Matt Lauer Gives Up On Comeback To Become A Rancher In New Zealand!
Jan. 27 2019, Updated 4:16 p.m. ET
Banned from TV in the U.S., sleazy Matt Lauer has given up on his dream of a Hollywood comeback and is plotting a move to New Zealand to become a full-time rancher, RadarOnline.com can reveal exclusively.
The fired TODAY anchor has been whining to friends his television and media career will head out of Hollywood to hide out on his farm in the faraway land!
As RadarOnline.com previously reported exclusively, Lauer bought a $9.2 million, 26,500-acre ranch called Hunter Valley Station that borders neighboring Hawea Conservation Park.
Now he’s battling local officials who have been pressuring him to provide access through his land to the national park area.
“I think they see me as an easy mark,” he complained. “They’re taking advantage of some difficult times I’ve been through.”
Playing the role of the victim is nothing new to Lauer, 60. “He believes the only thing he’s guilty of was engaging in a consensual affair in the office,” a source snitched. “He sees New Zealand as a place where he can be viewed with a clean slate.”
Meanwhile, sources tell RadarOnline.com exclusively Lauer is buying ex wife Annette out of her interest in the New Zealand farm, but that transaction won't happen until after the divorce is final because of troubles that the government gave him regarding ownership.
After his sexual assault allegations came to light, NBC fired Lauer from his morning show and he was in danger of losing the New Zealand property.
A stipulation in Lauer’s lease requires the applicant to “continue to be of good character.” A six-month investigation by the country’s overseas investment office concluded in June and ruled that he could continue to lease the land.
Outdoor enthusiasts then argued Lauer should provide greater access to the conservation park, to which his attorney Graeme Todd argued would entitle his client to “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in compensation.
Todd said Lauer has already complied with all public access requirements, allowing more than 100 people to come through since he took over the land in 2017.
New Zealand’s Walking Access Commission filed an application with the Commissioner of Crown Lands to grant an 25 mile easement through the property. The commission is hopeful Lauer will agree and waive the compensation.
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