Chris Finlayson

New Zealand River Recognised As ‘legal Person’

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A New Zealand river revered by Maori has been recognised by parliament as a “legal person”, in a move believed to be a world first. Under legislation passed Wednesday that combines Western legal precedent with Maori mysticism, the Whanganui river has been formally declared a living entity. “(It) will have its own legal identity with … Read more

New Zealand River First In the World To Be Given Legal Human Status

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A river in New Zealand has become the first in the world to be granted the same legal rights as a person. The New Zealand parliament passed the bill recognising the Whanganui River, in North Island, as a living entity. Long revered by New Zealand’s Maori people, the river’s interests will now be represented by … Read more