Why New Zealand's second-highest mountain has been granted legal rights
What's the story
In a historic ruling, New Zealand has given "personhood" to Mount Taranaki, which will now be called by its Maori name, Taranaki Maunga.
The mountain is considered an ancestor by the indigenous Maori people.
The country's parliament unanimously passed the decision, making it the third natural feature in New Zealand to be granted such status.
The law guarantees Taranaki Maunga and its surrounding peaks now have the same rights, duties, and protections as individuals.
Legal implications
Mountain's legal personality embodies physical, metaphysical elements
The mountain was taken from the Māori of the Taranaki region following colonization of New Zealand, and this is acknowledged by the legal recognition.
It also fulfills the country's government's pledge to compensate Indigenous people for past harms to the land.
The mountain's legal personality will be called Te Kahui Tupua, which is considered "a living and indivisible whole," according to the law.
It encompasses Taranaki and the surrounding peaks and terrain, "incorporating all of their physical and metaphysical elements."
Cultural importance
Mountain's cultural significance and historical injustices acknowledged
Further, a new entity will represent the mountain, consisting of four members from local Maori iwi and four appointed by the Conservation Minister.
Paul Goldsmith, the official in charge of settlements between the government and Maori tribes, emphasized the mountain's cultural significance.
He said it has long been "an honored ancestor" and a source of sustenance for the Maori, according to AP.
The mountain was earlier called Mount Egmont by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1770.
Redress initiatives
Maori rights and ongoing redress efforts
In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi guaranteed Maori rights to their land but was violated soon after.
In 1865, Taranaki land was confiscated as punishment for Maori resistance against the Crown.
Traditional Maori practices were banned while tourism thrived until protests in the 1970s and '80s led to greater recognition of Maori rights.
The recent agreement with eight Taranaki tribes in 2023 is part of ongoing redress efforts.
Legal precedents
New Zealand's history of recognizing natural features as people
Notably, New Zealand was the first to recognize natural features as people in 2014 with Te Urewera forest.
In 2017, Whanganui River also got personhood status as part of a settlement with its local iwi.
The bill for Taranaki Maunga's personhood passed unanimously in Parliament with support from all 123 lawmakers.
The decision was celebrated with a waiata—a traditional Maori song—by attendees from Taranaki.