I call small bear government to actually a government about dealing with the real issues for the future, and that's about the state we want New Zealand to be in, in 20 or 30 years time."

John Key is expected to flesh out National's new social housing policy on Wednesday, while on the same day Labour leader Andrew Little will set out to woo Aucklanders and business.

Mr Little's chosen a business audience for his inaugural state of the nation address in an apparent bid to dispel the belief held by some that Labour is unfriendly to business.

John Key's lunchtime speech will be on plans to improve the availability and management of social housing.