The Short Title of this Act is “The Maori Antiquities Act, 1901.”

In this Act, if not inconsistent with the context, the term “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 private collection not intended for sale, nor botanical or mineral collections or specimens.

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

From and after the passing of this Act, it shall not be lawful to remove from the colony any Maori antiquity without first offering the same for sale to some person authorised in that behalf by the Governor in Council for the benefit of the colony.

It shall be the duty of all officers of Police and Customs to seize and detain any Maori antiquity attempted to be removed from the colony contrary to this Act.

Any person may at any time submit to an authorised Government officer any Maori antiquity, and, subject to the consent of the Colonial Secretary, obtain permission to remove the same from the colony or dispose thereof by sale or otherwise at any time thereafter.

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 Colonial Secretary.

The Governor may from time to time make regulations,—

Prescribing the duties and powers of officers of Police and Customs in enforcing the provisions of this Act;

Prescribing penalties for the breach of any such regulation;

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