An American author has suggested New Zealand's move to ban foreign buyers from purchasing property has been influenced by a new American Civil War.

Military historian and global strategist Michael Vlahos said in a podcast interview the strong division between right-leaning and left-leaning US citizens has led to a new American Civil war, which has "already influenced decision-making by other countries".

But the New Zealand Government has never said the policy was influenced by US instability. The curb on foreign purchases of New Zealand property was passed into law last Wednesday with the goal of making it easier for Kiwis to get on the property ladder.

Mr Vlahos has pointed to New Zealand as an unlikely nation to introduce a conservative policy to defend itself from a supposed influx of wealthy Americans looking to escape US turmoil. American multimillionaires such as ex-NBC host Matt Lauer and entrepreneur Peter Theil have purchased sections in high-demand places like Queenstown.

"From New Zealand we learn that the legislator has taken the extreme step of banning foreign owners from purchasing New Zealand property, which for several years now has been passing into the hands of very well-to-do international thinkers," said US radio host John Batchelor in his podcast The John Batchelor Show.

Mr Vlahos spoke to Mr Batchelor as a guest speaker giving his interpretation of New Zealand's new foreign buyers' policy. But he didn't mention that the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill would still allow overseas residents to purchase new apartments in large developments and multi-storey blocks.

It is New Zealand's existing homes that will remain off limits to non-residents, but people from Australia and Singapore will be exempt from the policy because of free-trade agreements.