No access via Lauer land holds
Land Information Minister Eugenie Sage says unless disgraced United States TV host Matt Lauer has breached conditions of his Overseas Investment Act consent over his bought high country pastoral lease, it might be impossible to revisit access through the property.
NBC fired Lauer last week after an allegation that he made inappropriate sexual contact with a subordinate, and has upset Kiwi outdoor enthusiasts who can’t access Ha¯ wea Conservation Park through his Hunter Valley Station leasehold station. In March, Lauer was given the go-ahead by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO), to buy the 10,759-hectare highcountry station’s lease, which extends from the northern shores of Lake Ha¯ wea into the Hunter Valley. Foreign applicants also have to pass a ‘‘good character’’ test to be given the green light.
Sage said so far there were only allegations against the broadcaster. ‘‘The OIO 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. The office is discussing this with his representative and is seeking further information.’’
Not only does Lauer have to abide by the consent conditions laid down by the OIO as part of the sale; he also has obligations as a Crown pastoral lessee.
Federated Mountain Clubs and other groups are upset that the OIO did not force Lauer to provide access to the 105,000ha Ha¯ wea Conservation Park. Club president Peter Wilson said any chance of access was ‘‘killed’’ about six months ago when the OIO refused to enact the recommendations of the Walking Access Commission. ‘‘There’s no chance of an easement until we can get the Government to correct its past mistake, and we’ll be asking them to do so. We’re also calling on Matt to do the right thing.’’
Wilson said the easement would provide access for recreationists, including trampers, fishermen, boat users, and hunters. When it made its decision earlier this year, the OIO said the station was a working farm so public access was difficult to provide.
Sage said any decisions over enforcement would have to be taken by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), which also runs the OIO. As part of the sale conditions, Lauer and his wife Annette said they would invest at least $1.2 million over five years in farm developments.
Sage said the new directive issued to the OIO would see environmental factors given more weight from December 15.