A New Zealand mountain is granted personhood, recognizing it as sacred for Māori
WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- In a landmark decision, New Zealand's Parliament recently recognized Mount Taranaki, or Taranaki Maunga, as a legal person, granting it all the rights and responsibilities of a human being. This recognition is part of a broader effort to address historical injustices faced by Indigenous Māori communities following colonization. The dormant volcano, standing at 2,518 meters (8,261 feet), is a cherished cultural symbol and a popular destination for outdoor activities.
The legal acknowledgment serves as a form of reparation for the injustices experienced by the Māori people since the arrival of colonizers in the 18th century. The new law establishes the mountain's legal personality, named Te Kāhui Tupua, as an indivisible entity that encompasses both Taranaki and its surrounding landscape. In the framework set by this law, the mountain is provided with rights, powers, and duties akin to that of an individual.
As part of the recognition, a newly created entity representing the mountain will consist of four members from local Māori iwi and four appointed by the Conservation Minister. This governing body will act as the “face and voice” of Taranaki Maunga, ensuring the protection and restoration of its natural and cultural significance. Lawmaker Paul Goldsmith noted the mountain's deep connection to the Māori, highlighting it as a source of sustenance and a revered ancestor.
This recognition follows a history of land confiscation and cultural suppression, including the 1865 seizure of Taranaki land in retaliation for Māori resistance to colonial rule. The legal rights granted to the mountain aim to promote its health, prevent forced sales, and restore traditional practices while also allowing public access. The movement for recognition gained momentum from Māori activism over recent decades and has led to significant Treaty of Waitangi settlements.
New Zealand has previously made similar strides, including the 2014 recognition of the Te Urewera forest and the 2017 acknowledgment of the Whanganui River as legal entities. The unanimous vote in favor of recognizing Taranaki Maunga was celebrated with a traditional Māori song in Parliament, marking a moment of unity amidst ongoing tensions surrounding race relations and Indigenous rights in the country. While challenges remain, this recognition signifies a crucial step forward in addressing historical wrongs and enhancing the rights of Indigenous peoples.