American television presenter Matt Lauer says his family is looking forward to being part of the Wanaka community after confirming he and his wife were behind the purchase of Hunter Valley Station.
Mr Lauer and his wife Annette issued a statement yesterday through Queenstown lawyer Graeme Todd saying they were looking forward to making a home in the Upper Clutha and to being good stewards of Hunter Valley Station.
"Annette and I have been coming to New Zealand for several years, and every time we visit, we feel lucky to be in a place of such endless beauty, inspiration and adventure," Mr Lauer said in the statement.
The couple's purchase of the 6468ha pastoral lease from Taff and Penny Cochrane has attracted criticism because of what some groups say is a lack of guaranteed access through the station into the Hawea Conservation Park and into the Hunter Valley itself.
In its decision to grant the sale lease, the Overseas Investment Office said there was willingness from Mr Lauer to enable public access to several important sites in or near the station.