New Zealand Examines Matt Lauer’s Ranch Purchase After His Firing
NBC on Wednesday said it fired Mr. Lauer from “Today” following an allegation of sexual harassment, making him the latest major media figure
to fall from grace amid a broad examination in the United States of inappropriate sexual behavior in the worlds of media and entertainment.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The ripples from the firing of Matt Lauer as the co-host of the “Today” morning news show have hit the world
of New Zealand property, where officials are already scrutinizing the role of foreign buyers in an increasingly expensive market.
Foreigners must pass a good-character test to be allowed to buy New Zealand land,
and while Mr. Lauer’s purchase was approved earlier this year, the country’s Overseas Investment Office is revisiting his case in light of his firing.
A New Zealand government agency said on Thursday that it was in discussions with
Mr. Lauer’s representative over his purchase of a 16,000-acre farm there.
