(1)  For the purpose of this Act, a council or an authorised officer may at any reasonable time –

(a) enter, remain in and inspect any area, premises, body of water or vehicle; and

(b) inspect any thing found in or on any area, premises, body of water or vehicle; and

(c) mark, fasten, secure, take and remove a sample of any thing found in or on any area, premises, body of water or vehicle; and

(d) open any container, receptacle or package found in or on any area, premises, body of water or vehicle; and

(e) weigh, count, measure or gauge any thing found in or on the area, premises, body of water or vehicle; and

(f) seize any food, thing or record found in or on any area, premises, body of water or vehicle; and

(g) take any thing or record found in or on any area, premises, body of water or vehicle for the purpose of copying it; and

(h) seal any area, premises, body of water or vehicle.

(2)  A council or an authorised officer, other than the Director, may exercise a power under this section only if the council or officer –

(a) provides a certificate of authority when requested by the owner of the area, premises, body of water or vehicle; and

(b) gives reasonable notice unless notice would defeat the purpose of the intended exercise of the power; and

(c) uses no more force than is necessary to exercise the power.

(3)  A council or an authorised person may require a police officer to assist in exercising any power under this section.

(4)  A council or an authorised person, by notice in writing served on the owner of any thing seized under this section, must notify –

(a) the details of the thing seized; and

(b) the place to which the thing has been taken.