Wellington:
Mount Taranaki in New Zealand has been granted legal personhood, meaning it will now have rights similar to that of a legal entity. This decision was made after prolonged negotiations, allowing the mountain to have control over its own ownership.
This agreement was reached as a form of compensation to the local Māori people for the injustices they faced during the colonial era, including the large-scale confiscation of their lands.
Under this agreement, the mountain’s care and protection will be a joint effort between the local iwi (tribes), the government, and other representatives.
In a statement, Minister for Negotiations, Paul Goldsmith, said, “We must acknowledge past wrongs in order to support the aspirations and opportunities of iwi in the future.”
New Zealand’s Parliament passed the Taranaki Mount Collective Redress Bill on Thursday, granting Mount Taranaki legal personhood. This law will not only ensure the mountain’s protection but also safeguard the surrounding mountains and lands.
The law also acknowledges the Māori belief that natural features like mountains are not merely geographical markers but are regarded as ancestors and living beings.
Mount Taranaki is not the first natural site in New Zealand to be granted legal personhood. Previously, the Whanganui River and Te Urewera forest have been granted this status as well.
