Walking access urged on Matt Lauer's Lake Hawea land

Access to the Hawea Conservation Park could be cut off completely due to a stoush between the government and the US television personality Matt Lauer. The anchor of NBC's 'Today Show' purchased the lease to Hunter Valley Station on the shores of Lake Hawea for $13 million in 2017. Matt Lauer, who was dumped by NBC over sexual misconduct allegations, managed to survive a good character test by the Overseas Investment Office. Now the Walking Access Commission wants to negotiate use of an unsealed road for trampers and hunters but has reportedly been told by Mr Lauer's lawyer that it will need to pay him potentially millions of dollars in compensation. Long-time public access advocate and Central Otago resident, Bruce Mason talks to Guyon Espiner.