In a world - first , a river prevail through New Zealand has been recognized as a exist entity and grantedfull human rightfield . It brings to an end the longest - running sound pillow slip in New Zealand story , as the local Whanganui iwi kindred have been fighting for recognition of the river ’s rights since the 1870s .
Located in the south of the North Island , theWhanganui Riveris the third - longest river in New Zealand , and has long played a significant role in the refinement of the M?ori people who live along its banks . It was reason that the wellbeing of the river was straightaway linked to the wellbeing of the the great unwashed , who have always consider the waterway as one of their root .
Their strong connexion with the river is stormily reflect inthe M?ori saying“E rere kau mai te awa nui nei , mai i te k?hui maunga ki Tangaroa , ko au te awa , ko te awa ko au , ” which translates as “ The river flows , from the spate to the sea , I am the river , the river is me . ”
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This is the first time ever that a river has been give the same legal status as a individual , although in 2014 a home park in the North Island , known asTe Urewera , was also made a legal entity . Its sound position will be under the name Te Awa Tupua , and two appointed guardians , one from the crown and one from a Whanganui River iwi , will protect the river on its behalf . It means thatin the eye of the law there will no difference of opinion between harm the river or harming the tribe , as they are now one and the same .
“ I acknowledge the initial inclination of some people will say it ’s pretty unknown to give a natural resource a legal personality , ” the Treaty Negotiations Minister , Chris Finlayson , say theNew Zealand Herald . “ But it ’s no stranger than category trust , or company or incorporated societies . ”
The riverwill now be seenin the same way companionship are also seen as legal somebody , and will have guaranteed right just like a natural person , or human beings . While it will award the river the right field of instinctive face and protection under the law , when it comes to other aspects , like being prosecuted , it is a piffling more complicated . New Zealand does not have incorporated manslaughter laws , meaning they might not be able to try out it if someone swim in it , for example .
The M?ori have a thick and internal connection to the land and surround , and the case of the Whanganui River may set a case law for other innate landmarks that are considered consecrated to also be give human rights under the law .
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