Migrants need an incentive to move to the regions and away from Auckland's overheated housing market, Labour says.

Source: 1 NEWS

Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson is calling for a change in policy to make other areas of New Zealand attractive and says people wanting to work in the regions should get priority.

"If you're prepared to go there - and stay for some time - you'll get an additional weighting while you're being considered," Mr Robertson advocates, adding that he doesn't expect people to go there if there isn't a job.

"This has to be a partnership between central government, local government and the businesses in those regions to make sure there is a reason for people to go there."