This Act is a consolidation of the enactments mentioned in the Schedule hereto, and with respect to those enactments the following provisions shall apply:—

Savings.

(a.)

All regulations, Orders in Council, notices, instruments, and generally all acts of authority which originated under any of the said enactments, and are subsisting or in force on the coming into operation of this Act, shall enure for the purposes of this Act as fully and effectually as if they had originated under the corresponding provisions of this Act, and accordingly shall, where necessary, be deemed to have so originated.

(b.)

All matters and proceedings commenced under any such enactment, and pending or in progress on the coming into operation of this Act, may be continued, completed, and enforced under this Act.

2 Interpretation.

1904, No. 14, sec. 2

In this Act, if not inconsistent with the context,—

“Maori antiquities” includes Maori relics, articles manufactured with ancient Maori tools and according to Maori methods, and all other articles or things of historical or scientific value or interest and relating to New Zealand, but does not include any botanical or mineral collections or specimens:

“Minister” means the Minister of Internal Affairs.

3 Governor may acquire and provide for safe custody of Maori antiquities.

1901, No. 21, sec. 3

The Governor may acquire on behalf of New Zealand such Maori antiquities as he deems expedient, and may provide for the safe custody of the same.

4 Maori antiquities to be offered to Governor in Council before exportation.

Ibid, sec. 4

It shall not be lawful to remove from New Zealand any Maori antiquities without first offering the same for sale to some person authorised in that behalf by the Governor in Council for the benefit of New Zealand.

5 Power to detain Maori antiquities attempted to be exported.

Ibid, sec. 5

It shall be the duty of all constables and officers of Customs to seize and detain any Maori antiquities attempted to be removed from New Zealand contrary to this Act.

6 Exporting Maori antiquities without permission.

1904, No. 14, sec. 3

(1.)

Every person who, without the express permission in writing of the Minister, exports from New Zealand any Maori antiquities is liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds.

(2.)

Notice of the intention to export any Maori antiquities shall be given by the exporter to the Collector or other proper officer of Customs at least twenty-four hours before shipment.

(3.)

Any Maori antiquities entered for export contrary to this Act shall be forfeited, and shall vest in His Majesty for the use of the people of New Zealand:

Provided that the Minister may, after inquiry, cancel the forfeiture if he thinks fit.

7 Power to remove antiquities under certain conditions.

Ibid, sec. 4

Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to prevent any person who has offered any Maori antiquities for sale as provided by section four hereof removing such Maori antiquities from New Zealand, provided that he has obtained the permission in writing of the Minister.

8 Right to copy of antiquities intended to be exported.

Ibid, sec. 5

(1.)

On any application for permission to export any Maori antiquities the Minister may, if he thinks fit, make it a condition to the granting of the application that the owner thereof allows them to be copied, by photography, cast, or otherwise, in such manner and by such person as the Minister directs.

(2.)

Every such copy shall be the property of His Majesty for the use of the people of New Zealand.

9 Minister to decide what articles come under Act.

1901, No. 21, sec. 7

In case any dispute arises as to whether any article or thing comes within the scope of this Act, such dispute shall be determined by the Minister.

10 Regulations.

Ibid, sec. 8

The Governor may from time to time, by Order in Council gazetted, make regulations—

(a.)

Prescribing the duties and powers of constables and officers of Customs in enforcing the provisions of this Act:

(b.)

Prescribing penalties for the breach of any such regulation:

(c.)

Prescribing anything required for the more effectual carrying-out of the provisions of this Act.

Schedule Enactments consolidated

1901, No. 21.—“The Maori Antiquities Act, 1901.”

1904, No. 14.—“The Maori Antiquities Act Amendment Act, 1904.”

Maori Antiquities Act 1908