For the first time in history, a river was recognized as a living creature and received full human rights. This is the end of the longest trial in New Zealand's history after the local tribe has been fighting for the recognition of the rights of the river since the 1870s.
Situated in the southern part of the North Island, the Whanganui River is the third longest in New Zealand and has played an important role in the culture of Māori people living on its shores. River health is said to be directly related to the health of people. They have always considered her to be one of her ancestors.
"It's not that we've changed our worldview, but people are catching up to seeing things the way that we see them," said Adrian Rurawhe, a Māori member of Parliament.
Members of Māori tribe.
This is the first time a river has the same legal status as a person, although in 2014 a national park on the North Island was also recognized as such. As a person, the river receives the name of Te Awa Tupua, as well as two legal guardians, one from the state and one from the local tribe to guard the river. This means that in the eyes of the law there is no difference between hurting the river and injuring the tribe.
The river will have guaranteed rights, just like any person, and it will be seen as the companies that are also considered by the law as personalities. While this gives her the protection of the law, when it comes to the opposite, if she has to be accused, things get a little complicated. New Zealand does not have corporate murder laws, which means that if someone drowns in her, she can not be sued.
