219ASalvage for saving life

1. Where services are rendered—

2. wholly or in part within New Zealand waters in saving life from any ship or aircraft, whether or not a New Zealand ship or an aircraft registered in or belonging to New Zealand; or
3. elsewhere in saving life from any New Zealand ship or any aircraft which is registered in or belongs to New Zealand,—
there is payable to the salvor by the owner of the ship or aircraft or cargo or equipment saved a reasonable amount of salvage, to be determined in case of dispute in the manner set out in subsections (2) and (3).

4. Salvage in respect of the preservation of life, when payable by the owners of the ship or aircraft, is payable in priority to all other claims for salvage.

5. Where the ship or aircraft and its cargo and equipment are destroyed, or the value of it is insufficient, after payment of the actual expenses incurred, to pay the amount of salvage payable in respect of the preservation of life, the Minister may in his or her discretion award to the salvor, out of any money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose, such sum as he or she thinks fit in whole or part satisfaction of any amount of salvage so left unpaid.