135Return of seized things

135 Return of seized things (1) As soon as possible after an inspector seizes any thing (including a document) under this Division the Authority must return the thing to the owner unless— (a) the Authority considers it necessary to retain the thing because it may afford evidence in proceedings, that have been or may be commenced, for an offence against this Act or the **Accident Compensation Act 1985**; or S. 135(1)(ab) inserted by No. 36/2021 s. 35(1). (ab) the owner of the thing notifies the Authority in writing that the owner transfers ownership of the thing to the Authority; or S. 135(1)(ac) inserted by No. 36/2021 s. 35(1). (ac) the thing is a copy made under section 145 of a document or part of a document; or (b) the Authority is otherwise authorised (by a law or court order) to retain, destroy or dispose of the thing. S. 135(2) inserted by No. 36/2021 s. 35(2). (2) The Authority may destroy or dispose of a thing without giving notice to any person of the destruction or disposal if— (a) the owner of the thing has notified the Authority under section 135(1)(ab) that the owner transfers ownership of the thing to the Authority; or (b) the thing is a copy made under section 145 of a document or part of a document; or (c) the Authority is otherwise authorised (by a law or court order) to destroy or dispose of the thing without giving notice to any person.