Labour has announced new policy which would essentially rule out the sale of New Zealand farmland to foreign investors if it becomes the Government.
Party leader Phil Goff also announced tougher rules for foreigners wanting to invest in the country's strategic assets.
Mr Goff told the party's annual conference in Auckland that land sales to foreign investors are not in the national interest.
He said the current approach to farm sales to overseas buyers would be reversed, so that, instead of the majority of purchases being approved, most would be declined.
Potential buyers would have to prove the purchase would have ongoing economic benefits for New Zealand.
That policy would apply to any farm bigger than five hectares.
And he said there should be a limit on foreign ownership of utilities such as electricity companies, airports, roads, ports and rail.
Mr Goff said foreign ownership in those sectors should be restricted to 25%, where that interest is worth more than $10 million.
Radio New Zealand's political editor says the telecommunications sector is not part of that because Labour says there are competing technologies in that industry.
Labour would also give ministers the discretion to reject any potential purchase of assets worth more than $100 million, not covered by farm or monopoly infrastructure rules.
Mr Goff told delegates that no overseas person has the right to buy land in New Zealand, it's a privilege, and one that's been granted too easily in the past.
He said it's a recognition of the need to change policies that haven't worked.
Tax policy
Mr Goff also indicated that Labour would look at readjusting tax thresholds.
He said recent tax cuts by National, the latest of which took effect on 1 October, had benefited the rich at the expense of those on low and middle incomes.
Mr Goff indicated that a Labour Government would increase the top tax rate.
Monetary policy would be another focus, with Labour arguing the Reserve Bank should consider wider criteria, such as the impact on exporters, when setting the Official Cash Rate.
