Matt Lauer Could Lose $9 Million New Zealand Lakefront Ranch Because New Zealand Requires Property Owners To Be Good People

Business Insider — New Zealand is seeking further information about the sexual-misconduct allegations made against Matt Lauer to determine whether the former TV host is still fit to own property in New Zealand.

Matt and his wife, Annette, through Orange Lakes Ltd., purchased a 16,000-acre cattle and sheep farm near Lake Wanaka on New Zealand’s South Island earlier this year. But New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office, which regulates foreign investment in New Zealand, stipulates foreigners who seek to purchase land in New Zealand must be “of good character.”

A spokeswoman for the agency, Lisa Barrett, told Business Insider that it is “aware that allegations have been made in relation to Matt Lauer.”

“We are discussing this with his representative and are seeking further information,” Barrett said. “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.”

Valley Station has 30 kilometers of lakefront access, a five-bedroom homestead, stables, 10 huts, and four airstrips. According to the New Zealand Herald, the property is worth $9.1 million.

Tough break for Matt Lauer, New Zealand requiring you to be a good person to own property. Devastating. Just when you think you’ll disappear forever to the middle of nowhere, middle of nowhere gets you on a technicality. Middle of nowhere doesn’t allow shitty people. Tough break. And make no mistake, if you’re gonna have a “must be of good character” clause, then Matt Lauer is absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, OUT. He’s out. Big time sexual harasser = poor character. Terrible character.

Looks like Matt Lauer will have to settle for just playing golf in the Hamptons like a regular Joe.

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Poor guy.