Matt Lauer Might Lose His New Zealand Farm, Too

Twenty-four hours after Matt Lauer was fired from the Today show after allegations of “inappropriate sexual behavior,” the onetime TV titan stands to lose even more. New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office has said, in a statement obtained by Page Six, that it is considering whether Lauer can keep the 27,180-acre sheep and cattle ranch, Hunter Valley Station, in New Zealand’s South Island that he and his wife, Annette Roque, purchased in February of this year.

“A condition of the consent granted to Orange Lakes Ltd. to purchase the lease for Hunter Valley Station is that the individuals with control of that company must continue to be of good character,” Lisa Barrett, deputy chief executive of policy and overseas investment, said in her statement, referencing the holding company owned by Lauer and Roque.

Since being fired, reports in Variety and The New York Times have accused Lauer of shocking behavior, including using a button concealed underneath his desk to lock his door and repeatedly quizzing female producers about their sex lives. The American media has been fixated by these stories, as has the New Zealand government; Barrett said the Overseas Investment Office is “investigating” whether this will apply to the “good character” stipulation.

On Thursday, Lauer apologized in a statement, which Savannah Guthrieshared on air Thursday morning.

“There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain Ihave caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, Iam truly sorry . . . as I am writing this, I realize the depth of thedamage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC. Someof what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, butthere is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed andashamed. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherishdearly . . . repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soulsearching, and I’m committed to beginning that effort. It is now myfull-time job.”

Vanity Fair has reached out to New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office for comment.