In November 2016, Mr Lauer convinced the government he and his wife, Annette, were suitable owners of Hunter Valley Station, on the shores of Lake Hawea.
A year later, Mr Lauer was fired by NBC for inappropriate sexual behaviour towards female work colleagues, and in an apology statement wrote: "There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions.
"To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry.
"As I am writing this I realise the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC."
According to documents released to the Otago Daily Times by the Overseas Investment Office, an unnamed Land Information New Zealand team manager and an unnamed senior solicitor were satisfied the good character requirements of the Overseas Investment Act 2005 were met by Mr Lauer’s declaration and the open source background check.
"The applicant has provided statutory declarations stating that the individuals with control are of good character, have not committed an offence or contravened the law ... and know of no other matter that reflects adversely on their fitness to have the investment," it was stated in the documents.
"The OIO is satisfied that the statutory declarations can be relied on as they comply with the requirements of the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957.
"The OIO has also conducted open source background checks on the individuals who control and found nothing relevant to this criterion.
"Therefore, the OIO is satisfied that the individuals with control are of good character."
A recommendation was made to the minister of finance and minister for land information that Mr Lauer and his wife were of good character and their purchase of the station would benefit New Zealand.
"The benefit will be, or is likely to be, substantial and identifiable."
The purchase of the station, valued at more than $13million, was completed early last year and Mr Lauer has said he and his family were "looking forward" to making a home in Upper Clutha.
