A new report from KPMG suggests New Zealanders have no reason to fear foreign investment in farming, nor should there be any change to overseas investment rules.

The report, entitled ‘Foreign Investors – friends or foes?’ shows that despite intense media scrutiny of deals such as the Crafar farm sale, there’s been no recent increase in foreign investment.

KPMG agribusiness partner Ian Proudfoot says that puts recent criticism squarely at the door of the media.

"We see no evidence of an increase in the amount of applications coming through the overseas investment process.

"At the moment we think New Zealand has only a limited threat and the debate has probably been quite emotive."

Ian Proudfoot says overseas investment is crucial to boosting New Zealand farming’s global footprint.

"Historically we believe that New Zealand has really benefitted from inbound investment, and if you look at our blue chip companies, most of them have major foreign companies on their share role."

Mr Proudfoot says New Zealand’s remote location means it will never be the country of choice for most investors looking for overseas land.