Disgraced former Today show host Matt Lauer is being accused by animal rights activists of alleged abuse — at a sheep farm he operates out of his luxury New Zealand retreat, The Post has learned.
Lauer bought the 16,000-acre South Island property for more than $9 million in 2017 — just months before he quit the morning show after several women accused him of sexual harassment and rape.
He has leased some land to sheep farmers in the country, which is a major player in the global wool trade. Lauer is not involved in the operation of the farm, called Hunter Valley Farming.
An undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in the Asia-Pacific wool industry claims sheep at Hunter Valley Farming appeared to have been stabbed, with several stitches, during the shearing process, according to a gruesome video that the rights group of animals shared with Posta.
“Matt Lauer’s escape to New Zealand is hell for scared sheep who are jumped, grabbed and cut,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk told The Post.
“PETA wants Lauer to wash his hands of the bloody fur business.”
Lauer, who was never charged and denied all allegations that led to his firing from NBC, reportedly sold his $44 million Hamptons home in 2022, in part so he could spend more time at the his in New Zealand.
His property — known as Hunter Valley Station and located about two hours north of Queenstown — includes a “five-bedroom, lakeside home” and boasts stunning views of the Southern Alps mountain range, according to a Sotheby’s listing. .
A spokesman for Lauer said he had “absolutely no knowledge of any alleged problems at his property” when The Post reached out for comment.
“(Lauer) was deeply concerned and saddened to hear what allegedly happened and immediately began his own investigation into his tenant’s operations, which is currently underway,” the representative told The Post, adding that PETA has never contacted him about any complaints. .
“When all the facts are known, he will take immediate and appropriate action.”
New Zealand, which has more sheep than people, is the third largest producer of wool in the world. It produces so-called ZQ-certified wool, which is marketed as “the world’s leading ethical wool brand”.
Major consumer brands including Allbirds, Smartwood and Loro Piana use ZQ-certified merino wool, according to PETA.
PETA admitted it did not contact Lauer about the alleged abuse at the farm.
“When we notify companies and individuals involved in our investigations, their usual response is to deny, avoid and downplay the cruelty uncovered,” a PETA spokesperson told The Post.
“The public release of secret investigations before the parties involved, such as Mr. Lauer, holds them accountable and makes it impossible for them to ignore the cruelty they have the power to stop.”
Digby Cochrane and his wife Hannah have operated Hunter Valley Farming for decades. The family said Lauer contacted them last week to discuss PETA’s allegations.
“At shearing time, we employ independent shearing contractors to shear the sheep who work in accordance with New Zealand industry accepted guidelines and practices,” the Cochranes said in a statement to The Post.
Lauer’s piece of paradise also features hiking trails and rustic lodges for rent, an Angus cattle farm, and is the only route to Hawea Conservation Park along Lake Hawea, which is stocked with salmon and trout.
Lauer’s $9.2 million lease agreement to purchase the property required him to invest $1.2 million in infrastructure for farm operations over five years and another $400,000 to clear and fertilize the land for food, for each increase in future of livestock stock.
Hunter Valley was among 11 farms where PETA investigators worked over the past year, securing video footage and taking detailed notes that are part of a 48-page notarized statement that was shared with The Post.
“The appalling abuse that was documented in the Hunter Valley is typical of all fur operations,” PETA’s Jacqu Sadashige, corporate responsibility manager, told The Post.
PETA’s report on Hunter Valley Farming included descriptions of sheep allegedly being slaughtered during the shearing process as they struggle with handlers. Other alleged incidents involved animals being lifted off the ground and dropped onto the hard floor, then pushed through a chute leading into their pen.
“Sheep are routinely beaten, beaten in the face and stitched up with needle and thread without pain medication.”
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