New Zealand Mountain Granted Legal Personhood in Landmark Law

Mount Taranaki, considered an ancestor by Māori tribes, now holds the rights and responsibilities of a legal person under a historic agreement addressing colonial injustices.

Taranaki Maunga, a sacred mountain to Māori tribes, has been recognized as a legal person by New Zealand's Parliament in a unanimous vote.
The law acknowledges the colonial confiscation of the mountain and fulfills a redress agreement with eight Taranaki tribes signed in 2023.
The mountain's legal personality, Te Kāhui Tupua, encompasses its physical and metaphysical elements and will be represented by a governing entity of Māori and government appointees.
The recognition aims to protect the mountain's health and wellbeing, prevent forced sales, and restore traditional Māori practices while maintaining public access.
This follows similar personhood recognition for other natural features in New Zealand, including the Whanganui River and Te Urewera forest, reflecting growing acknowledgment of Māori rights and cultural heritage.