New Zealand Examines Matt Lauer’s Ranch Purchase After His Firing<br />NBC on Wednesday said it fired Mr. Lauer from “Today” following an allegation of sexual harassment, making him the latest major media figure<br />to fall from grace amid a broad examination in the United States of inappropriate sexual behavior in the worlds of media and entertainment.<br />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<br />of New Zealand property, where officials are already scrutinizing the role of foreign buyers in an increasingly expensive market.<br />Foreigners must pass a good-character test to be allowed to buy New Zealand land,<br />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.<br />A New Zealand government agency said on Thursday that it was in discussions with<br />Mr. Lauer’s representative over his purchase of a 16,000-acre farm there.
