US TV star Matt Lauer still under investigation by the Overseas Investment Office

An investigation into whether Matt Lauer has breached his good character clause with the Overseas Investment Office is still ongoing.

Government officials have yet to make a decision on whether disgraced US television personality Matt Lauer can retain his multi-million dollar Queenstown property following allegations levelled at him last year. 

Lauer, a household name in the United States, was one of the high-profile male celebrities accused of sexual misconduct by a number of complainants. 

His resignation as co-anchor of the hit morning television show Good Morning America was seen as another scalp in the #MeToo movement.

Matt Lauer bought the multi-million dollar property near Queenstown in 2017.

In March last year, before the revelations, Lauer was given the go-ahead by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO), to buy the lease of a 10,759-hectare high-country station which extends from the northern shores of Lake Hāwea into the Hunter Valley.

The property is reportedly worth about $13 million. 

However, foreign applicants have to pass and retain a "good character" standard in order to hold onto their properties. 

Following the allegations, the OIO launched an investigation into Lauer's actions and whether he had breached the standard of "good character". 

It has now been more than four months since the investigation began, but Lauer's fate is still unknown. 

The OIO's policy and overseas investment deputy chief executive Lisa Barrett said on Thursday its investigation into his behaviour was still ongoing. 

"The OIO are continuing to investigate the matter and no decisions have been made," Barrett said. 

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. 

Earlier this year, Federated Mountain Clubs and other groups voiced their anger the OIO did not force Lauer to provide access to the 105,000ha Hāwea Conservation Park.

Club president Peter Wilson said any chance of access was "killed" when the OIO refused to enact the recommendations of the Walking Access Commission.

Following the revelations last year Lauer has hardly been seen in public, US media reported.