Axed US NBC host Lauer could be forced to sell New Zealand farm
By
John Braddock
12 December 2017
The breathtaking reach of the purge of the US entertainment, media and political establishment, initiated in early October by the New York Times, has been underscored by a report that axed NBC television host Matt Lauer could now be forced to sell a farm he owns in New Zealand.
Lauer purchased the $US13 million Hunter Valley Station in the lower South Island in February, with approval from the NZ government’s Overseas Investment Office (OIO). He is one of several high-profile foreign media and entertainment figures, including singer Shania Twain and film-maker James Cameron, who own land in New Zealand.
In what has now become a sweeping international witch-hunt, the Guardian reported on December 1 that the OIO is now considering Lauer’s “fitness” to own the farm, in the wake of his sacking over allegations of sexual impropriety. Under OIO rules, foreign investors are required to demonstrate they are of “good character.”
Lisa Barrett, OIO deputy chief executive of policy and overseas investment, said in a statement: “The Overseas Investment Office is aware that allegations have been made in relation to Matt Lauer and that he is no longer working for NBC News in the USA. We are discussing this with his representative and are seeking further information.”
Barrett warned: “There is a range of regulatory tools or actions we can take if we believe the Overseas Investment Rules have been broken. The OIO can seek orders that require people to dispose of property.”
NBC News had announced days earlier that it had axed Matt Lauer, longtime co-anchor of its “Today” show, after receiving a complaint by a female NBC staffer about his behaviour during the Sochi…