A mountain in New Zealand, known as Mount Taranaki or Taranaki Maunga in Māori, has been officially recognized as a legal person following a landmark decision by the New Zealand Parliament. This historic ruling grants Taranaki Maunga all the rights and responsibilities of a human being, marking it as the third natural feature in New Zealand to receive such status. This recognition reflects the mountain’s significance to the local Māori tribes, who regard it as an ancestor and a vital part of their cultural identity.

The legislation, passed with unanimous support from all 123 lawmakers, aims to address historical injustices imposed upon the Māori people during colonial times, when significant portions of their land were confiscated, including Taranaki Maunga itself. This legal acknowledgment, referred to as Te Kāhui Tupua, encompasses not only the mountain but also its surrounding peaks and landscapes, asserting their holistic nature and cultural vitality. “The mountain has long been an honored ancestor, a source of physical, cultural and spiritual sustenance,” said Paul Goldsmith, the lawmaker overseeing this legislative push CBS News.

With the new law, an entity will be formed to serve as the “face and voice” of Taranaki Maunga, composed of equal representation from local Māori tribes and the government. This personhood grants the mountain the ability to advocate for its own protection and wellbeing, preventing forced sales and allowing for restorative activities to maintain its natural heritage. The mountain is a prominent site for outdoor recreation, attracting tourists for its breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems The Guardian.

Historically, Taranaki Maunga was known as Mount Egmont, named by Captain James Cook in 1770, and its original name was overshadowed by a series of land claims and confiscations that occurred after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. This treaty, which promised protection of Māori rights to their lands, was breached multiple times, leading to long-lasting grievances among the Indigenous population AP News.

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of the Māori Party, emphasized the profound meaning of this recognition. “Today, Taranaki is released from the shackles of injustice, ignorance, and hate,” she expressed, highlighting the mountain’s cultural importance to the Māori people. The decision is seen as a significant step towards reconciliation and recognition of Māori rights within New Zealand's legal framework LA Times.

This ruling follows the precedents set with the granting of personhood to the Whanganui River and Te Urewera forest in previous years, positioning New Zealand as a pioneer in environmental and Indigenous rights. As the country continues to grapple with its colonial legacy, the unanimous passage of this law serves as a beacon of hope for the Māori community, fostering a renewed connection with the land and their heritage CNN.

For more details, check the original coverage at NPR.