(1) Subject to subsection (2), where the Attorney-General is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that an article or thing is in a foreign country and would, if produced, be relevant to any criminal matter in New Zealand, the Attorney-General may request the foreign country to assist in obtaining, by search and seizure if necessary, the article or thing.
(2) No request may be made under this section for assistance in obtaining an article or thing by search and seizure unless the Attorney-General is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the article or thing would, if produced, be relevant to any criminal matter in respect of an offence against the law of New Zealand punishable by imprisonment for a term of 2 years or more.