Mountain in New Zealand becomes Legal Person
Yes, you read that correctly. Mount Taranaki, the towering beauty of New Zealand, now has the same legal rights as a human being. So technically, if you insult it, could it sue you for defamation? Who knows. The important thing is that this new law is designed to give the mountain extra protection—because, let's be honest, Mother Nature has been through enough.
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A Mountain With a Legal Identity?
For the Māori people, Mount Taranaki (standing at an impressive 2,518 meters) has always been more than just a pile of rock and dirt—it’s an ancestor, a spiritual guardian, and now, legally recognized as a living, indivisible being named Te Kahui Tupua. To make sure the mountain has a voice, a group of people—including four members of the local Māori tribe—will serve as its official representatives. So if Mount Taranaki ever needs to file paperwork, at least it has someone to do it.
A Rocky History (Literally)
This new law is part of a broader agreement between the New Zealand government and the Māori tribes, finally acknowledging that, well... the mountain was stolen. Back in the 18th century, British explorer James Cook spotted it from his ship and thought, That looks nice. I think I’ll take it. He renamed it Mount Egmont (as if mountains need rebranding), and from that point on, Māori rights to their sacred land were increasingly ignored.
In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, supposedly guaranteeing Māori ownership of their land. But, surprise! The British didn’t really stick to that promise. Over time, hunting groups, sports enthusiasts, and tourists took over, while traditional Māori practices linked to the mountain were banned.The legal recognition of the rights of the Māori people was restored during the protests that took place in the ’70s and ‘80s. The mountain even got back its original title in 1986, and as of 2023, the mountain is solely referred to as Mount Taranaki Maunga.
Free at Last
The latest law—unanimously approved by parliament—marks a significant step forward. While Mount Taranaki remains open to the public, it is now officially recognized as an entity deserving of respect and protection.
The Taranaki tribes descendant Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, who is co-leader of the Māori Party, once said that the mountains are free from ignorance and chains of injustice and hatred, which simply summarizes the situation best.
Mountain in New Zealand becomes Legal Person
So, next time you visit Mount Taranaki, remember: it’s not just a mountain, it’s a person. Be polite, say hello, and maybe even apologize on behalf of James Cook.
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