32 of New Zealand's biggest high-tech companies have been sold off overseas at an early stage [ix] . That's like ripping out a crop when it's half-grown. It's madness. Labour welcomes positive investment, but we want to avoid the best and brightest of our young companies being continually hollowed-out from Kiwi ownership. We need policies that will help young Kiwi companies grow for longer, and become stronger, right here in New Zealand. We know the main problems: a lack of capital to support growth, a lack of experience in trading outside of New Zealand, difficulty communicating with overseas customers and a difficulty delivering the product or service around the world. David Shearer, who is also our Innovation Spokesperson, will be speaking more on our ideas in this area shortly. Labour also believes that government should try to buy Kiwi-made products where possible and appropriate, and ensure that Kiwi companies have a fair chance to sell to their own government. Taking a hard look at government procurement is also a part of Labour's policy mix. The government should also have a strong policy of avoiding products that cause significant environmental harm and those that rely on the cynical exploitation of workers, especially women and children. Rebuilding manufacturing, sectors and regions Good farmers have a plan for every paddock on the farm. We need a sustainable growth strategy for every industry sector and region. Sadly, however, since National took over many regions have slipped backwards, and this is no accident. The East